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Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a 4.5-star, family-friendly design hotel in the Aqua Tower that emphasizes pools, fitness, and event space; read this if you want an active downtown stay with year-round and seasonal pools. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago is a 4.5-star Marriott Luxury Collection property on Michigan Avenue; read this if you prioritize a central Magnificent Mile address, classic hotel service, and easy shopping access.

Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Tall sculpted tower exterior of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago reaching into a colorful sky.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

Architectural design · Pools · Family-friendly

Best for travelers who want an architecturally notable downtown hotel with multiple pools and family-friendly facilities.

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The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Michigan Avenue · Luxury · Shopping-focused

Best for visitors who want a Michigan Avenue address, easy access to upscale shopping, and Luxury Collection service.

Quick Verdict: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

When Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago wins: choose Radisson Blu if you value on-site recreational facilities (indoor lap pool, seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub), a strong fitness/spa offer via partners, and roomy event or family-oriented amenities.

When The Gwen wins: choose The Gwen if your priority is staying steps from Michigan Avenue shopping and the Riverwalk in a Luxury Collection property with a central, walkable location and on-site dining in a classic city-hotel setting.

Bottom line: both are upscale 4.5-star choices for style-conscious downtown travelers; pick Radisson Blu for pools, active facilities, and architecture, and pick The Gwen for location on Michigan Avenue and a more traditional Luxury Collection experience.

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Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago and The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
CategoryRadisson Blu Aqua Hotel ChicagoThe Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Overall vibeContemporary, architect-driven design inside the Aqua Tower; active, family-friendly.Classic downtown luxury on Michigan Avenue with Marriott Luxury Collection service.
Location (landmarks)Lakeshore East / steps from Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk, near Magnificent Mile.
Size (rooms)334 rooms (including 18 suites) across 18 floors of the Aqua Tower.311 guestrooms.
Ages / audienceAll ages welcome; family-friendly with kids' meals and cribs on request.All ages welcome (not adults-only).
Pools / signature amenityThree pools: indoor lap pool year-round plus a seasonal outdoor rooftop pool and hot tub.Not published
Restaurants & barsFireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (main restaurant), Blu Bar lobby coffee/bar; pool bar when open.Two on-site restaurants and a bar/lounge (Kostali named as one restaurant in listing).
Spa & wellnessIn-room and on-site treatments via Windy City Massage; 2-story fitness center, sauna, running track.24-hour fitness center, rooftop terrace and garden listed; dedicated spa facility not published.
Event & meeting spaceExtensive event space (13 meeting rooms, ~28,000+ sq ft, Atlantic Ballroom for large weddings).Conference space: 3,388 sq ft and 14 meeting rooms listed in supplier listing.
Known forAqua Tower architecture, pools, fitness and family facilities.Prime Michigan Avenue address and classic downtown Luxury Collection service.
Parking & feesSelf and valet parking available for a daily fee; nightly Urban Fee covers Wi‑Fi and fitness/pool access.Valet parking (surcharge) and covered parking listed; some services have separate fees (internet, breakfast).

A Look Inside Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesRadisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago: pools & beachPools & beachRadisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago: diningDiningRadisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: Downtown access vs Michigan Avenue address

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago – Location

Radisson Blu sits in Lakeshore East inside the Aqua Tower, a short walk to Millennium Park and the Riverwalk.

  • Address: 221 N Columbus Dr; connected to the Chicago Pedway.
  • Steps from Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk, Grant Park and quick walk to the Magnificent Mile.
  • Transit access: nearby CTA stations and pedestrian connections to downtown.

Choose Radisson Blu for close access to cultural attractions and a short walk to lakefront parks.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Location

The Gwen is positioned directly on Michigan Avenue, putting shopping and the Riverwalk at your doorstep.

  • Address: 521 North Rush Street; listed as steps from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk.
  • 0.6 mi to Grant Park and Millennium Park by supplier listing.
  • Preferred airport noted as ORD by the supplier listing.

Pick The Gwen if Michigan Avenue shopping and a central Magnificent Mile location are your top priorities.

Rooms: layouts and sizes

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago – Rooms

Radisson Blu offers 334 rooms including 18 suites with several balcony and premium-floor options.

  • Room types include 1 King Bed, Deluxe; 2 Queen Beds, Deluxe; Premium High Floor Room; and multiple balcony and suite options.
  • Nightly Urban Fee includes Tier 1 Wi‑Fi and fitness/pool access.
  • Family-friendly bedding options and cribs available; pet policy allows pets for a fee.

Radisson Blu gives more room-count variety and explicit family/pet-friendly details.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Rooms

The Gwen lists 311 guestrooms with a range from Deluxe to multiple suite categories.

  • Room types include Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds; Grand Room, 1 King Bed; Junior Suite, 1 King Bed; Deluxe Suite with sofa bed.
  • Guestrooms feature refrigerators and LCD televisions; private baths with separate tub and shower.
  • Wireless internet is available (supplier lists Wi‑Fi surcharge), and in-room safes and desks are provided.

The Gwen offers a standard Luxury Collection room set with several suite options and in-room conveniences.

Dining & drinks: signature restaurants

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago – Dining & drinks

Radisson Blu's main dining is FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, plus lobby Blu Bar and seasonal pool service.

  • FireLake serves American/Midwestern wood-fired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
  • Blu Bar offers Starbucks and Lavazza coffee, to-go items and light snacks in the lobby.
  • Poolside/Aqua Bar service is available seasonally when the rooftop pool is open.

Radisson Blu is a good pick if you want a single strong in-house restaurant plus casual bar and pool service.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Dining & drinks

The Gwen has two restaurants and a bar/lounge; Kostali (Mediterranean) is named in the supplier listing.

  • Kostali offers Mediterranean cuisine and full breakfast service (for a fee) plus 24-hour room service.
  • A bar/lounge is available on-site for drinks.
  • Full breakfasts are available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a surcharge per supplier listing.

Choose The Gwen for a Michigan Avenue stay with hotel Mediterranean dining and full room service.

Pools & the hotel's signature amenity

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago – Pools & the hotel's signature amenity

Radisson Blu's pool offering is a major feature: an indoor lap pool plus a seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub.

  • Indoor two-lane lap pool open year-round; rooftop outdoor pool open seasonally (hours vary by source).
  • Outdoor pool includes hot tub, loungers and seasonal bar service (weather permitting).
  • Pool access, fitness center and other amenities are included with the Urban Fee.

Radisson Blu is the clear choice for guests who prioritize on-site pools and active facilities.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Pools & the hotel's signature amenity

The Gwen's supplier listing highlights fitness, rooftop terrace and garden; a pool is not published in the supplied listing.

  • 24-hour fitness center and rooftop terrace are listed as on-site recreation.
  • No on-site pool is published in the supplier listing provided.
  • Rooftop terrace and garden provide elevated outdoor space and city views.

If an on-site pool is important, The Gwen's listing does not show one; verify with the hotel before booking.

Wellness, nightlife & what to expect after dark

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago – Wellness, nightlife & what to expect after dark

Radisson Blu emphasizes wellness with a multi-level fitness center, running track and in-room spa services.

  • Two-story fitness center open 24 hours with cardio, weights, running track, saunas and steam rooms.
  • In-room massage and spa treatments arranged through Windy City Massage; locker rooms and spa amenities on-site.
  • Lobby Blu Bar and rooftop seasonal pool bar provide evening drink options; nightlife nearby along the Riverwalk and Magnificent Mile.

Radisson Blu supports active stays and late-day lounging with extensive fitness and evening bar options.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Wellness, nightlife & what to expect after dark

The Gwen lists a 24-hour fitness center and a rooftop terrace; its quieter, classic hotel environment suits shopping-and-dining evenings.

  • 24-hour fitness center and a rooftop terrace/garden for views and relaxing outside.
  • Two restaurants and a bar/lounge mean in-house evening dining is available without leaving the hotel.
  • Concierge services and central location make it easy to reach theater, dinner, and nightlife on Michigan Avenue.

The Gwen is convenient for evenings spent dining, shopping or walking the Riverwalk and Magnificent Mile.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for pools & fitness
Brick-columned corridor with framed photos along the wall inside the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago lobby area.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

Radisson Blu — indoor lap pool year-round, seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub, plus a 2-story fitness center and running track.

Best for Michigan Avenue shopping
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen — steps from Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile, ideal for shoppers and visitors who want to be in the thick of it.

Best for events & weddings
Narrow view down a brick-walled passage with planters and pendant lights at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

Radisson Blu — large Atlantic Ballroom and roughly 28,000+ sq ft of event space with capacities up to ~1,650 guests.

Best for a Luxury Collection experience
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen — a recognizable Marriott Luxury Collection property with classic service and in-house dining options.

Frequently asked questions

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is better if I want a pool day?

Radisson Blu is better known for pools — it has an indoor lap pool year-round plus a seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub; The Gwen's listing does not publish an on-site pool.

Which property is closer to Magnificent Mile shopping?

The Gwen sits on Michigan Avenue and is the more direct option for Magnificent Mile shopping; Radisson Blu is a short walk away but is located in Lakeshore East.

Are either of these adults-only hotels?

No — both properties welcome guests of all ages; neither is listed as adults-only.

Which hotel is better for meetings and weddings?

Radisson Blu has larger, more extensive event space (multiple ballrooms and many meeting rooms) and higher published maximum capacities, making it the stronger choice for large meetings or weddings.

More Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago Comparison Guides

Explore how Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Indoor lap pool with lounge seating and city windows at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
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