What it is

Designed by French starchitect Jean-Paul Viguier, this 32 floor tower is sleek yet sumptuous: with two dazzling restaurants and a high tech 24-hour gym.

What it isn't

Poorly serviced. Sofitel is famous for rolling out the red carpet; you’ll find doting staff and perks like zippy wifi, two 24 hour business centers, limousine service, and topnotch spa treatments available in-room.

What we think

Sofitel is famously based in Paris, France, so Francophiles and those who l love them will find much to j’adore in their Chicago outpost. Topping the list: interiors by iconic interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, which are the perfect blend of luxe finishes (beechwood walls, marble bathrooms) and artful elegance (sculptural custom furniture). Rooms begin at 350 square feet but feel even larger thanks to their high roost on floors 6-10; each one is Luxe with a capital L, thanks to Balmain toiletries, Tivoli sound systems, and Sofitel beds you won’t want to get out of. We find it’s worth upgrading to a Prestige Suite; they have 700 square foot corner floor plans and separate living rooms complete with chairs designed by Mies van de Rohe.

You're here because

The restaurants here are among the best in town (and this is a city that loves to eat). The bone in ribeye with truffle whipped potatoes is the best steak you’ve ever had.

The Moment

You live for a proper afternoon tea, so the hotel’s cheeky riff on the concept—the Un-tea—is everything the vacay doctor asked for, from the French onion and gruyere scones to the chocolate Earl Grey gateaux.

Restaurants & Bars

La Terrace - The ideal spot to experience both the vibrant energy of the Gold Coast neighborhood combined with a taste of southern France

CDA - Offering French cuisine and infused with local flavors

Le Bar - An intimate downtown Chicago bar, features floor to ceiling glass walls and an inviting atmosphere

Location

A gleaming spire just a block from Washington Square Park, and steps from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile—the beating heart of the city.