Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel with a colleague who had never been to Chicago before; as we stepped out of the cab he commented on the wind. “Welcome to Chicago, the Windy City,” I said. Our flight had been uneventful and the drive from O’Hare to downtown was quick, so we began our two-day visit on a positive note.
Guest Quarters: My King Park View room featured a balcony I skipped because of the gusty conditions — not ideal for someone who doesn’t want to be blown away. The suite occupied a corner with wall-to-wall windows, offering views of the Chicago River to the north and Lake Michigan to the east. Bright and cheerful, the room used a sleek, minimalist palette with light-blue accents and blond wood floors that contributed to a calm atmosphere.
A separate workspace off the entrance hall included a large desk with multiple desk-height outlets, practical for business travel. The minibar sat under a small flat-screen TV. The bedroom area had a king-sized bed, a dresser with another flat-screen TV, an easy chair and a coffee table. The bathroom provided both a tub and a walk-in shower with a rain showerhead, combining convenience and comfort.
Services/Amenities: The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Filini, was where we had dinner the first evening. I ordered the lamb ravioli and found it excellent — I recommend it. The property is particularly well suited to guests who want to maintain their fitness routines while traveling. The fitness center includes a comprehensive gym with many cardio machines, a basketball court and a separate yoga room.
Outdoor amenities include a junior Olympic-sized pool, while indoors there is a two-lane lap pool. A lifestyle garden features a sundeck with a fire pit, a hot tub and cabanas; from the sundeck you can catch partial views of the lake, a reminder of the hotel’s central Chicago location. A full-service spa is also available for relaxation and treatments.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ The hotel’s location makes it easy to walk or take a short cab ride to many of Chicago’s highlights: the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park with the iconic “Bean,” the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and major events such as Lollapalooza. It is also convenient to the financial district and other downtown attractions.
◆ The property offers 13 meeting rooms; the Atlantic Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,650 guests, making it suitable for larger conferences and events.
◆ One of the standout aspects of staying at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago is the staff. From arrival to departure they were consistently friendly and accommodating, enhancing the overall experience.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago
221 N. Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
tel 312 565 5258
radissonblu.com