Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Posted October 8th, 2008 by Aaron
We recently had the opportunity to stay at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower while we were attending a wedding (congratulations, Rick & Shannon!).
Bedroom
Getting There & Parking
The hotel is about a $45 cab ride to/from O’Hare, including tip, for up to 4 people. Overnight valet parking is $44 at the hotel and $32 at the nearby self-park, so planning to take taxis can actually be as cheap – or cheaper – than renting a car and paying to park.
Checking In
Check-in was quick and efficient. We arrived early (around noon) and did not have to wait in line. I asked for – and received – an “upgraded” room, which was a corner room on the 30th floor of the hotel. Other times of day, I did witness short lines at reception, but it seemed as though everyone’s check-in/check-out was handled promptly.
Bathroom with Separate WC
The Room
The hotel is designed and decorated in a modern style. Our room consisted of a bedroom and bathroom, which were in a slightly different configuration, since we were in a corner room.
Upon walking through the door, a short hallway led to the bedroom. The bedroom contained a relatively comfortable bed, 4-door closet (containing space for hanging clothes, drawers, shoe storage, and in-room safe), desk, chaise lounge, and a small table. The desk and the mirror on the wall behind it were rendered fairly useless by the flatscreen television, which was nice, but seemed like an afterthought in the design of the room.
Desk and Flatscreen Television
The bathroom door was on the right, along the outer wall (next to the windows). The bathroom featured lots of marble, a single vanity, tub, an oversize shower, and separate water closet.
Overall, the room interior was well-executed and about what you would expect for a roughly $300+/night hotel in downtown Chicago.
Dining
The hotel’s single restaurant, Cafe Des Architectes, is open daily from 6am-11pm. Breakfast was the only meal we ate there, but it was delicious and reasonably priced – particularly for a high-end hotel restaurant. There are many other restaurants within walking distance or a short taxi ride of the hotel,
Bathroom Vanity
so dining choices shouldn’t be a problem.
Bar
The hotel features two bars: a small, 4-seat bar at the Cafe Des Architects (perfect for a quick drink, since it was normally empty), and the larger Le Bar. Le Bar is open from 3pm-2am and was standing-room-only the two nights we were there (our party somewhat contributed to that on one of the evenings).
Overall
The Sofitel Chicago is a solid choice for travelers looking for an upscale oasis in Chicago. The rooms, staff, and on-property food and beverage were all good. My one possible complaint would be if I were having to park a car at the hotel, but that is much the same at any other property in the downtown area. If you are a leisure or business traveler and can wait to make your reservation, the Sofitel website seems to offer fairly significant price drops as dates approach.