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RADISSON BLU AQUA HOTEL, CHICAGO, Chicago – Your ideal downtown stay
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Key details
Hotel Overview
221 North Columbus Drive,
Chicago,
Illinois,
United States of America,
60601,
Illinois
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago - Modern downtown hotel near Millennium Park
Located in Chicago Loop, the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is designed by architect Jeanne Gang. The hotel features 334 rooms and suites, an indoor pool, and a rooftop pool with city views. Guests have access to a fitness center with a half-size basketball court, an outdoor running track, and steam and sauna rooms. The on-site FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar serves Midwestern cuisine. The hotel is within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier. Business amenities include 13 meeting rooms, audiovisual services by Encore, and free Wi-Fi.
Additional perks of the hotel
- Electric car-charging stations
- Blu Bar serving Starbucks® beverages and breakfast sandwiches
- Lifestyle garden for relaxation
- Proximity to Lakeshore East Park with a kids' area
- Access to the Atlantic Ballroom with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline
- Farm-to-table dining at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
Rooms & Suites
The hotel offers 334 rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, mid-century modern desks, and minibars. Standard rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and tea and coffee makers. Suites feature additional space and safe deposit boxes. Some rooms provide views of the Chicago skyline or Lake Michigan.
Other conveniences
- Lavazza coffee and premium tea in rooms
- Ironing facilities and heating
- Terrace and garden furniture in select rooms
- Mini-bar and safe deposit box in suites
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Choose Your Room
Our listed hotels offer a variety of room types—double rooms, family suites, or deluxe options—all with features like breakfast, flexible cancellation policies, and exclusive deals.
221 North Columbus Drive,
Chicago,
Illinois,
United States of America,
60601,
Illinois
Map view
street view
221 North Columbus Drive,
Chicago,
Illinois,
United States of America,
60601,
Illinois
City landmarks
Parks
Millennium Park
2800 ft
Harbor
Navy Pier
1.1
mi
Museums
The Art Institute of Chicago
3700 ft
875 N Michigan Ave Within Chicago 360
360 Chicago Observation Deck
1.1
mi
Art object
Cloud Gate
2500 ft
Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
1.3
mi
Fountains
Buckingham Fountain
1.0
mi
Museums
The Field Museum
1.4
mi
233 S. Wacker Drive Entrance on Jackson Blvd
Skydeck Chicago
1.3
mi
North Michigan Avenue
The Magnificent Mile
3700 ft
233 S Wacker Dr
Willis Tower
1.3
mi
209 S La Salle St
The Rookery Building
1.1
mi
Museums
Chicago Cultural Center
2300 ft
Broadway Theatre
The Chicago Theatre
2400 ft
Museums
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
4300 ft
400-410 N Michigan Ave
Wrigley Building
2800 ft
Museums
Chicago Children's Museum
1.0
mi
435 N Michigan Ave
Tribune Tower
2900 ft
300 N State St
Marina City
3300 ft
201 E Ontario St
Arts Club of Chicago
3200 ft
53 W Jackson Blvd
Monadnock Building
4100 ft
141 W Jackson Blvd La Salle Street
Chicago Board of Trade Building
4900 ft
407 S Dearborn St
Old Colony Building
4400 ft
100 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago Riverwalk
1.3
mi
50 W Washington St Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center
Picasso Statue
3800 ft
Museums
Loyola University Museum of Art
5300 ft
Nearby
Parks
Grant Park
1500 ft
Parks
Maggie Daley Park
1500 ft
376 N Michigan Ave
Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum
1800 ft
Museums
American Writers Museum
1400 ft
Restaurants
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
1600 ft
130 E Randolph St
Amuse
400 ft
323 E Wacker Dr Swiss Hotel
Giordano's
1300 ft
130 E Randolph St Prudential Plaza
Ming Hin Cuisine
800 ft
333 E Benton Pl Suite #300
American Craft Kitchen & Bar
1100 ft
151 E Wacker Dr Hyatt Regency Chicago
Friendship on the Lake
1000 ft
200 N Lakefront Dr
Guest Reviews & Ratings
What Guests Are Saying?
84%
loved it & would return
View
Dining
Service
Location
8.4/10
Great
Rooms
7.6
Location
8.9
Service
8.1
Dining
7.5
Guest reviews
8.4/10
based on 8 reviews
8.2
8.2/10 based on 1820 reviews
Paul
United States of America,
May
2024
7.8/10
My stay at the hotel was quite good overall. The rooms were excellent and clean, with a modern look that suited my taste. Although there was a minor issue with mold over the window and water pooling on the windowsill, the management compensated with a discretionary discount which I appreciated. The service was a bit uneven, but the staff was very helpful and prompt in addressing any concerns I had. The location was fantastic, right near a dog park and within walking distance of major attractions like Navy Pier and the Riverwalk. The dining experience was enjoyable, especially the smoothie and salmon, but there were some limitations in the food supply. Overall, a pleasant stay with a few minor hiccups.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms were excellent and clean, with a modern look that suited us. There was a minor issue with mold over the window and water pooling on the windowsill, but it did not significantly impact our stay.
Service
7.0
The service was a bit uneven, but the staff was very helpful and attentive, especially after we raised some concerns. Room service, dry cleaning, and valet parking were available, adding convenience to our stay.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location was fantastic, with easy access to a nearby dog park and within a short walking distance to major attractions like Navy Pier and the Riverwalk. However, the down comforter was a bit too hot for our liking.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was great overall, particularly enjoying the smoothie and salmon options. However, there were limitations in the food supply, affecting the overall satisfaction of our dining experience.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel offered a variety of facilities such as room service, dry cleaning, valet parking, a welcome drink, and pet amenities. While the amenities enhanced our stay, there were some minor issues like washed out coffee cups returned to the room.
Dave
United Kingdom,
May
2024
7.8/10
My stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The room, though cozy and comfortable, faced some challenges with other guests smoking pot on their balcony, affecting our ability to fully enjoy our own balcony. The city view was nice although not very expansive. The service was fantastic, with attentive staff helping out in various ways, but some noisy and drunk guests were overserved at the pool. The location was convenient, near the park and lake, with great transportation options and easy access to dining spots. The dining experience was delicious but pricey, and facilities were generally good.
Rooms
7.0
The room was comfortable and cozy with a nice city view, but the balcony experience was impacted by neighboring guests smoking pot.
Service
9.0
The staff was amazing, always ready to assist and provide help, with thoughtful gestures like helping to locate amenities.
Location
8.0
The location was very convenient, close to the park, the lake, and transportation options, making exploring the city easy.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was overwhelming and delicious but on the pricey side.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel facilities were well-maintained, offering a pleasant environment for guests.
Andy
United Kingdom,
October
2023
8.0/10
The hotel is in a superb downtown location near the Chicago River, offering a calm ambiance without the hustle of traffic. The rooms are comfortable with some wear and tear, but they provide a quiet atmosphere for a budget-friendly cost. The service is friendly and welcoming, although some information gaps exist on amenities and parking options. The dining experience is mixed, with delicious offerings but limited selections. The property boasts top-notch facilities, including an outstanding pool and impressive sundeck downtown.
Rooms
7.0
The rooms, although showing signs of age, are quiet and provide a peaceful stay.
Service
8.0
The staff is pleasant and welcoming, although lacking some information on services and parking.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location near the Chicago River is superb, within walking distance of key attractions and boasting a stunning view of Lake Michigan.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience offers delicious options with a spectacular view, though with limited choices.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel provides exceptional facilities, including a remarkable pool and extensive sundeck.
Robert
United Kingdom,
September
2023
8.6/10
The hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms with a nice view of Millennium Park. The staff is extremely helpful and attentive, ensuring a pleasant stay. The location is perfect, right near major attractions but still relaxed. Although the dining options are basic, the delicious food and spectacular views make up for it.
Rooms
8.0
My ambassador suite was very modern, comfortable, and clean, with a lovely view of Millennium Park.
Service
9.0
The staff were extremely helpful and attentive, always ready to assist and resolve any issues promptly.
Location
10.0
The hotel is perfectly situated, just a block from Wacker & Michigan street scene and close to Millennium Park and the Chicago Art Museum. The serene atmosphere in the SE Region adds to its charm.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was very delicious, and the view from the balcony was spectacular. The pricing was fair for the quality offered.
Facilities
9.0
The property boasts a wide array of amenities, including a magnificent pool and undoubtedly the largest sundeck in downtown. The facilities are top-notch.
Samuel
United States of America,
August
2023
7.8/10
My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The rooms offered a spacious view of Millennium Park, but there was some confusion at check-in regarding the room type. The location was good for exploring Chicago as a tourist but not ideal for walking to all places. The dining experience was exceptional with a variety of options, but there were some service issues with staff disappearing when needed. Overall, a decent stay with room for improvement.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms were spacious and provided a broad view of Millennium Park.
Service
7.0
While some staff were amazingly helpful and friendly, there were instances where concerns were dismissed for sale upgrades.
Location
7.0
The hotel's location was perfect for wandering and close to Millennium Park, but a bit far from some tourist spots.
Dining
9.0
Dining at the hotel was the standout, offering a wide variety of delicious options.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities at the hotel were good with ample dining and leisure options.
View
Service
John
United Kingdom,
August
2023
8.2/10
The hotel room was clean, and the bed was super comfortable, although there was noticeable wear and tear, and not enough space for a rollaway bed when we had an extra guest. The service was incredibly accommodating and friendly, especially Vincent who always greeted us with a smile. The location was perfect for relaxing with a drink and convenient to key downtown spots. The dining, particularly in the lounge with great views, was excellent. Overall, a great choice if you want a central location with friendly service and comfortable rooms.
Rooms
7.0
The room was clean and the bed was very comfortable, but it showed signs of wear and tear and was not spacious enough for an extra guest's rollaway bed.
Service
9.0
The service was top-notch, with accommodating and friendly staff, especially Vincent who always welcomed us with a smile.
Location
9.0
The location was perfect for relaxing and close to key downtown attractions like Millennium Park, making it convenient for exploring the city.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience, especially in the lounge with fantastic views, was excellent.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel facilities were great, offering a perfect balance of comfort and convenience for a pleasant stay.
Alan
United Kingdom,
July
2023
8.2/10
The hotel offers amazing views from the outside and provides very comfortable rooms, although some rooms should not have been released in their condition. The service staff was extremely polite and knowledgeable about the city's restaurants, despite a few guests being overserved at the pool. The location is downtown and calm, walking distance from many tourist attractions, boasting a fantastic sundeck, but with some noise disturbance from the nearby fire station. The dining options were greatly improved with the new idea at the restaurant. Overall, a mixed experience with great potential for improvement.
Rooms
8.0
The rooms had amazing views and were very comfortable.
Service
7.0
Location
9.0
The location is downtown yet calm without the crush of traffic, close to major attractions but with noise from the neighboring fire station.
Dining
8.0
The new idea at the restaurant improved the dining experience greatly.
Facilities
9.0
The property boasts a fantastic sundeck downtown and other amenities that enhance the experience.
Tony
United States of America,
July
2023
8.4/10
I had a pleasant stay at the hotel. The room was clean and comfortable, and the staff was friendly and accommodating. However, there were some issues during check-in regarding room availability. The location was convenient to various attractions, but dining options were affected by noisy neighbors.
Rooms
8.0
The room was clean and comfortable, but there were issues at check-in with room availability.
Service
9.0
The service was top-notch, and the staff was very accommodating and friendly.
Location
10.0
The location was extraordinary, close to many attractions and convenient for exploring the area.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was affected by noisy guests next door, but overall the food was good.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel had all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.