jallard

We have been to Chicago several times, but never stayed at this hotel. I am just wondering opinions on it. Also, how close is it to the Drake? My husband will be attending a convention there. Thanks.

Racy

I haven't stayed there, but I've attended events there.

I would highly recommend it--it's fairly new, great location, and has an excellent reputation for service. The bar (Cafe des Architechs) was for a while quite the place to be seen.

It's a short walk (5-10 minutes depending on how many red lights you hit) from The Drake.

LindainOhio

I stayed at the Sofitel and it is really lovely--very modern, very comfortable beds. My favorite place to stay so far in Chicago (Have stayed at the Drake, Residence Inn, Marriott, Days Inn Lincoln Park, and a Boutique Hotel very near the Sofitel, can't think of the name right now.

Had a very good breakfast at the Sofitel and also at the little cafe on the corner heading west from the Sofitel. We also had a good breakfast at the Drake--they have a very nice buffet, maybe only on the weekends--not sure. Our room at the Drake overlooked the beach and we were able to enjoy the Concierge floor there---breakfast and a really nice afternoon happy hour. The room had been refurbished and the public rooms in the hotel are impressive. If you get a convention rate there, I would stay at the Drake--not worth moving to a new hotel. They are both impressive hotels. If you are driving into town, self park down the street, much less expensive.

The Sofitel and the Drake are only a short walk apart.

chicagolori

I live downtown - we love the Sofitel. We stayed there one valentines day as a "tourist in your own town" adventure. Room was great, great bar, perfect location. Loved it.

dmlove

The weekend we're going (Sept. 8-9) the hotels are super-expensive (and many are sold out due to large convention in town). I can get a "pre-paid" rate at the Sofitel of $310, vs. the Marriott for $278 (cancellable) vs. the Affinia for $229. If you all tell me the Sofitel is worth the difference, I'll do it (this is just my husband and me, a 2-day getaway).

nanabee

We have stayed at the Hampton Inn 33 W. Illinois St. In downtown area.
We love it and the cost with a senior citizen discount and I think AAA discount will work too -- is $180. night
Highly recommend it.

nanabee

one quick thing to add - we also recommend Terragusto for great meal - they use organic, local farmers, food in season, etc.
is outstanding.

dmlove

Like many others, the Hampton Inn is sold out (there's a 40,000 person convention in town -- not the best time to go, but we're going for an event that's on the 9th)

dmlove

One person (yes, just one) on yelp.com mentioned that there is no cell phone coverage in the Sofitel. This would be a problem for us, so I wonder if it's true, or if it was just their room.

DMG

The Sofitel is a beautiful building and a great location. As to the cell phone: I live in Chicago and have had occasional problems using my cell phone in the area near the John Hancock Building which is one block from the Sofitel. So you could have the same problem at the Drake, Four Seasons, etc.

nanabee

we are at the Hampton Inn right now!
There are a ton of St. Louis Cardinal basefall fans here for the big 4 days of baseball at Wrigley Field.
So the hotel is packed.
We ran into a former Cardinal player here and had a nice time talking sports with him, his wife and little 2 year old daughter.
This is a great hotel and the price was very competitive with a AARP discount. I highly recommend this hotel.

nanabee

We only attended two games - the Sunday night game was rained out!!
Bummer - as we flew in from San Diego to cheer on the Cards!
Today's game was stopped for a short time also due to rain but it cleared up.
I have never seen so many Cardinal fans in a stadium outside of STL!!

Cali

We go to Chicago several times a hear and love the Sofitel. Everything about this hotel is wonderful.