The Sofitel Water Tower Hotel was perfect for our Chicago visit. The interior is gorgeous, but it’s the staff that treats you like royalty even if you’re in a pair of sneakers and jeans. This hotel definitely deserves its high ranking on Trip Advisor. Here’s my take on the Sofitel:

STAFF--Over-the-top genuinely friendly and helpful. From the moment we got out of our taxi, the bell hops were there to assist with luggage and get us to our room. The front desk had a good system in place. While one person was keying in our information on the computer, someone else chatted with us making us feel even more welcome. Room Service personnel are some of the best I’ve experienced. The Concierge Staff, especially Jacquie, offered great suggestions that really made for a great weekend. She told us about the best restaurants in the area, and gave us great suggestions on what to do, including a beautiful boat ride and absolutely wonderful bike tour. Thank you Concierge staff.

ROOMS--Tastefully decorated, comfortable beds and but average in size. All of the needed hotel ammenities were provided.

VIEW--I booked a Deluxe Room which had great views of Rush Street, down toward Michigan Avenue. We were 20 some stories up and the view was spectacular.

LOCATION--Can’t be beat. Right on Rush and State Street, blocks from Michigan Avenue and shopping. Blocks from the Rush Street Entertainment Area, and blocks from the Lake Michigan Lakefront and Bike Path. All these are must sees while in Chicago and the hotel is perfect for all of them.

RATES--You can definitely find a less expensive hotel, but you won’t have the same experience anywhere else for the price.

It is indeed one of the best hotels I've stayed so far. Very trendy. Staff is courteous, room service is awesome, view is amazing, decor is fantastic, I mean almost close to perfect! Just that it doesn't have a swimming pool and spa, and not many food options within the hotel (though room service is very good). I would strongly recommend this to everyone who visits Chicago

Based largely on the TA reviews, we selected the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower for a five-day stay in May 2009. We were not at all disappointed! Our room was comfortable and spotless; the staff was very accommodating, and the meals we had at the hotel left us wanting to come back for more. The location is convenient to shopping and restaurants, with public transit about two blocks away. Considering the level of comfort offered, we thought the hotel was an excellent value (especially when booked early at a discounted price). Without a doubt, when we come back to Chicago we will plan to stay at the Sofitel.

Stayed in the Sofitel in November 2008 for a winter get away. Staff very friendly, room huge with comfy bed, lots of space, large flat screen TV and large luxurious bathroom.

Location spot on at the beginning/end (depending on where you're coming from) of the Mag mile and near some great resteraunts (Hugos Frog Bar being one of them).

Couldn't fault anything and will definately be returning.