Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel with a colleague who had never been in Chicago before, and he remarked how windy it was as we exited the cab. I said, “Welcome to Chicago, the Windy City.” It had been an uneventful flight and a relatively quick trip into the city from O’Hare, so we were off to a good start for the two-day visit.

Guest Quarters: My King Park View Room had a balcony that I did not go onto since it was windy, in keeping with the city’s nickname, and I am not built like a kite.

It was a corner suite with wall-to-wall windows, giving me a view of the Chicago River to the north and Lake Michigan to the east. Needless to say, it was a cheerful suite. The décor utilized a sleek, minimalist design with light blue accents and blond wood floors, creating a calming space.

A separate workspace off the entrance hall included a generously sized desk with several desk-height outlets. This area also included the minibar, above which a small, flat-screen TV was mounted. The bedroom included the king-sized bed, a dresser that held a flat-screen TV, an easy chair and a coffee table. The bathroom offered a separate tub and shower with rain showerhead.

Services/Amenities: The hotel restaurant and bar is called Filini. We had dinner there on our first night and I ordered the lamb ravioli, which was superb. I highly recommend it.

The hotel is ideal for anyone wanting to keep fit while traveling. The fitness center includes a full gym with lots of cardio machines, a basketball court, a separate yoga room, an outdoor junior Olympic-sized pool and an indoor two-lane lap pool. A lifestyle garden includes a sundeck with a fire pit, a hot tub and cabanas. The sundeck provides partial views of the lake to remind you you are in the heart of Chicago. The hotel also boasts a full spa.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ The hotel is ideally located within easy walking distance — or a short cab ride — to the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park with the iconic “Bean,” the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and Lollapalooza, the preeminent music festival in the United States. It is also convenient to the financial district and downtown.

◆ Among the hotel’s 13 meeting rooms, the Atlantic Ballroom can hold up to 1,650 people.

◆ One of the joys of staying at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago is the staff. From the time you enter the hotel to when you depart, they are extremely friendly and accommodating.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago

221 N. Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
tel 312 565 5258
radissonblu.com