The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

Bronze Lions by artist, Edward Kemeys, stand outside the Art Institute of Chicago, date back to 1893, and are said to be guarding the city's most precious pieces. In a nod to this history, the mascot ruling over The Royal Sonesta Allegro is our gloriously regal yet whimsical lion, The Sovereign of Chicago. Dignified and stoic, his presence catches eyes from guests visiting from all around the world. The Sovereign of Chicago also captures the energizing spirit found throughout the theater district, especially at night. With him by your side, your time at The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop will roar to life!

Like Chicago itself, the site of The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel has a long, storied history. Founded as The Bismarck Hotel in 1894 by Emil and Karl Eitel, the hotel has lived several lives. It wasn’t until after a full demolition in 1924 that the art deco-inspired sensation that houses The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel today was constructed.

The Eitel brothers, Emil and Karl – and their siblings Robert, Max and Otto, who later followed them to Chicago – oversaw the hotel’s first rise to prominence at the turn of the 20th century. At its grand re-opening in 1926, it anchored the renowned "Eitel Block." By the 1930s and 40s, the hotel hosted stars of stage and screen as well as other influencers who helped shape the character of the city itself.

Take a look below at the timeline of this illustrious property, and learn the role the Eitel brothers played in the evolution of 171 W. Randolph Street.

TIMELINE

1890s    
Eitel Brothers Immigrate to Chicago

Two of the Eitel brothers (Emil & Karl) immigrate to Chicago from Stuttgart, Germany in the early 1890s. Emil is first in 1890, followed by Karl in 1891.

1893    
Fair Hotel Opens

Emil and Karl Eitel open the Fair Hotel, a guesthouse-turned-hotel on S. Cottage Grove Avenue and 63rd Street on Chicago's South Side, near the site of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The success they find here encourages them to fully pursue the hospitality industry.

1894-1895    
Brothers Purchase Bismarck Hotel and Bismarck Gardens

The two Eitel brothers purchase the 4-story Germania Hotel at Randolph and Wells and rename it "The Bismarck," named after German Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck. They also found the Bismarck Hotel Company, further extending their reach in Chicago's hotel and restaurant scene. They are joined by their brothers Robert (in 1898) and Max (in 1901) who help them run the hotel and various restaurants around the city throughout the first half of the 20th century.

In 1895 Emil and Karl also purchase a beer garden on the north side of the city and rename it Bismarck Gardens, extending the Bismarck brand. It is predominantly run by Max Eitel and renamed Marigold Gardens during World War II. Marigold Gardens is eventually sold during Prohibition.

1914-1919    
Bismarck Renamed Randolph Hotel

During World War I, amid American anti-German sentiment, the Eitels change the hotel's name to The Randolph Hotel, changing it back after Armistice Day (November 11, 1919).

1924    
Eitels Purchase The Neighborhood

In 1924, six years after the end of World War I, the Eitels purchase the entire south side of the block of Randolph between La Salle & Wells. It is thereafter known as the "Eitel Block." In addition to hotel holdings, they oversee the building of the 22-story Metropolitan Office building and the 2,500-seat Palace Opera Theater adjacent to the hotel.

The existing Bismarck Hotel is demolished to make way for a grand rebuild. In its place, the Eitels build a 19-story hotel with 600 guest rooms and a striking marble staircase off the lobby. The rebuild is designed by renowned Chicago architectural firm Rapp and Rapp, with help from a fifth Eitel brother, Albert, who had remained in Stuttgart and pursued a career in architecture.

1926    
Bismarck Hotel Opens as Randolph

The "new" Bismarck reopens in 1926 with just as much fanfare as its predecessor.

Prohibition Era    
Vaudeville

The Palace Theater becomes a must-stop along the vaudeville circuit with stars like Mae West, Jimmy Durante, Lillian Russell, Richard Mansfield, John Mason, May Irwin, Ellen Terry, Nat Goodwin and Julia Marlowe, and Bob Hope performing there and staying at the adjacent Bismarck Hotel.

Dec. 5, 1933    
Post-Prohibition

The first post-Prohibition keg is tapped at The Bismarck's Walnut Room. Hundreds of revelers line up around the block and flood in immediately after midnight. The hotel goes down in history as the first place to legally sell alcohol again. Guests are even given paper hats in the shape of beer mugs with the phrase "Happy Days" printed on them.

1940s & 50s    
Movies and Wartime

As vaudeville and big bands go out of fashion, the Palace Theater begins hosting traveling Broadway shows and eventually becomes the biggest movie theater in the city in the 1940s.

The Bismarck hosts events for local and nationally known movers, shakers, movie stars and the like.

During World War II, the brass lighting fixtures and sconces throughout the building are painted white, from fear that the government will claim them to make bullets for the war effort.

1956    
Go Hawks

The Eitels sell the Bismarck Hotel to Arthur Wirtz for just over $2 million. Wirtz is a renowned local Chicagoan and owner of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team and Chicago Stadium.

1960s - 1980s    
Democratic Party

Thanks to its close proximity to City Hall, The Bismarck becomes the unofficial meeting spot (and home to much behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing) for the Cook County Democratic Party, led by famed Chicago Mayor J. Richard Daley. Daley had his own table in the Walnut Room with a private phone installed for his personal use.

1994    
The Green Orchid Room

On the 100th anniversary of the hotel, the Green Orchid Room opens, an intimate lounge and entertainment space described as an "art deco cabaret and cigar club." Between appearances by its own "Green Orchid Girls," vocalists like Jackie Allen, Frances Asher and Kurt Elling perform.

1997    
Hotel Sold

The Wirtz family sells the former "Eitel Block" to PalMet Venture, LLC. The Kimpton Hotel Group manages and designs the historic property.

1998    
Renovations

The block undergoes a $31 million renovation and reopens in 1998 as the Hotel Allegro; operations are handled by Kimpton Hotels. The renovations bring out the dramatic theater district flair of the hotel's past. The grand marble staircase is refurbished and the original light fixtures that had been languishing in the hotel’s basement are brought back to life.

2014    
Kimpton Hotel Allegro

Hotel Allegro begins a 2-year, $15 million renovation meant to further honor the art deco history of the Bismarck Hotel’s post-Prohibition heyday.

2020    
More than 100 Years of History

Sonesta International Hotel Corporation purchases the hotel and celebrates the rich history of 171 W. Randolph Street.

We strive to make your stay as comfortable as possible and to accommodate the needs of our guests with disabilities. Please contact the hotel if you have any special requests. 

We offer a range of amenities and services to accommodate the needs of guests with disabilities including: 

• Braille/raised signage 

• Lift 

• Accessible bathroom (selected rooms) 

• In-room accessibility (selected rooms) 

• Roll-in shower (selected rooms) 

• Wheelchair-accessible path of travel 

• Wheelchair-accessible parking 

• Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom 

• Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk 

• Wheelchair-accessible van parking 

• Wheelchair-accessible path to lift 

• Wheelchair-accessible registration desk 

• Wheelchair-accessible business center 

• Wheelchair-accessible restaurant 

• Wheelchair-accessible lounge 

• Visual alarms in hallways 

• Handrails in stairwells 

• Wheelchairs available on site 

• Well-lit path to entrance 

• Step-free path to entrance 

We love your furry friends as much as you do.

Sonesta is proud to invite your cuddly companions and provide special amenities like comfy pet beds, bowls, waterproof mats, and treats at check-in. We’ll greet your pet with an arrival letter outlining our local recommendations for a “pawsome” stay.

We're also excited to feature a variety of innovative, pet-safe products from Fable, both in-room and available for sale, to give our canine guests an extra-special stay.

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop is pet friendly and welcomes well-mannered pets, with no breed or weight restrictions. Up to two pets are permitted per suite.

$75 fee per stay applies.

Discover our Pets Are Welcome At Sonesta (PAWS) policy. 

Guests may request early check-in, but it is not guaranteed. A valid credit card must be presented at check-in. Late check-out can be arranged with the hotel, subject to availability.

To add an additional guest to your reservation, please contact the front desk at 312.236.0123.

Please note that guests must be at least 21 years of age to check into the hotel. 

Room rates are subject to a daily Destination Fee of $32.00, which includes:

• Coffee and tea in the lobby each morning
• Afternoon tea and scones in the lobby
• Curtain Call lobby turndown cart including sleep masks, Royal chocolates, bath salts, and floral spray
• Premium Wi-Fi
• Two bottles of water
• Access to the fitness center including a Peloton bike
• Use of our bicycles to explore the city (seasonal)
• Seasonal water refresh station in the lobby
• $10 credit for use towards Bar Allegro or the Snack Bar

At The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop, we are proud to offer a wide array of amenities and services designed to make your stay as comfortable and effortless as possible.

Fitness Center

Maintain your active lifestyle even when you're away from home with our state-of-the-art fitness center. Complete with a Peloton Bike, strength training equipment, cardio gear, yoga mats, and more, our fitness center is open 24 hours a day to accommodate your busy schedule.

Complimentary Bicycles

Experience the splendor of Chicago with the Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop! We have bicycles ready for you to explore the stunning Lake Michigan setting and take in the city's cultural touchstones. Imagine taking a leisurely ride over to Millennium Park, and browsing the Art Institute of Chicago, all while feeling the wind in your hair. Our bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to seize the opportunity and explore the city in a whole new way!

The guest rooms at The Allegro Royal Sonesta feature refined decor, custom hardwood finishes, fine furnishings, and the following amenities:  

• Mini-fridge  

• Iron/ironing board 

• Laptop-size safe 

• Complimentary Wi-Fi 

• Flat-screen television 

Please note amenities may vary by room. More details can be found during room selection. 

Treat yourself to an upscale stay in Chicago Loop by booking one of our luxury one-bedroom suites. Featuring a private bedroom, a separate living room area, and a one-person or a two-person spa tub, our suites will elevate your Chicago experience — whether you're visiting on business or for a special getaway with your significant other!

Your suite stay will be nothing short of a royal experience. Explore our Royally Suite Experience program here.

The Allegro Royal Sonesta offers 24-hour valet parking for the below rates:

0-4 hours, $34
4-8 hours, $40
8-overnight, $70

The overnight fee for hotel guests includes unlimited in-and-out privileges. Valet parking is also available for 312 Chicago and theatre patrons.

There is also self-parking available within a 200 ft distance from our hotel at a rate of $55 per night.

Experience the vibrant Chicago dining scene right at your fingertips. At The Allegro Royal Sonesta Chicago Loop hotel, you’ll find the freshest local ingredients, creative cocktails, cuisine, and superb service in the heart of Chicago's Loop.

Bar Allegro

Pull up a seat and unwind with a refreshing drink from Bar Allegro, located off our main lobby. Our vintage bar offers a retro-chic atmosphere with a wide selection of wines, local beers and handcrafted cocktails complemented by a menu of light bites.

Unwind with a drink at Bar Allegro, located just off our Grand Lobby. Experience a retro atmosphere with an extensive list of wines, local beers and handcrafted vintage and signature cocktails, as well as a curated menu of light bites.

Menu

Hours 

Daily: 4:00PM – 11:00PM 

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel in Chicago's Loop district is the ideal spot for those eager to discover the city's finest offerings. Our centrally located hotel places you in the center of the action, with first-rate cultural, artistic, and recreational options just a stone's throw away. 

Witness the grandeur of Chicago's downtown in the Chicago Theatre District, a landmark that will take your breath away. With hundreds of concerts, comedians, special events, and tours happening every year, the Chicago Theatre District is the premier place to catch your favorite performers or discover new ones.

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop is one of our most popular hotels in the Chicago Theatre District.

Take a stroll through Millennium Park, located just a stone's throw away from The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop. As the city's premier green space, Millennium Park is a must-see destination for any visitor to Chicago. Take a stroll through the park and discover a collection of public art, breathtaking landscape design, and awe-inspiring modern architecture. 

Immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of Grant Park, the city's premier green space, just 1.5 miles from The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop. Relax on the Great Lawn with a picnic, or take a stroll through the lush gardens, fountains, and sculptures that line the shores of Lake Michigan.   

Discover scenic Chicago's waterfront at Navy Pier, less than 2 miles from The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop. Soak in the rich history and vibrant culture of Navy Pier, home to a year-round calendar of exciting events and programs. Revel in art, music, dance, and more at Navy Pier, where there's always something happening, from celebrations and exhibits to free fireworks and lake cruises. 

Held annually at McCormick Place in Chicago, the Radiological Society of North America Annual Conference is the world's largest event for the medical imaging industry. The RSNA Conference typically takes place over the course of five days, starting on the last Sunday of November, and attracts radiology professionals from all over the world. 

Discover Sonesta hotels near the RSNA venue.

Walnut Ballroom

Our historic Walnut Ballroom is what wedding dreams are made of. From the soaring 15-foot ceiling to the sophisticated elegance of its warm walnut accents and art deco chandeliers, everything about this room is impressive. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning city views, and the spacious foyer is ideal for welcoming guests. The Walnut Ballroom is the perfect backdrop for your grand wedding celebration of up to 300 guests.

Savoy Room

The warm, sophisticated Savoy Room features architectural details reminiscent of the art deco period. With a cozy fireplace, large bookshelves, plush seating, and museum-worthy artwork, this space takes you back in time. A perfect, unique room to hold your ceremony or reception.

Palladium Room

Celebrate your “I Do’s” in the Palladium Room, boasting beautiful natural light from its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Perfect for smaller wedding dinners for up to 80 guests or receptions for up to 150 guests.

1. When is check-in/checkout time at The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop? Do you offer early check-in or late checkout? 

Our hotel's standard check-in time is 4:00 PM and onwards. However, we do offer the option of early check-in for a fee, subject to availability. The checkout time is set at 11:00 AM. If you require a later check-out, it can be arranged for an additional charge, subject to availability. 

2. Does your Chicago Loop hotel have a pool? 

No, our Chicago Loop hotel does not feature a swimming pool. 

3. Does The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel have a restaurant on-site?  

Yes. Our hotel boasts an in-house eatery and bar, Bar Allegro, which offers a selection of cocktails and light bites.

4. Do you have on-site parking? Is it included in my room rate? 

The Allegro Royal Sonesta offers 24-hour valet parking for the below rates:
0-4 hours, $34
4-8 hours, $40
8-overnight, $70

The overnight fee for hotel guests includes unlimited in-and-out privileges. There is also self-parking available within a 200 ft distance from our hotel at a rate of $55 per night.

5. Do you offer room service? What are the hours? 

No, our hotel does not provide room service. 

6. Do you have an on-site laundry service? 

During your stay, you can utilize our dry cleaning and laundry services for your convenience.

7. Is The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel a pet-friendly hotel in Chicago Loop? 

Yes, The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop is pet-friendly and welcomes well-mannered pets, with no breed or weight restrictions.