
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Best for travelers who want a design-forward downtown stay with year-round indoor lap swimming and a seasonal rooftop pool.
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Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a design-forward, family-friendly downtown hotel inside the Aqua Tower that suits travelers who want pools, skyline and lake views, and a compact luxury feel. Hyatt Regency Chicago is a large four-star convention and riverfront hotel for travelers who need big meeting space, many rooms, and a central Riverwalk/Michigan Avenue address.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for travelers who want a design-forward downtown stay with year-round indoor lap swimming and a seasonal rooftop pool.

Best for large groups, conventions, and travelers who want a familiar, high-capacity downtown hotel steps from the Chicago Riverwalk.
When Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago wins: choose Radisson Blu if you value architecture, a smaller design-led hotel, multiple pools (indoor lap pool + seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub), and a more intimate downtown-lakeshore experience.
When Hyatt Regency Chicago wins: pick Hyatt Regency if you need lots of rooms, extensive conference and ballroom space, multiple on-site restaurants, or a very central riverfront location for business or large-group travel.
Bottom line: both are convenient for Millennium Park, the Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile; Radisson Blu is the choice for design, pools and a smaller scale, while Hyatt Regency is the practical option for conventions, large parties, and brand familiarity.
| Category | Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago | Hyatt Regency Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Design-led, contemporary, smaller-scale hotel in the Aqua Tower | Large, convention-focused four-star hotel on the riverfront |
| Location | Lakeshore East / Loop, steps from Millennium Park and Chicago Riverwalk | |
| Size (rooms) | 334 rooms (including 18 suites) | 2032 guestrooms |
| Ages / Audience | All ages welcome; family-friendly | All ages welcome; not adults-only |
| Pools | Three pools: year-round indoor two-lane lap pool, seasonal rooftop pool, hot tub | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (main restaurant), Blu Bar, Lavazza coffee bar, pool/Aqua Bar | 4 restaurants and 2 coffee shops / cafes, plus 2 bars/lounges |
| Spa & wellness | In-room and partner spa services (Windy City Massage), 24-hour fitness, sauna/steam, running track | Health club / fitness facilities listed; dedicated spa facility not published |
| Known for | Aqua Tower architecture, rooftop pool and skyline/lake views | Massive conference/ballroom capacity and central riverfront position |
| Meeting & event space | 13 meeting rooms, 28,000+ sq ft event space, Atlantic Ballroom with lake/skyline views | 228,001 sq ft (21,182 m²) of conference/meeting space and many meeting rooms |
| Pet policy | Pet-friendly (fee applies; up to 2 pets; $75 per pet, per stay listed) | Not published |
Radisson Blu Aqua sits in the first 18 floors of Jeanne Gang’s Aqua Tower in Lakeshore East, a short walk to Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Riverwalk and a number of lakefront attractions.
Choose Radisson Blu for a lakeshore/park-adjacent location inside an architecturally notable tower.
Hyatt Regency Chicago sits on the riverfront at 151 East Wacker Drive, centrally located between the Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue.
Choose Hyatt Regency for maximum downtown convenience on the river with immediate access to the city’s main business and sightseeing corridors.
Radisson Blu offers 334 rooms (18 suites) with a compact, design-focused room set and several balcony and premium options.
Radisson Blu is a good pick if you want fewer rooms with more design detail and some balcony/view options.
Hyatt Regency has a very large room inventory (2,032 guestrooms) that suits groups, convention attendees and travelers needing availability across many room types.
Hyatt Regency is the practical choice when you need many rooms, varied room types, or block-booking for events.
Radisson Blu’s main outlet is FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, supported by a lobby Blu Bar and pool/Aqua Bar service.
Radisson Blu focuses on a strong signature restaurant plus convenient casual outlets.
Hyatt Regency lists multiple on-site dining options across 4 restaurants and 2 coffee shops/cafes plus 2 bars/lounges.
Hyatt Regency works well if you want multiple on-site dining choices without leaving the hotel.
Radisson Blu highlights three pools: a year-round indoor two-lane lap pool and a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool with hot tub and pool bar.
Radisson Blu’s pool setup is a defining amenity for guests who want onsite swimming in all seasons.
Hyatt Regency’s supplier listing emphasizes large meeting facilities and central riverfront access; dedicated pool details are not published in the supplier dossier.
Hyatt Regency is strongest for convention space; pool information was not published in the supplied facts and should be confirmed before booking if essential.
Radisson Blu offers an extensive fitness setup, running track, sauna/steam rooms and in-room spa treatments through a local partner.
Radisson Blu is a strong pick for guests who want fitness variety and arranged in-room spa services.
Hyatt Regency lists 24-hour fitness facilities and general health-club amenities; a dedicated spa facility is not published in the supplier listing.
Hyatt Regency covers standard fitness needs for business travelers; confirm on-site spa or treatment options before booking if they matter to you.

Radisson Blu — choose it for the Aqua Tower setting, contemporary rooms and rooftop pool experience.

Hyatt Regency — the hotel offers massive meeting and ballroom capacity suited to conventions and large groups.

Radisson Blu — multiple pools (including a year-round lap pool) and family-friendly policies make it a solid pick for families.

Hyatt Regency — the very large room inventory and multiple dining outlets are practical for blocks and last-minute group needs.
Radisson Blu — it lists three pools (an indoor lap pool available year-round plus a seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub). Hyatt Regency’s supplier listing does not publish pool details, so confirm with the hotel if a pool is required.
Hyatt Regency — the supplier listing shows very large conference and ballroom space (228,001 sq ft of conference space listed). Radisson Blu also has event facilities but on a much smaller scale.
Yes. Radisson Blu is explicitly family-friendly (children 17 and under included in its family rate policy). Hyatt Regency’s listing does not indicate adults-only restrictions and is suitable for all ages.
Both are within easy walking distance to Millennium Park, Grant Park and Michigan Avenue; Radisson Blu sits in Lakeshore East while Hyatt Regency is directly on the riverfront near Michigan Avenue Bridge.
Explore how Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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