Aqua is one of Chicago’s iconic buildings, and the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel within matches its landmark design with exceptional style and service. With a prime location on the Chicago River near the Loop and an enticing suite of amenities, it’s a fantastic choice whether you want to see Chicago’s landmarks or unwind inside.
Essentials
- Address: 221 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601
- Neighborhood: Lakeshore East
- Average rate: $400
- Sustainability: Silver LEED Certified
- Highlight: A landscaped outdoor walking and jogging path offers stunning downtown views.
- Booking: Compare rates at Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia
Background
Aqua’s exterior concrete balconies resembling undulating waves and irregular-shaped glass recalling pools of water rise from the Chicago River and look like nothing else anywhere. It was the tallest building in the world designed by a woman, Jeanne Gang of Chicago’s Studio Gang, when it was completed. Today, it’s only eclipsed by another Gang design next door.
The distinctive building was the perfect fit for the first Radisson Blu the United States when the $125 million hotel opened in 2011. The hotel is situated on the first 18 floors of the 82-story skyscraper. The Radisson Blu’s 334 rooms are conveniently located near Chicago landmarks like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Michigan Avenue.
First Impressions
The Radisson Blu’s public spaces pay tribute to Chicago’s architectural history with exposed brick and weathered steel elements while delivering a contemporary energy with modern furniture, reflective accents, and bold pops of color. Groupings of seating invite guests to socialize and admire the wall of interconnected brass medallions as well as vintage photos of Chicago street scenes by Vivian Maier.
Jim Hamilton of Graven Interiors designed the interior and public spaces, and he included nods to Chicago history throughout. The negative space between brick columns in the lobby references the Chicago skyline. A 50-foot-long fireplace contains candles that represent buildings that were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
Getting There
– Book a flight to O’Hare or Midway Airports
– Book an airport transfer, or take public transit from either airport to the Clark/Lake station
– Valet parking costs $65 per 24 hours, or self-park nearby using SpotHero
Guest Rooms
Upstairs, clean lines and minimal finishes by designer Christian Lundwall give the guest rooms a serene, luxe atmosphere. The light wood floors, grey couch, leather chair, and reflective tables don’t attempt to compete with the star attraction—the views.
Every room has a wave-shaped balcony with a view of the Chicago skyline and sites like Lake Michigan, the Park in Lakeshore East, or Buckingham Fountain. You’ll never tire of snapping selfies on the unique balcony or the trippy feeling of staring up at the wavy exterior.
The bright bedroom includes a white bed under a white paper artwork. It gives way to a glossy aqua and white bathroom with a rain shower and soaking tub.
Dining
In the lobby, you’ll find a Starbucks as well as FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. An outdoor patio at street level attracts the after-work crowd with happy hour specials and a live DJ. Specialty cocktail names reference the city, like the Sears Tower, its take on an Old Fashioned.
FireLake features farm-to-table dining with an emphasis on wood-fired cooking. Midwestern meat, freshwater fish, and produce all appear on the grill. A seasonal crudo platter is brightened with citrus and capers. Flatbreads come in varieties like duck confit and fennel sausage. There are several cuts of steak to choose from, but don’t overlook the seared Cajun whitefish with red pepper herbed couscous. Save room for unique desserts like carrot pineapple cake. If you’re staying the weekend, the brunch menu includes a bottomless mimosa option. We look forward to returning to FireLake for its delicious wood-fired menu and friendly service, even when we’re not staying at the property.
Amenities
The outdoor terrace is the kind of place you want to come hang out even if you’re not staying overnight—and you can. Check the hotel’s event calendar for Blue Pool Parties on select Saturdays during the summer.
The half-Olympic-sized outdoor pool is surrounded by lounge chairs, cabanas, and skyscraper views. Admire the Chicago skyline from all angles by jogging or walking the quarter-mile outdoor track accented by lush landscaping. If you’d rather work out inside, you’ll find a fitness center, basketball court, sauna, hot tub, and indoor pool. A spa offers massages, body treatments, and facials.
With so much to do, be sure not to miss the art gallery tucked into the hotel’s lobby. It’s the perfect place to slow down and be inspired in a building that is a work of art inside and out.
Nearby
- Learn about the city’s iconic architecture at the Chicago Architecture Center, then see them up close with a Chicago Architecture Center Boat Tour.
- Venteux has the Loop’s prettiest cafe with a stylish French restaurant.
- Grab a cocktail at LH Rooftop for the best views of the Chicago River.
Check current Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel rates and availability and compare hotels.
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Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger,’ and she has contributed to several travel guidebooks. Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
