Sonder - Essex on the Park

If you don't need the amenities of a traditional 4- or 5-star hotel, this is an amazing place for the money. Although it was off-season, it was still $100-150 less than the 4- and 5-star hotels in the vicinity. Very clean. So modern. Amazing view. Fitness center. Gorgeous pool.

An interesting experience. A "Hotel" in a condominium sky rise. The check-in process while different was easy. You check in online before you arrive. The unit itself was clean and had a full kitchen as well as a separate bedroom. The Bad: -Fold out bed Broken -Very low water pressure -Shower clogged and would not drain The Good: -Was offered a new room, alas it was the next day so we just took the mattress and put it on the floor. -Office staff were extremely nice and fixed the clogged drain -Bag storage in office so checkout was easy ( and allowed us to go see more of the city before the flight) -Toiletries supplied like standard Hotel -Pool access ( although we didn't visit) Overall a fun experience and priced competitively. Do not regret but may stay in traditional hotel next visit.

So spacious! It was much bigger than we thought it would be. There was even a pull out bed in the alcove for my daughter so she felt like she had her own space. Had most of what you needed to cook, which saved us money. The location was wonderful. Right on the bus line, we got to the McCormick center easily, then down the other way to the river. Out the front door is the lake, which would make it ideal for summer. It was super easy to check in. The front desk was more than friendly. Any concerns were immediately addressed.

Super disappointing case of false advertisement and complete lack of concern about making it right. Our apartment was completely different than the photos online. I chose this place based on those photos. It's frustrating to pay for the weekend getaway you were led to expect (floor-to-ceiling windowed views of the city or park or lake) and get stuck in a side room with smaller windows only showing close-up views of another building. Part of being in the city is knowing you're in the city; this veiw was of a rooftop and close-up of a cracked building next door. No sunlight, no city, and no internet or cellphone coverage. Both the Sonder internet and our hotspot (as well as our cell phones) were not working for the whole 4 days because we were packed down between buildings, and the Sonder office told us this was pretty typical and recommended we move closer to the closet with the router. No difference. We had to go downstairs to the lobby to do just get cell phone coverage to get an uber. But, really, the worst part was that we booked a place for the views and had an anti-view. When we asked about getting the room that was pictured and labeled as the room that we paid for, we were offered a downgrade. Not only did I have to ask 3 times about this (they kept apologizing for forgetting us), but there was no attempt at compensation or promising a better view next time - because I still totally want to stay in one of those places they picture in the photos on future trips.

Fabulous location, gorgeous new high-rise in the heart of it all. Be sure to obtain access to the amenities deck with pool and gym. Will definitely stay here again.

Perfect alternative to an impersonal hotel for a week of business travel. It was such a relief to just cook for myself rather than track down a restaurant after a long day. And my view was spectacular.

Great location and apartment for my event. Definitely will look for Sonder properties in other cities.

Great experience and the room was amazing!

Excellent location and facilities, one of the best rooms I’ve stayed in, clean, fresh would recommend this place for anyone who is planning on a trip to Chicago.

My husband and I loved this place for its attractiveness, cleanliness, room amenities and location. Multiple and speedy elevators got you to the 9th floor fast, water pressure and room temps were perfect. The kitchen is complete and the mattress was very comfortable. Large windows allow for lots of light, but the view directly into another building is disappointing but to be expected in a city full of high rises. Don’t confuse the building “facing park and lake” with a park or lake “view” from this unit.