The Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Hotel Review is part of TPOL’s quest of completing the JetBlue Points Match while simultaneously searching for the best pizza in Chicago.
Getting There: Take the Blue Line from the airport to Washington. It’s $3 and will save you from the hassle of enduring Chicago traffic.
With an expiring Club Carlson certificate, I booked one night at the Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago. It proved to be an excellent redemption as this is one of the best Club Carlson hotels in terms of amenities, service, and aesthetics.
The Location
Only minutes from the shopping of Michigan Ave and the Sunday Funday experience of El Hefe, the Radisson Blu Aqua is ideally located. There’s even a CVS attached to the hotel for those looking to purchase libations or, for my points participants, gift cards.
The Architecture
The hotel is something to behold. I lack the vocabulary to articulate its beauty which is why I will defer to this article for a written description.
The Hotel Itself
The hotel is fancy from inside and out. From the golden wall of the lobby to the sparkling floors of the bathroom, everything about this hotel spells glamour.
The Service
Like the Radisson in Iceland, the service at the Radisson Blu Aqua was excellent. From allowing me to check-in at 9AM to extending my check-out to 2PM, the hotel staff did everything to make my stay comfortable.
The Bar
The mixologist prepared some wonderful cocktails which were refreshing after exploring the city on a hot summer day.
The Gym
The Radisson Blu also serves as a residence. That explains why the gym rivals LA Fitness. There’s a lap pool, an outdoor track, and a basketball court.
The Room
I was upgraded to a business class room with a limited view of Lake Michigan. The room like most Radisson hotels was nice but not spectacular.
The Bathroom
The Radisson Blu needs a new line of soaps. The ones provided are not on par with other luxury brands.
Overall
Chicago has many hotels to choose from. The Radisson Blu Aqua is certainly a good choice, especially if you have points to burn.
My favorite hotel ever!
Only thing better that the hotel was the service
Yes!
Great hotel until you neighbor has a party and everyone arriving bangs on the door until late. I called the front desk and luckily I was really tired and finally fell asleep as we had walked miles that day on a private tour. Also the food in the bar is nothing spectacular. My friend got sick with a migraine and did not feel like going out so I went downstairs and ate in the bar.
I had to complain about the damn dog in the room next to me. They sent up security, I fell asleep.
I stayed here about 3 years ago during the Chicago Seminars… the commute in the morning and end of the day was lame, but it was worth staying at Aqua instead of the Holiday Inn outside the city. I wish they had more Rad Blu’s in the US.. and it’s a shame that they lost the one in Pittsburgh recently.
I took Lyft share and it was $3. They also have Via now in Chicago.
Aqua hotel design won a PETA award for bird-friendly architecture. Millions of birds die every year flying into glass buildings reflecting sky on the windows. The design apparently is much easier for birds to see and avoid.
I’m actually aware of this problem. It was pointed out to me about another bird friendly building in Toronto.