Arrival/Check-In: A thick fog stubbornly clung to the Chicago skyline, obscuring our view of the 82-story building that houses the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The lucky occupants who live in the condos and apartments on the upper floors know what it is like to be a mythological god reigning from the clouds. Arriving at 10 a.m., after an 18-hour Amtrak journey, it almost seemed miraculous when we were told our room was ready.
Guest Quarters: After waving our room key to activate the elevator — a wonderful security feature — we passed through a hallway covered in white wallpaper and bold graphic lines depicting Chicago neighborhoods. Our king room, with a park view, had dark chocolate walls and a bright turquoise carpet. The built-in wardrobe was covered in a textured silver which was repeated on the bathroom ceiling. A curved, black-lacquered minibar with a drawer filled with wine glasses was tucked beside the wardrobe, and a high-backed gray chair occupied the corner. In addition to the standard lamps on each bedside table, a pair of chrome gooseneck reading lamps could be twisted to the perfect angle for late-night reading. A sliding wooden door with a frosted glass panel divided the bedroom from the large bathroom. The black tiled floor was flecked with specks of silver so bright they cast twinkling shadows on the walls. A pair of bathrobes and Anne Semonin bath amenities completed the modern retreat.
Services/Amenities: The Chicago Radisson Blu Aqua is the first U.S. hotel for the brand. Well known by international travelers, Blu properties offer luxurious accommodations. While waiting for a business associate, we warmed ourselves beside the lobby’s 50-foot-long fireplace built into a mirrored wall covered with interconnected brass Egyptian medallions. Felini, a bar and restaurant serving contemporary Italian food, occupies two floors. Upstairs, the view of the sleek exhibition kitchen is open to all. Burning off those calories after dinner is easy at the hotel’s 8,000-square-foot fitness center with an indoor basketball court, indoor and outdoor pools (the rooftop pool is open seasonally) and a one-fifth-mile jogging track that circles the exterior of the building. In addition to a business center with free printing, the hotel has a game room with a card table and a pool table, as well as a media room for intimate movie viewing.
The Experience: Located steps from Millennium Park and a short walk to the Magnificent Mile, the hotel is in a building that received the 2009 Emporis Skyscraper of the Year Award. The waving lines of the balconies give the structure a modern fluidity.
Big amenities, smart looks and an efficient staff make the Radisson Blu Aqua a cool choice for the traveler who wants it all.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
- Turn-down service
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
221 N. Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
tel 312 565 5258
radissonblu.com
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedMarch 2025
Mar 15, 2025Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option
Norwegian Cruise Line just launched a new late check-out service on select ships and European sailings, allowing passengers to remain on board the ship until 12:30–1 p.m. to enjoy a few more hours of relaxation, lunch and other amenities before going home. The new service still requires passengers to check out of their staterooms by 8:30 a.m., but guests can now store their luggage at the cruise terminal for the remaining hours.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover
Chances are you already know the name, but what you may not have heard about the iconic Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is the celebrated pool is undergoing a $20 million transformation of its GO Pool.
Airlines
Mar 14, 2025Don’t Miss Out on All Nippon Airways’ Sweepstakes to Explore Japan
All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest 5-star airline, launched a contest to give travelers a chance to win a trip to go beyond Tokyo and experience Japan’s under-the-radar destinations. One winner will receive two round-trip economy-class tickets from a U.S. ANA gateway city to a unique destination within ANA’s extensive domestic network, such as Komatsu (KMQ), Odate (ONJ), Okinawa (OKA), Oita (OIT), Sapporo (CTS) and Tottori (TTJ).
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Hotel Zeppelin Launches Dead-icated Stay in Honor of Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary
Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with an exclusive Dead-icated Stay offer. Hotel Zeppelin is all about celebrating its city’s countercultural tradition, and this offer helps them honor the band’s legacy and its roots in the Bay Area.
Thiou Restaurant Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 12, 2025eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025Air India Partners with Lufthansa Group, Virgin Australia
India’s leading global airline recently announced its expansion of codeshare partnerships with both Lufthansa Group and Virgin Australia. Through these new partnerships, travelers can enjoy access to more than 100 routes combined across the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025SH Hotels & Resorts Rebrands to Starwood Hotels
SH Hotels & Resorts, parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic brand created by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago.
ShareThis