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
Jun 24, 2025Spend a Mile High Fourth of July in Denver, Colorado
July 4, fireworks and outdoor fun — everyone’s favorite long summer holiday is coming up, and you can celebrate it a mile high (literally!) in Denver, Colorado. Here’s a selection of what’s planned:
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Daily
Jun 24, 2025A 12th-Century Watchtower is Reborn as Tuscany’s Newest Stay
Castello di Vicarello, a 12th-century castle located in the countryside of Tuscany’s Maremma, introduces Villa La Vedetta. Villa La Vedetta used to be the castle's historic watch tower and is now the estate’s first standalone villa.
Daily
Jun 23, 2025Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls Featured on TIME’s List of World’s Greatest Places 2025
This year, Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe has been featured in TIME’s Annual List of the World's Greatest Places 2025.
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
Jun 23, 2025Celebrate Summer in Portugal’s Algarve with Tivoli Hotels & Resorts
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts invites travelers to spend summer in Portugal’s Algarve region with a curated lineup of experiences at its three luxury resorts: Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, Tivoli Carvoeiro and Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort.
“Amazon Explorer” Yacht Sets Sail in Peru
June 2025
Jun 22, 2025Daily
Jun 20, 2025World’s First Runway Sauna Opens at Helsinki Airport for Unique Campaign
The world’s first runway sauna opened for just one day this month at Helsinki Airport in Finland. In a country with more than 3 million saunas, this runway sauna may just be another in the country, but it served as a symbol of Finnish happiness and wellbeing.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
June 2025
Jun 20, 2025The Majors Make Summer Tops for Tennis Fans
The world’s four most important annual professional tennis tournaments, collectively known as the Grand Slam, take place during the warmer months, so why not tack a Major onto your vacation?
ShareThis