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x4 Award winner
Award winner thanks to recommendations from couples on WeddingWire.com.
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2017
  • 2011

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

From 35 to 180 guests
Ceremony/Reception
Outdoor/Indoor
Get Ready Rooms
Peter
Shereen
MKA5884
Ellen
Kelcy

Recommended by 95% of couples

About this venue

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is a hotel wedding venue 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. You will find spectacular views of the city skyline and the Chicago River from the Penthouse Ballroom here. With refined function rooms and an expert events team, weddings here will surely be unforgettable.

Facilities and Capacity

This hotel’s event spaces can be customized to reflect the happy couple’s dreams. The Grand Ballroom at the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown spans over 4,300 square feet, providing ample space for extravagant events. It can accommodate 200 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 various wedding themes. On the 39th floor, the Penthouse Ballroom features dramatic views of Chicago’s skyscrapers from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Up to 130 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 have their ceremony there or in the Penthouse Terrace.

Services Offered

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown has an attentive events team to help you personalize your event space. The hotel can provide vendor recommendations to reduce the stress of wedding planning. They have three packages, including catering, cake, and a champagne toast. Couples can choose between a 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. Several bar options are 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 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.

Features

Small team (2-10 members)

Experience

  • 68 years in business

  • We speak English

Links

Visit website

Weddings at this venue

Marah & Karim's wedding
Marah & Karim
27 photos
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FAQ

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

Yes

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

$1,000

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

$500

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 the starting site fee?

Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Set Up
Tables

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

Cake Cutting
Server(s)
Wedding Cake

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$50

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

Champagne Toast
Open Bar

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

35

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

18

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
Outside Cake
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

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
November
December

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Weddingwire
4.8/5 41 reviews
Google
4.2/5 3332 reviews
M
Meghan Sent on 06/08/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Outstanding

I highly recommend working with the Royal Sonesta Chicago Riverfront if you are looking to wow your guests with incredible views, delicious food, and an overall wonderful wedding day. Erin was a blessing to have working out all the details and she even helped bustle my dress :) From getting ready in their bridal suite with all my bridesmaids to the last song of the evening every detail was thoughtful and executed seamlessly.
Peter
Peter Sent on 09/18/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing venue

Absolutely stunning views. The perfect venue for any event but especially a wedding. Kay alonge was very responsive and ensure my wife and I were able to have the best night.
M
Molly Sent on 09/10/2021
5 out of 5 rating

THE Perfect Wedding

The Royal Sonesta saved our wedding. Four months before our wedding, our original venue closed. We looked all over for a different venue with the same date and with a lot of luck, finally found the Royal Sonesta downtown Chicago. It was even better than our original venue. The team at the Royal Sonesta helped us replan our wedding in four months and had it go perfectly day of. The food was amazing, the waitstaff and bartenders were amazing, Emily the coordinator was amazing, everything was perfect. It was the perfect place to get married with the most spectacular views! (Also it is where Bruce Waynes penthouse in the Batman Dark Knight movies were filmed, an excellent conversation piece). I can't thank them enough for saving our wedding and all they did to have it be the day of our dreams. Their staff will make sure your special day is phenomenal!
Shereen
Shereen Sent on 07/19/2021
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect backdrop for a Chicago wedding

What a hidden gem! We only discovered the Sonesta balcony because we were having our family stay there. It turned out to be the PERFECT location, not only because of its convenience, but also because the balcony has a marvelously beautiful backdrop as well as an almost equally-beautiful rain location (i.e., the attached ballroom with huge floor-to-ceiling windows). Though we had the reception elsewhere, we were able to add a champagne toast and have our first dance on the balcony. I'd recommend and afternoon wedding (2-4pm), which also gives a very affordable price. I don't know if there's another location in the city that offers that price-quality ratio for a ceremony. We worked with Erin Ruff, the event coordinator, and she is amazing! Super responsive and very focused on the customer—excellent customer service. She worked with us to make sure we had the layout we wanted. She also helped manage our entire experience at the hotel throughout the weekend, including our family's hotel reservations. Absolutely great experience. Highly recommend.
MKA5884
Morgan Sent on 10/28/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing August Wedding!

My husband and I had our wedding ceremony on the penthouse level of The Wyndham Grand (now Royal Sonesta) in August and it was amazing! As soon as we saw the views we knew nowhere else in Chicago could top this location! It is stunning! Everyone keeps telling us out how beautiful our wedding was. We were lucky enough with weather to have our ceremony outside on the terrace with the most breathtaking views of the skyline and river. The reception was in the ballroom with all floor to ceiling windows with the same gorgeous views. The food was absolutely delicious and the wine and liquor selections were wonderful – it’s safe to say everyone had a great time!! Everyone was fantastic to work with throughout the process, special thanks to Tony, Erin, and Wendy who were wonderful throughout the whole planning process! We really appreciated that Wendy was present at our rehearsal and for the entire reception until the end! They also made sure to hold an elevator for guests coming to the wedding, which I was a little worried about, but they made sure the guests had no issues getting up to the penthouse. We’re so happy with our experience!!
O
Omar Sent on 10/23/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Great Venue with the best views

We had a perfect wedding at this venue. The team and staff worked really hard to accommodate all of our requests and although planning wasn't always as smooth as we hoped everything got taken care of for the big day. We did need to deal with our main coordinator leaving the company so I know they were understaffed for much of the summer when we had our wedding. This did result in some additional planning but as I mentioned it all worked out in the end. If you get a change to work with Erin Ruff, she is the best and super responsive. Her and the team even showed up on the wedding day to our respective suites to ensure everything went as planned. Going into the wedding our biggest concern was the elevator process as other reviews might have mentioned but this really wasn't even an issue. They do a great job moving people along, and I know the elevators are being updated so things are only going to get better with that. We have zero regrets with having our wedding here, our guests were amazed at being able to experience 3 separate event spaces (Terrace for cocktail hour, Ballroom for dinner, and Penthouse Ballroom for dancing) all in one wedding and seeing their excitement made everything worth it. As mentioned earlier big credit to the actual event staff and bartenders because everything went smoothly even with all of our movement between floors. Thank you to Erin, Wendy and the rest of the team for hosting us!
Ellen
Ellen Sent on 10/22/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing views!

My husband and I had our wedding ceremony and reception here a few weeks ago and it was amazing!!! The terrace on the penthouse floor has breathtaking views of the riverfront and downtown Chicago. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the ballroom were the source of perfect ambiance and inspiration during the reception dinner. Everything was beautiful and magical, including the foods, decorations, and service--especially all of the help that Erin and Wendy gave us! We will never forget the perfect start to our marriage!
Kelcy
Kelcy Sent on 09/25/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Gorgeous Venue, Awesome Staff

My husband & I held our wedding rehearsal dinner on the 39th floor terrace of the Wyndham Hotel in September 2019 & when we say stunning, we mean it. The venue is absolutely beautiful & Erin Ruff made planning / execution of our event incredibly easy on us! Chef Chris’s delicious apps & dinner menu completed the evening with our friends & family. We’re 15+ year Chicagoans & haven’t met a better city view!
S
Susan Sent on 09/23/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Total professionals; beautiful venue

I can't say enough about the professionals here, especially Erin Ruff. I am an anal planner who is inexperienced with such large events. Throughout the entire process, from investigation to the final events, Erin was unbelievable. She was always prompt, calm and helpful. She was instrumental in ensuring that we and our guests had the event of our lifetimes!
B
Brianna Sent on 09/22/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful Experience!

I got married at the Wyndham Grand almost a year and a half ago - and our guests are still telling us how wonderful our wedding was! As you can tell from the photos - the view is spectacular and unique. The food and vendor they include in the packages for wedding cake is amazing! What really sets the Wyndham apart is the service they provide. While our guests remember the beautiful view and the wonderful food, my husband and I remember being treated like the most important VIP's in the hotel. That specialized service is what I remember most about our Best Day Ever!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

41
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner
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Are you interested?

Team

Lauren Beale
Lauren Beale
Area Director of Catering & Conference Services
Olga Benitez
Olga Benitez
Area Catering Sales Manager

Professional Network & Endorsements

O'Dea Entertainment O'Dea Entertainment Wedding DJs

All of our dj's at O'Dea Ent. have played at Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront for years. The view of the Ciity from the 39th fl Pent House is breath taking. Ceremony dinner and dancing on the 39th fl and the Grand Ballroom on the 6th fl are very accessible . The caters are very helpful when working there. We look forward to doing weddings there and highly recommend this venue.

Okyne Entertainment Group
4.9 out of 5 rating , 373 reviews
· Wedding DJs

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The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown frequently asked questions

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Server(s)
  • Wedding Cake
The bar service starting price at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown includes:
  • Champagne Toast
  • Open Bar
The space offered by The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Hotel
  • Rooftop
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Aisle Markers
  • Aisle Runners
  • Altar/Arch
  • Audio Equipment
  • Centerpieces
  • Chairs
  • Chair Covers
  • Dance Floor
  • Decor
  • Drapery
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Photo booth
  • Tables
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is recommended by 95% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.8 in value and 4.7 in flexibility.
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown currently offers 1 offer promotion for wedding services.

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