Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel in the early evening after an uneventful flight to a warm welcome from reception, where check-in was handled in no time flat. Once all the paperwork was done, the affable receptionists came from behind the counter to hand me the room key. I think this lends a personal touch to the whole experience.
Guest Quarters: I had a luxury king room on the 28th floor with a view of the Hancock Tower and a narrow, skyscraper-bordered slice of Lake Michigan. The room included a king-sized bed, a large desk with desk-level outlets, a chaise, a dresser/credenza holding a large-screen TV and ample closets. The bedside table held a Bose Wave music system radio/alarm.
The bed featured SoBed, Sofitel’s feather-top and duvet sleep system, which I must say was comfortable. I slept like a log! The bathroom included a large vanity, a stand-alone shower and a tub with a handheld shower. Like the hotel itself, the toiletries were French: the luxury brand Lanvin.
Services/Amenities: Both mornings I took breakfast in the hotel restaurant, Café des Architectes, which I must say was excellent — perfect eggs and superb croissants. The attractive bar, Le Bar, seems to attract locals as well as guests. There is also a well-appointed fitness center.
The Experience: The hotel is located opposite a small triangle park in Chicago’s Gold Coast about two blocks from Michigan Avenue and the John Hancock Center. The Gold Coast is a great area to stay whether you are in town for business or pleasure. The area offers a huge selection of restaurants within walking distance of the Sofitel and great shopping on the nearby Magnificent Mile. The staff provides the best recommendation for the hotel. They are friendly, accommodating and seem to anticipate your needs. I will recommend the Sofitel to my friends traveling to Chicago.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
20 E. Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 324 4000
sofitel.com
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 4, 2025What to Expect from This Year’s Philadelphia Flower Show
Spring is just around the corner (thank goodness!), and there’s no better way to celebrate than to surround yourself with blooms at the world’s oldest — and largest — horticultural event: the annual Philadelphia Flower Show. Presented by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and dating to 1829, this year’s event is currently underway at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City, wrapping up March 9.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Must Haves
Mar 4, 2025Get Away for the Weekend in Style with a Well-Designed Duffel
Roundabout Weekender Tote The Alexis Drake Roundabout Weekender Tote offers a sleek combination of style, function and craftsmanship. At 14.5 inches by 27 inches by 10 inches, the Roundabout’s impressive capacity can support any weekend, long or short, without sacrificing its sleek silhouette. Meticulously handcrafted from full-grain cow and bison leathers sourced within the United States and lined with woven canvas, four large pockets keep the sizable interior organized, while reinforced handles and an optional shoulder strap provide superior support. Available in a variety of striking, limited-run color combinations, with customizable details. $598.
Daily
Mar 4, 2025Chase Opens Sapphire Lounge by The Club Location at Philadelphia International Airport
Chase’s newest Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club location has opened, a new addition to Philadelphia International Airport, located post-security in the connector between Terminals D and E and measuring 20,000 square feet.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Mar 4, 20254 Can’t-Miss Events in Oahu This Spring
Those visiting Oahu, Hawai’i, this spring will be delighted to find an exciting list of must-do experiences. Below are a variety of Oahu’s top events to travel for this spring:
4 Hotels with Literary Experiences
Daily
Mar 3, 2025Away We Go!
March 2025
Mar 2, 2025February 2025
Feb 28, 2025Wholly Immerse in Your Adventures with New Advances in Technology
OM System Tough TG-7 OM System might sound like a new arrival in the camera space, but it’s just the new name for industry stalwart Olympus. Continuing the theme of continuity, TG-7 updates the much-loved TG-6 underwater camera. Capable of descending as far as 50 feet below the waves, TG-7 features three preset modes to help beginners take stunning photos and video at different depths, as light behaves differently the deeper you go. Add on the PT-059 underwater case, and the camera will be safe down to 147 feet and you can also add optional lenses such as FCON-T02, for circular images, and FCON-T01, a tele converter for longer shots. $500.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
Feb 28, 20259 Luxurious Hotels for Spring Break Getaways
Spring break will be here before we know it. Consider a visit to one of these nine luxurious properties.
ShareThis