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Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel: Traveler Reviews

4.0 of 5
221 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Hotel amenities
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
Ranked #13 of 164 hotels in Chicago
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608 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
    451
    109
    32
    12
    4
Date Rating
Saint Louis, Missouri
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Beautiful hotel, staffs get on my nerve”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 10, 2012

I stay at the hotel 4 nights and the hotel itself is a work of art with beautiful features and extremely clean. I'd stayvat this hotel again. I have two complains about the staffs however. First was my receptionist, he didn't even bother to look up and greet me when I approached his station for check in. But after we started talking, he did welcomed me with a smile so I was willing to over look that. The second incident was with this front desk guy I saw when entering from the side entrance due to the rain. I was confuse as where to go and he asked me all these questions like what are you looking for, what room you are in, do you stay here, are you sure you stay at blu. I answered all his questions without getting help finding the elevator. I finally gave up and walked away being very upset. I'd think hotel as nice as the Blu would train their staff appropriately to at least have a polite conversation with their guest.

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask Shreknguyen about Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Radissonbluaqua, General Manager at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, responded to this review
November 12, 2012
Thank you for sharing your experience about the hotel. I am happy that you enjoyed your overall stay with us and that you plan to return. However, I cannot apologize enough that our team was not more engaging and helpful during your visit. I assure you, we are working diligently to address the issues you identified, and I am truly sorry for any disappointment or frustration we caused for you.

All the best,

Pierre-Louis Giacotto
General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
In Michigan
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“A wonderful, relaxing weekend getaway...”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 9, 2012

The room and view was wonderful! Stepping into the bathroom was like walking into a spa after a long week of work. The tub is perfect for two, or an individual looking to indulge in lavender bath salts and bubbles; just as I did ;). Radisson Blu is the calm after a night out in the heart of the city. Every attendant was polite, personable, and worked to ensure we were having a wonderful experience. We didn't have to worry about catching a cab and by the next day, the bartender did nothing short of having our drink ready by the time we arrived (it felt as though). I can go on and on but to sum it all up, I definitely recommend Raddision Blu. You will relax, and be treated as though you deserve the break! Don't just take my word for it! Enjoy your stay.

Room Tip: When booking the room, I expressed my preference and in turn was very satisfied upon arrival.
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  • Stayed February 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Yolonda R about Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Radissonbluaqua, General Manager at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, responded to this review
November 12, 2012
Thank you for your review! I am honored that you had such a wonderful stay and that we were the perfect end to a hectic day in the city! I have shared your compliments with our front office and Filini team, and everyone was happy to have made such an impact on your stay. We look forward to your next trip to the city!

All the best,

Pierre-Louis Giacotto
General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tacoma, Washington
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Coolest Building in the Area”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 6, 2012

Stayed 3 nights, had a corner room overlooking the park on the 10th floor. Rooms were great but could have used more storage area. Hardwood floors, unique room design, cool exterior, great staff, walking distance to lots of areas, reasonable rates. Restaurant was OK, lots of eating options nearby. Like the modern decor, enjoyed the stay.

  • Stayed October 2012, traveled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Dave C about Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Radissonbluaqua, General Manager at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, responded to this review
November 7, 2012
Thank you for your review! I am happy that you had such an enjoyable three nights with us! I hope we see you again soon!

All the best,

Pierre-Louis Giacotto
General Manager
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Traverse city
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Hip upscale property”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 5, 2012

Stayed two nights 11/2-11/4. we were able to check in early at 1PM, front desk staff was friendly and helpful, which was nice after traveling by train for 4.5 hours. Bell/door staff were helpful with locations to eat off property and directions, as well as getting cabs quickly. Our room was very clean and had great finishes and nice linens. The rain shower was nice and soothing after after long walking trips exploring the city.

Room Tip: Our room was on the 9th floor, riding the elevator past the level with the ballrooms seemed loud, so...
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  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by Scott F for Chicago
Ask Scott F about Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Radissonbluaqua, General Manager at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, responded to this review
November 6, 2012
Thank you for your review! I am glad that our team was helpful after a long day of travel and that you had such a nice stay with us. I hope that we see you again on your next trip to the city!

All the best,

Pierre-Louis Giacotto
General Manager
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Beaver, Pennsylvania
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Nice property, great service”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 5, 2012

I stayed here two nights while attending a conference onsite. This is a nice new property with beautifully appointed rooms. The European-style modern decor is the epitome of Chicago chic: the rooms are stunningly lit, and beautiful tiles in the foyer and bathroom reflect the light. I felt very sophisticated staying here.

My room and hallway were always quite clean and the complimentary bottled water, coffee, and tea restocked daily. I had to call the front desk for a replacement hair dryer when I overlooked the one hanging in the closet, and they sent one up immediately, no questions asked, even though they probably could have told me to look for the one in my room.

The conference facilities were fine, nothing special but served the conference well. Continental breakfast and buffet lunches were provided both days. It wasn't the greatest food I've ever had, but for a mass-produced conference meal, they were perfectly fine.

My only (slight) disappointments were with the exterior of the hotel. The "wave" design photographs much better than it looks in real life. Also, every room had a balcony, mine with a lovely view of the harbor, but none of the balconies had any furniture, so you couldn't enjoy it for any length of time.

  • Stayed September 2012, traveled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by BlueApron for Chicago
Ask BlueApron about Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Radissonbluaqua, General Manager at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, responded to this review
November 6, 2012
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am happy that you enjoyed your experience at the hotel, and that your room was comfortable and inviting. I would, however, like to apologize that you were disappointed with the building exterior and balconies. I am also sharing your comments with our Chefs. I hope that we see you again on your next trip to the city!

All the best,

Pierre-Louis Giacotto
General Manager
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Address: 221 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Region: United States > Illinois > Chicago
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Center Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #13 of 164 hotels in Chicago
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
The Radisson Blue Aqua Hotel Chicago is the contemporary debut of Radisson Blu in North America. A true representation of the brand, it is designed to become a destination in itself. Radisson Blu is the luxury division of our global hotel brand, focusing on design, style and attention to detail in every respect. ... more   less 
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Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
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