The Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile has the proximity, and the moxie, to please just about any traveler to the Windy City.
After walking for hours around Downtown Chicago with my family on a splendid summer day, I can attest that the Sonesta is located in the safest area of Downtown yet is ridiculously close to all the action.
Also, the Sonesta stands apart from all its peers in the area with spacious offerings that marry the create comforts of apartment-style living with the amenities of a hotel.
The hotel is located on East Walton Place, the second-most-northern crossing street of the Magnificent Mile. The location is really a dream come true for travelers, who get to enjoy the boom of big-city life but then walk back to a sleepily quiet street where the hotel resides.
How sublime is the location? It’s 1½ blocks from the Magnificent Mile and its almost-unparalleled shopping. It’s also 1½ blocks from Lake Michigan, including Lake Shore Drive, the Lakefront Trail, and Oak Street Beach. It’s a three-minute walk from 360 Chicago, the popular observation-deck attraction atop the building formerly known as the John Hancock Tower, complete with the thrill ride Tilt in which participants can extend out and over the skyline with downward-facing views from 1,030 feet.
Despite its exciting attractions and shopping, Chicago can seem intimidating to some, but the Sonesta ES Suites melts away that anxiety with top-notch hospitality and the surest of safety in such an urban setting.
As the elevator door opens, a family walks out, and I hear them saying something about the 18th floor, which is our floor, too. I mention that, and the parents of the family comment, “Oh, you’re just going to love it. The view is excellent, and the spaciousness is incredible. We’ve been here for four days and are loving it.”
They were absolutely right.
Our master bedroom was immense, complete with a king bed. With paneling at the headboard area to complement the cheery blue and cream walls, the room featured long windows that provided views of the lake just beyond the shorter buildings across the street. The guest bedroom offered a comfortable queen bed.
It came as no surprise, given that rooms may also double as extended-stay abodes, the kitchen area featured lots of cabinet space, an oven, a huge fridge/freezer, microwave, sink, dishwasher, and coffee maker.
The living room was super comfortable with a small sofa and two chairs, and included artwork depicting the Chicago Transit Authority Loop “L” during its centennial celebration. A family, or a couple, can really spread itself out here.
A free grab-and-go breakfast only added to the allure, and all of this came at a very reasonable price. Also, unlike at other Downtown Chicago hotels, which are noisy in the mornings from rush-hour city traffic and the inevitable horn blowing, the Sonesta ES Suites Downtown Magnificent Mile has none of that, as it’s just far enough away from all that racket.
Although it is located on a staid street and offers a quiet setting, the Sonesta ES Suites is not dullsville. With a lively lobby, thriving gym, and well-appointed accessories, this place also has moxie to go with proximity.
