A Luxe Stay in the Windy City: Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Chicago - a city that thrums with energy, boasts stunning architecture, and offers some of the best deep-dish pizza you'll ever devour. On our recent trip, my family and I stayed at the luxurious and iconic Sofitel Chicago. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

Street view of Sofitel Chicago (Image: Wanderlust By Design)

First Impressions

Nestled in downtown Chicago, Sofitel is a beautifully designed 33-story glass prism. From the moment you step through the entrance of the Sofitel Chicago, you're met with an air of sophisticated elegance. While our suite wasn't quite ready upon arrival, the staff ensured a smooth start. Our luggage was stored and the concierge recommended a lovely cafe for a delightful family lunch. By the time we returned, our room was ready.

During this trip, our stay at Sofitel Chicago was split across two stays. The first stay was for 6 nights and the second stay was for 2 nights. For our first stay, we booked the signature suite located on the 11th floor which featured a contemporary one-bedroom suite with a private living room, luxurious marble bathroom with a separate shower and tub with well-appointed Balmain toiletries.

Signature suite king bedroom (Image: Wanderlust By Design)

We were pleasantly surprised when we returned for the second leg of our stay and were informed that we had been upgraded to a magnificent suite! Talk about taking our trip to a whole new level...literally! The magnificent suite, located on the 26th floor, boasted expansive windows showcasing breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Chicago. It felt like something straight out of a movie! The spacious suite featured a one-bedroom layout with a king-size bed, dedicated living area perfect for family movie nights, and a gorgeous marble bathroom with a separate shower and a soaking tub. Needless to say, unwinding after a day of exploring Chicago's vibrant offerings was pure bliss with this luxurious haven as our home base.

Magnificent suite king bedroom (Image: Wanderlust By Design)

Customer Service

The staff at Sofitel Chicago truly made the experience exceptional. From the friendly concierge who helped us navigate the city's must-see attractions to the attentive housekeeping team, everyone genuinely went above and beyond. When I encountered a brief moment of confusion regarding the in-room dining menu, the ever-helpful customer service team at the front desk was helpful in directing me to where the menu was (it was in the mini fridge!) - all I needed to do was scan the QR code on the card that was in the fridge. It was a clever touch and a sustainable approach to in-room dining menus (less printing and updating of paper menus).

Separate living area of the Magnificent suite...so spacious! (Image: Wanderlust By Design)

Dining Experience

While we spent most of our time indulging in Chicago's renowned culinary scene (seriously, that deep-dish pizza!), we did enjoy the a la carte breakfast at the hotel each morning. It offered a variety of fresh options, from fluffy pancakes and made-to-order omelettes to a selection of pastries and cheeses. However, with a longer stay, the menu did feel a bit repetitive after a few days. Thankfully, downtown Chicago boasts a plethora of dining options so variety was usually just a short walk away.

The Little Details: Sofitel Chicago is a master of those little details that elevate an experience. The plush bathrobes, the luxurious bath amenities, and the turndown service all contributed to a truly luxurious stay.

Pro-Tip for Travelers: If you're looking to experience the best of Chicago's vibrant dining scene, venture out and explore the many incredible restaurants the city has to offer. However, if you're short on time or simply want a convenient breakfast option, the hotel's a la carte menu offers a delicious choice.

Overall, our stay at the Sofitel Chicago was nothing short of exceptional. From the stunning suite upgrade to the impeccable service and luxurious amenities, it truly embodied the essence of 5-star hospitality. If you're seeking an unforgettable experience in Chicago, look no further than this iconic hotel!

Check out a recap of our stay at Sofitel Chicago on the Wanderlust By Design instagram page here.

Have you stayed at Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile? If yes, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Be well,

JJ