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The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, the former 1959 Executive House tower on the Chicago River

The Royal Sonesta Chicago

A midcentury modern tower on a bend in the river — some of the
largest rooms in the city, with knockout water views.

Executive House1959Milton Schwartz & AssociatesMidcentury Modern 71 E. Wacker Drive, on the Chicago River

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown. Executive House, 1959, Milton Schwartz & Associates, 71 E. Wacker Drive. Photo courtesy of The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown.

Skyline and river views
Skyline and river views at dusk. Photo courtesy of The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown.
The rooftop terrace
The rooftop terrace with skyline views. Photo courtesy of The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown.
A stylish lounge area
A stylish lounge area. Photo courtesy of The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown.
The rooftop lounge
The rooftop lounge. Photo courtesy of The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown.
The billiards lounge
The billiards lounge. Photo courtesy of The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown.

Why this building matters

Opened in 1959 as the Executive House, this was one of the first modern hotel towers to rise along the Chicago River — its rooftop originally featured a heliport — a flourish from the brief jet-age moment when helicopters shuttled travelers between downtown and Chicago’s airports. A nine-month, $50 million renovation reopened it in 2021 as the Royal Sonesta, breathing fresh life into a riverfront landmark whose floor-to-ceiling windows frame the water and the skyline.

What guests are saying

What guests love

  • An unbeatable riverfront position — step straight onto the Chicago Riverwalk.
  • Some of the largest hotel rooms in Chicago, many with sweeping river and city views.
  • A central spot where the river meets Michigan Avenue, between the Loop and the Mag Mile.

What to keep in mind

  • A mid-century tower, refreshed rather than a period restoration
  • A busy spot where Wacker meets Michigan Avenue

Best for Travelers who want spacious rooms and a prime riverfront location between the Loop and the Magnificent Mile.

Summary of guest reviews. Sources: Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown (Executive House), Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Preservation Chicago. Photography courtesy of Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown (Executive House), used with permission. Details may change over time.