Fondly called the Windy City, Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States. Known for its iconic city skyline nestled along the gorgeous shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is known for its architecture, culinary food scene, and sports. Whether you plan on attending a festival, making a weekend getaway Chicago style, or recreating Matthew Broderick’s iconic day in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, you are going to need a place to stay for your big adventure in the city.
Although there are many hotel options to choose from when booking a Chicago hotel, there is one suggestion that you may want to check out. In my humble opinion, it is one of the best hotels in Chicago – the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. Hotel near Millennium Park? Check! Hotel with a rooftop pool? You got it! A downtown Chicago hotel that happens to be luxurious, too? You better believe it.
Accommodations at the Radisson Blu Aqua
When booking a stay at the Radisson, guests experience the city through a lens of luxury, refinement, and wellness. Situated in the heart of downtown and just steps away from Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Chicago’s most celebrated cultural institutions, the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a contemporary urban sanctuary where design-forward style meets exceptional service and seasonal offerings all year round. It is safe to say this downtown Chicago hotel is one of the best hotels in Chicago, and for very good reasons.
If you are booking a weekend getaway destination in Chicago, you and your guests will have a variety of rooms to choose from when booking a stay. The hotel has 334 exquisitely appointed guestrooms and suites defined by clean lines, modern furnishings, and pops of color. Many rooms offer stunning sweeping city views, or guests enjoy an outdoor balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle of the city below. Some rooms even overlook neighboring Millennium Park, home to the city’s iconic Cloudgate, aka The Bean Chicago. Guests can also choose from the Presidential Suite or the Junior Ambassador Suite.
The Junior Ambassador Suite offers incredibly spacious accommodations. Enjoy a large living room with a desk and office area for a designated workspace, a mini bar, and a sitting area for relaxation. The bedroom includes a king-size bed that is super comfy and cozy. The pillows are perfect, as are the crisp sheets and fluffy, soft blankets. Even though the city beckons, you will not want to get out of bed because it is just that lush. The bathroom features a large soaking tub and a step-in shower to wash away the day before heading to bed for a restful night of sleep.
Architecture and Amenities at One of the Best Hotels in Chicago
Featuring award-winning architecture and design, the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago offers discerning travelers an immersive luxury hotel experience in the heart of the city. Guests can enjoy an impressively equipped fitness center, which includes a private yoga room, a half-basketball court, and an indoor lap pool. The hotel’s fitness center is more like a high-end gym as opposed to the scantily equipped gyms you often see when traveling. Plus, finding a hotel with a rooftop pool in Chicago is no easy feat, so consider this a hidden gem that is worth discovering.
During the summer, the hotel opens its 25-meter outdoor pool. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s vistas, this half-Olympic-sized rooftop pool is a rare find among luxury hotel Chicago properties. Matched with an elevated outdoor terrace with plenty of lounge seating and encircled by a quarter-mile running track, this lush escape offers an unmatched blend of leisure and lifestyle. Guests can unwind in a serene setting surrounded by striking skyline views and curated amenities truly found nowhere else in the city.
As for that architecture, the 82-story Aqua Tower Chicago was designed by acclaimed architect Jeanne Gang and her firm, Studio Gang. The most distinctive feature of the building is its curving, undulating, concrete balconies, which look like a vertical landscape composed of hills and valleys. This contemporary design was inspired by nature and protects the building from wind. It also earned the building the “Skyscraper of the Year” award in 2009, the year the tower was completed. What a noteworthy award for both the building and Jeanne Gang architecture.
Dining, Drinks, and Afternoon High Tea at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Although Chicago offers a variety of every type of cuisine you could ever crave or imagine, Radisson Blu Aqua has one of the best restaurants – FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. Also known as FireLake Grill House Chicago, this on-site restaurant is not like your typical subpar hotel bar and restaurant. This spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily and expresses the season’s finest offerings with a contemporary American menu that has something for every guest in your group. If you are staying over the weekend, you can also enjoy a weekend brunch. After all, a weekend getaway in Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a brunch.
FireLake Grill House Chicago also offers some of the best handcrafted cocktails that change with each season. What does not change is their delicious menu offerings, friendly staff, and welcoming environment. Come casual or fancy, this restaurant is for everyone.
If you are wondering what to order, try the homemade cheese and charcuterie board complete with local honeycomb, grilled sourdough bread, and a variety of dried fruits. If the game is on, order up the mega pretzel. This two-pound, yes, you read that right, two-pound pretzel comes with beer cheese and honey mustard. It is also so big, you may need to move to a bigger table. This appetizer is perfect for groups.
For entrees, try the Caesar salad, made with grilled lettuce leaves, adding a tasty and unique culinary crunch and twist to traditional salads. As for entrees, come hungry because the grilled filet rivals any steak found in some of Chicago’s most iconic city steakhouses. The smoked pork ribs are also delicious, so be sure to try the full rack. Do not forget the sides like a basket of truffle parmesan French fries, and leave room for dessert. You cannot go wrong with a warm chocolate lava cake. Bon appétit, everyone!
If you want to channel the chic and classy high-end vibes of the city, make a reservation for an afternoon high tea Chicago style. Enjoy a selection of house-made finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, seasonal pastries, along with sips from the Rishi Tea Collection. High tea is such a fun experience, so be sure to make reservations to ensure you get that tea time.
Things to Do Near Millennium Park
Looking for hotels near Millennium Park, Chicago? Perhaps even things to do near Millennium Park? Well, you are in luck. Situated in the heart of the city, the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a short walk away from some of Chicago’s most popular spots. This includes places like Grant Park, Michigan Avenue, and Millennium Park, which is home to the famous Cloudgate, aka The Bean.
Other nearby city landmarks include Buckingham Fountain, Maggie Daley Park, and The Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is also nearby and is perfect for biking, running, or walking. The Chicago Riverwalk is also right down the road and is a great spot for a little libation and people watching. Guests can also stroll to historic Jeweler’s Row for some new jewels, catch a show in the theatre district, or head to the River North neighborhood of the city for delicious eats, drinks, and shopping.
Sweet Home Chicago at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
With signature hospitality, unmatched location, and unforgettable spaces, the Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago represents the epitome of elevated living and visiting for the discerning travelers. Visit Aqua Tower Chicago online and follow them on social media at @radissonbluaquachicago.
