We stayed here over the weekend on the front-end of a two-day business meeting in July (for which I stayed in another comparable Chicago hotel located very close by). After reading many of the reviews, I selected the Sofitel based on location, amenities, price, and the "hip" factor.
After checking-in, I was initially a bit disappointed because the room seemed a bit smaller than what I was expecting based on the online photos and I was placed on a lower floor (after requesting an upper... I know, someone has to stay on the lower ones). Overall, the front-desk service was helpful (had one little communication issue with no resolution on the part of the hotel), the basic room was exceptionally clean (lovely bathroom was spotless), bed was very comfortable, and the rest of the hotel property was nice. During our stay, a window above the front entrance shattered and they had to divert people entering the building to a remote side entrance near the bar. No big deal, just inconvenient. Also, I noticed the "S" on the Sofitel sign at the top of building had burned out and it looked tacky to see "-ofitel". The bar was always hopping and there was a wedding party that added a little additional racousness.
On the positive side, we really appreciated the close proximity to Mich Ave shopping, the 24 hour cafe and coffee shops around the corner, and the pleasantly surprising nice meal at Cafe Luciano which was just across the street. After relocating to the other hotel for my business meeting, I began to appreciate all that the Sofitel had to offer in comparison.
I'd look forward to visiting Chicago and staying at the Sofitel again.