Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Rating: 4.5 Pearls

River North, Chicago, Illinois

Café des Architects

The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower embodies the Sofitel brand's French elegance. It caters mostly to business travelers, though the location near Magnificent Mile, the stylish lobby, the sexy Le Bar and the sleek, contemporary decor makes it a good choice for leisure travelers as well.

This luxury property pays attention to the details that make for a more intimate stay, from the warm "Bonjour!" at the front desk, to the fresh flowers in the bathrooms, to the free Evian bottles at turndown.

The chic lobby is the entryway to the hotel’s busy restaurant Café des Architectes, which features a French-inspired menu. The stylish Le Bar serves a great selection of wines and champagne cocktails in an intimate space.

The rooms are bright and spacious, with large windows overlooking imposing skyscrapers, contemporary art on the walls, and modern decor. Marble-tiled bathrooms come with separate showers and bathtubs and high-end toiletries.

View on a Larger Map

The Sofitel Chicago is located two blocks the Magnificent Mile, an iconic stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for its upscale shopping. However, it is not all about department stores out here. Art galleries, top-notch restaurants, and landmarks -- such as the Water Tower, John Hancock Observatory, and Museum of Contemporary Art -- and are within easy walking distance of the hotel.

• 5-minute walk to the Water Tower Place
• 6-minute walk to the John Hancock Observatory
• 8-minute walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art
• 5-minute drive to Millennium Park
• 6-minute drive to the Theatre District
• 7-minute drive to the Loop
• 7-minute drive to Navy Pier
• 8-minute drive or 12-minute subway ride to the Chicago City Hall
• 5-minute drive to Old Town
• 7-minute drive or 11-minute subway ride to the Art Institute of Chicago
• 8-minute drive or 22-minute subway ride to the Lincoln Park Zoo
• 9-minute drive to Museum Campus (home to the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, and Soldier Field)
• 12-minute drive or 20-minute subway ride to the Wrigley Field
• 25-minute drive to Midway International Airport
• 35-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport

Superior Room

Most of the clean-lined, modern rooms are outfitted with blond woods, red carpets, and plush white feather bedspreads. Even standard rooms have walk-in showers and separate bathtubs.

• 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable access (including premium channels)
• Plush feather mattresses and duvets
• Marble bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower; Lanvin toiletries; fresh flowers and a candle
• Mini-bar
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Free Wi-Fi
• Bose radio
• Turndown service with free Evian bottles
• Free newspaper delivery (upon request)
• Safe big enough for a laptop
• Smoking rooms available

• Pricey valet parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• 24-hour fitness center
• 24-hour business center
• Meeting space: Over 10,000 square feet, including a 4,592-square-foot ballroom

• Café del Architectes serves French-inspired contemporary cuisine made with local ingredients; outdoor seating available
• Le Bar has a short menu of comfort food, and serves champagne cocktails and wines
• 24-hour room service, with hot dishes and cold snacks available