221 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, Illinois, United States | (888) 905-8267
Conveniently located inside the Loop near Millennium Park and Chicago River
Design-savvy throughout, with a striking, mod lobby
Stylish rooms have Nespresso coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi
Filini’s restaurant serves classic Italian cuisine in a chic setting
Huge fitness center with a yoga studio and indoor lap pool
Seasonal outdoor rooftop pool, with bar service and cabanas
Game room and media center with a small theater
Valet parking with unlimited in/out privileges
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Pet-friendly (fee)
Mini-fridges and microwaves in rooms require a per-stay surcharge
Breakfast isn't included
Expensive valet parking
Hefty, non-refundable surcharge for pets
The four-pearl Radisson Blu Aqua opened in late 2011 as the brand’s first U.S. property, situated inside downtown Chicago's bustling loop. The stylish hotel has 334 streamline rooms, with Nespresso coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and spacious desks. Bathrooms have roomy walk-in showers and attractive vanities. The hotel has a solid lineup of features, including a chic on-site Italian restaurant, a huge fitness center, a seasonal rooftop pool and bar, and a game room, but breakfast isn't included in room rates. It's worth comparison shopping, as prices are competitive and not inexpensive considering the location. The four-pearl Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park across the street has similar rates and amenities, plus a spa.
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Scene
Sophisticated with swank lobby and a rooftop pool and bar for busy city travelers
The lobby of this sophisticated hotel is dressed to impress. The swanky space has dazzling magenta used as the main accent color, relegated to the sleek, mod seating throughout. There's a gold-plated gas fireplace, mirrored coffee tables, and framed photos from legendary Chicago street photographer Vivian Maier dotting the walls. Decor is equally swank at the industrial-chic restaurant, and the inviting rooftop pool and bar has stellar skyline views. Guests are mainly business travelers, many here to attend conferences, but the hotel also attracts leisure travelers looking for ample amenities and a downtown location.
Location
In Chicago’s Loop, walking distance to Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile
The Radisson Blu Aqua is conveniently located in the Loop, a bustling area that's home to Chicago’s business district, Theatre District, major cultural institutions, and famous parks. It’s within walking distance to the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and the Magnificent Mile’s elegant shopping. Public transportation is also convenient, with a 10-minute walk to the closest metro station. - Four-minute walk to Millennium Park
Rooms
Modern and sophisticated, with Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, and free Wi-Fi
Decor varies at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, but all guest rooms are sleek and sophisticated. The darker Mansion House style sports solid aqua carpet, tigerwood furniture, and black drapes. By contrast, the Naturally Cool style is much brighter, with blond wood and light gray upholstered furniture and wall accents. All rooms have ample natural light and impressive standard amenities, including flat-screen TVs, minibars, Nespresso coffeemakers, robes, spacious desks and armchairs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges and microwaves are available upon request for a modest surcharge.Bathrooms floors and vanities are bright white, with roomy walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, separate toilets, and some have soaking tubs. Some units also have balconies with city or park views. Business class rooms have enhanced features, such as loaner iPads, and come with a free continental breakfast and afternoon appetizers and drinks.
Features
Large fitness center, indoor/outdoor pools, on-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi
This stylish urban hotel is packed with upscale amenities. Filini’s restaurant serves classic Italian dishes in an ultra-chic setting. There's a buffet breakfast -- which isn't included in room rates -- and a la cart menus for lunch and dinner. The Lavazza Coffee Bar is open daily, and the lobby's Blu Bar serves “modern tea” on weekend afternoons. Room service is available 24 hours as well.Wellness facilities are extensive: There's an 8,000-square-foot fitness center with high-tech equipment, a dedicated yoga studio, a basketball court, and a steam room. Another highlight is a seasonal rooftop pool surrounded by cabanas, and a two-lane indoor lap pool and whirlpool. Bar service is available when the pool is open. Other leisure pursuits include a game room and a media center with a small theater. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and in-room spa treatments can also be arranged. There's free Wi-Fi throughout and a business center with PCs and printers. Among the hotel’s 28,000 square feet of meeting space is the Atlantic Ballroom, which can host up to 1,650 people for a reception. Valet parking is available with unlimited in/out privileges, but like other downtown Chicago hotels, it’s expensive. Pets are welcome, but the non-refundable fee is steep.
