Intercontinental or Royal sonesta

Question

Hi. So I narrowed my options for hotels and now I’m stuck between these two hotels.

Will be in Chicago end of July.

Which would you chose ? I would be able to get a good room with a view at Royal sonesta and right by riverwalk. Not sure if I would get a good view with intercontinental but we would have more space and surprisingly was way less expensive than the Royal Sonesta.

We were planning to take transit to Ohio street beach or oak street and walk everywhere else. Would we be able to take water taxi to the navy pier from these hotels?

I love the idea of having a beautiful view to look at but maybe the space and pool at intercontinental would be better?

Also, my ten year old loves trains and jazz. Is there a kids jazz club nearby? Not sure if we would be able to see the Hiawatha but if you have recommendations, that would be great.

Thank you in advance.

Royal sonesta in wacker

Pros- less than 5 min walk to waterfront , park, and Michigan ave and transit

Booked a double queen with river view

(500 sq feet)

Intercontinental hotel on mag mile

Pros- pool

Larger space - booked a one bedroom

Suite with city view ( 700 sq feet)

Answer

It sounds like you're choosing between two great options in a fantastic location, and it really comes down to your priorities for your stay! Let me break down some key factors to help you decide between the Royal Sonesta and Intercontinental.

Royal Sonesta (Wacker Drive) This hotel is located right by the Riverwalk, which is a great spot for scenic views and easy access to attractions. The fact that you're getting a river view is a big plus, as you’ll have a beautiful sight to enjoy. Plus, the Royal Sonesta is just a short walk to Michigan Avenue, the waterfront, and public transit, which gives you great access to the city. It's perfect if you're looking to be in a central location with easy access to shopping and sightseeing, and it's particularly convenient for walking to places like Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and more.

Pros:
- Prime location near the Riverwalk and Michigan Ave.
- Easy access to public transit and the waterfront.
- Great river view from your room.
- Modern, stylish hotel with a great atmosphere.
Cons:
- Rooms may be slightly smaller compared to the Intercontinental.
- No mention of a pool, if that’s a key factor for your stay.

Intercontinental (Mag Mile) On the other hand, the Intercontinental on Michigan Avenue offers more space with your one-bedroom suite (700 sq ft), which is a big win for families who need extra room to spread out. The pool is an added bonus, especially if your 10-year-old loves swimming. While the Intercontinental is a bit farther from the waterfront, it's still in a prime location along the Magnificent Mile, giving you great access to shopping, restaurants, and iconic landmarks.

Pros:
- Large, spacious suite (700 sq ft) with a city view.
- Pool on-site for relaxation, especially after a busy day of sightseeing.
- Central location on Michigan Avenue with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
Cons:
- Room view may not be as scenic as the river view at the Royal Sonesta.
- Location is a bit farther from the waterfront compared to the Royal Sonesta.

Water Taxi to Navy Pier: Both hotels are conveniently located near the Chicago River, so the water taxi to Navy Pier is an option from either place. However, the Royal Sonesta’s proximity to the Riverwalk gives it a slight advantage for quick access to the river taxis. If you’re near the Riverwalk, it's just a short walk to the docks for the water taxi, which could be a fun way to get to Navy Pier.

Jazz and Trains: For your 10-year-old who loves jazz, there are a few family-friendly spots in Chicago where you can catch live music. The Jazz Showcase in the South Loop is a classic, but they do have age restrictions, so you might want to check the schedule ahead of time. Another option is The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, which has a more vintage jazz vibe, though it might not be as family-focused as other spots. For trains, you won’t be able to catch the Hiawatha in Chicago, but you can visit the Chicago History Museum for a great display on trains and local history, which might be of interest. Alternatively, the Museum of Science and Industry also has some cool train exhibits that your son might enjoy.

Summary: Both hotels have their advantages, so it really depends on what you value more:

Choose Royal Sonesta if: You want a river view, easy access to the waterfront, and proximity to Michigan Avenue for shopping and sightseeing.
Choose Intercontinental if: You value more space, a pool, and a centrally located hotel on Michigan Avenue with easy access to all the major attractions.

Hope this helps you decide! Both hotels are wonderful, so you can’t go wrong either way, but considering your priorities will help you make the best choice for your family’s stay in Chicago.

Intercontinental or Royal sonesta

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