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Weddings

Pricing information

Price range: $13,100 - $15,800 Price range: $13,100 - $15,800
Couples usually spend $14,450 Couples usually spend $14,450
Ceremony
$1,000 starting price
Ceremony
$500 starting price

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Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Guests comfort
Amenities

About

On WeddingWire since 2011

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is a hotel wedding venue located in Chicago, Illinois. This property is only steps away from some of the city’s top attractions, including the famous Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park. Here, you will find spectacular views of the city skyline and the Chicago River from the Penthouse Ballroom. With refined function rooms and an expert events team, weddings held here are sure to be unforgettable.

Facilities and Capacity

Each of this hotel’s event spaces can be customized to reflect the happy couple’s dreams. The Grand Ballroom spans over 4,300 square feet, providing ample space for extravagant events. It can accommodate 330 guests or be divided into four smaller function rooms that may be used as a ceremony site. Neutral color tones provide an ideal palette for a wide spectrum of wedding themes. On the 39th floor, the Penthouse Ballroom features dramatic views of Chicago’s skyscrapers from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Up to 180 guests can be entertained in this space. Cocktail hour can be held on the adjacent Penthouse Terrace, an open-air space that is both exhilarating and elegant. Couples who book the Penthouse Ballroom for their reception can choose to hold their ceremony there or in the Penthouse Terrace.

Services Offered

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown has an attentive events team that can help you personalize your event space. The hotel can provide vendor recommendations to reduce the stress that comes with wedding planning. They have three packages available, each including catering, cake, and a champagne toast. Couples can choose between plated or buffet dining service and are welcome to attend a tasting showcase held by the hotel. The most comprehensive plan also includes late-night snacks. There are several bar options available, ranging from standard service to upgraded packages with signature cocktails.

Accommodation

Newlyweds receive an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s suites as part of their wedding package. Loved ones can stay in style and comfort with room blocks available for weddings. There are seven different types of guest rooms and suites, including pet-friendly rooms. During their stay, guests can explore the attractions near the hotel, such as the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Millennium and Grant Parks.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

No

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)
Wedding Cake

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

25

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

10

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Hotel
Rooftop

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
Hors d'oeuvres
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Aisle Markers
Aisle Runners
Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Decor
Drapery
Furniture
Lighting
Photo booth
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Valet
Wheelchair Access
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Reviews of The Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago River North

4.7 out of 5 rating
4.7 out of 5 rating
19 Reviews
95% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating
Weddingwire
4.7/5 19 reviews
Google
4.4/5 1483 reviews
A
Ashley H. Sent on 07/19/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible service, food, and drinks!

I could not recommend a wedding venue more than the Hotel Palomar. From the minute that we met Allison and her team, my husband and I were treated like actual royalty. The team’s attention to detail was incredible and shined through even in our first meeting. Not only did we receive a detailed tour of the ballroom, hotel, and guest rooms but we left with a goodie bag of cookies with a handwritten note from the Executive Chef congratulating us on our engagement!

The food is unbelievable and is sure to wow your guests. The menu choices are very expansive which meant we got to choose items that aren’t often seen at other weddings. Hot tip: the red wine braised short ribs were life-changing.

The bar was also spectacular - good quality liquor choices and well made drinks by the bartenders.

But the service, my goodness this might be the best part. I am the sort of person with endless questions and Allison was incredibly patient and responsive throughout the entire planning process. Also, during the entire wedding weekend the in-room dining and housekeeping teams took outstanding care of everyone in our room block.

There was legitimately nothing that I would change about our wedding day because of the incredible care and hard work put in by the Hotel Palomar team! Choosing to host your wedding at the Palomar should be a no-brainer.
A
Alexa M. Sent on 09/13/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Nothing but rave reviews!!

Allison S. and the team at the Royal Sonesta River North (FKA The Kimpton Hotel Palomar) were the glue that held our wedding together. Unfortunately, due to COVID we had to reschedule our wedding twice. (The third time was the charm!) Allison and the team made the wedding planning process seamless and demonstrated compassion and understanding.

Allison was the absolute best! She stuck with us through postponements, answered hundreds of questions, and coordinated many meetings/phone calls. She was patient, efficient, hard-working and knowledgeable about the wedding planning process/industry. There were many times throughout the planning process where we didn’t know if we could have 10, 30, 50 or 150 guests at our wedding. Allison was always there to share everything she knew about the very fluid changes that were happening in the COVID landscape between event spaces and the city. We could not have had a successful wedding without all of Allison’s work behind the scenes as well as help leading up to and on the day of our wedding!

Additionally, all of the bartenders, waitstaff, and additional team members at the Sonesta were amazing. Everyone was incredibly friendly and hospitable. Our friends still rave about how fun they helped make the night! The food served at our wedding was also phenomenal! We elected to offer our guests the option of a chicken, fish, or vegetarian dish. We heard great things about all three meals. The passed appetizers at cocktail hour and late night snack (pretzels) were also terrific.

All in all, the Royal Sonesta River North was an incredible place to host our wedding. The staff, delicious food, and beautiful ballroom helped bring our vision/dream wedding to life. We would recommend the Sonesta to anyone! If you’re considering this venue, do not hesitate!
Jennifer
Jennifer Sent on 03/07/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic Customer Service

Lindsey at Hotel Palomar is fantastic! We booked a block through Hotel Palomar for our April wedding and she is one of the most responsive vendors we have worked with.

She was very accommodating with the block and was great about answering all our questions (since we've never done a hotel block before). Hotel Palomar is a BEAUTIFUL hotel and the rooms are cozy and welcoming.

Also, it is in one of the best areas of the city so it is a great place to send your friends and family. They have so many options in walking distance from their hotel.

Thank you to Lindsey for making the process an easy and stress-free part of the wedding planning process.
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Awards

19

Real Weddings

Stela & Alex
22 photos · 08/28/2021
Rebecca & Julio
19 photos · 10/05/2019
Rebecca & Katy
22 photos · 10/25/2015

Team

Olga Benitez
Olga Benitez
Catering Sales Manager

Thank you for considering The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North for your upcoming wedding celebration. I extend congratulatory wishes on your engagement! Your wedding will be one the most important days of your life, and I am thrilled that The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North may be invited to your upcoming special day.

More than a venue, our dedicated team specializes in Chicago weddings, with years of planning experience and local vendor knowledge. Allow us to take care of every detail, so that you can relax and soak up every unforgettable moment of your special day.

I look forward to working with you to craft a personalized Royal wedding experience.

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