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
Read This Next
Wine Tasting in the Finger Lakes
August 2017
Aug 1, 2017All 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 FeedDaily
Sep 28, 2023Buffalo AKG Art Museum Expansion by OMA, Shohei Shigematsu Revealed
A new and expanded campus at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum has been completed, reopening this summer and featuring new architecture designed by the architectural office of OMA New York, led by partner Shohei Shigematsu and project architects Lawrence Siu and Paxton Sheldahl, with Cooper Robertson (executive architect). The new expansion includes the Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building and extensive renovations to existing buildings. A $20-million commitment from New York State and Governor Kathy Hochul helped fulfill the expansion’s budget and completes the $230 million capital campaign, the largest campaign for a cultural institution in the history of Western New York State.
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
Daily
Sep 28, 20234 Reasons to Hit Up the Nobu Bar at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square This Autumn
Ever since opening in 2021, Nobu London Portman Square has served as the focal point for many gatherings, stays and experiences. This fall the hotel’s Nobu Bar adds four more reasons to visit with an exciting array of offerings, menus and events.
Daily
Sep 27, 2023On This Cruise, You’re Guaranteed to See the Northern Lights or Your Second One’s Free
There’s no doubt the northern lights are awe-inspiring and spectacular. Unfortunately, they’re also fickle and fleeting, and despite your best-laid plans of checking this item off your bucket list, sometimes Mother Nature’s luminescent show just doesn’t cooperate. But one cruise line has a new fail-safe in place.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Daily
Sep 27, 2023Sail Away on Dream Yacht Worldwide’s Easy Crewed Expeditions
Think you need a degree in sailing to enjoy a yachting holiday? Dream Yacht Worldwide, a leader in yacht charters, wants you to relax and enjoy the journey. Newly expanded to include the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Tahiti and the Seychelles, the "Easy Crewed” offered by Dream Yacht Worldwide also include charter options in Greece and Croatia.
Perelman Performing Arts Center Opens in New York
Daily
Sep 26, 20234 Sweet Spots for Vintage Clothing Lovers
Daily
Sep 26, 2023Viking Polaris Canadian Discovery Review
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 26, 2023eFlyer News
Sep 26, 2023Vicenza, Italy, Accuses Verona of Stealing Claim to Iconic Romeo and Juliet Location
In a dramatic plot twist that seems to have emerged from one of Shakespeare’s own plays, Vicenza, Italy, recently informally accused fair Verona, Italy, of stealing the claim to the famed Romeo and Juliet. For centuries, visitors have made the trip to Verona’s Juliet House to see the famous balcony.
Sponsored Content
Business or Leisure? With TAP Air Portugal, You Can Have Both!
Are you looking to enhance your business trip with a little leisure? Look no further than Portugal, a country renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. And with TAP Air Portugal, you can effortlessly transform your business trip into an unforgettable bleisure adventure. Discover why Portugal and TAP Air Portugal are the perfect combination for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.
Daily
Sep 26, 2023Explore the Beauty of North America by Rail in 2024
When making your travel plans for fall, winter or any season in 2024, don’t overlook the beauty and excitement travel by rail in North America offers. Vacations by Rail offers an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture and natural beauty. Here are some beautiful and culturally rich destinations in North America to consider:
ShareThis