
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Best for active families and architecture fans who want city views, multiple pool options, and event space in a distinctive contemporary tower.
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Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a 4.5-star, family-friendly hotel occupying the lower floors of Jeanne Gang’s Aqua Tower, with multiple pools and a fitness-forward program. The Peninsula Chicago is an iconic five-star Magnificent Mile luxury hotel for travelers seeking classic, polished service and a full-service spa.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for active families and architecture fans who want city views, multiple pool options, and event space in a distinctive contemporary tower.

Best for travelers who prioritize a traditional five-star service standard, an in-house full-service spa, and a central Michigan Avenue address.
When Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago wins: choose Radisson Blu if you want a striking contemporary setting (Aqua Tower), more overt family-friendly programming, year-round indoor lap swimming plus a seasonal rooftop pool, and larger on-site event/wedding capacity.
When The Peninsula Chicago wins: choose The Peninsula for classic ultra-luxury touches — a dedicated full-service spa, a smaller but polished footprint with highly rated service, and immediate access to the Magnificent Mile shopping corridor.
Bottom line: both are upscale downtown choices within a short walk of the Magnificent Mile. Pick Radisson Blu for an amenity-rich, family-oriented stay with architectural interest; pick The Peninsula for traditional five-star luxury and a focused spa-and-service experience.
| Category | Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago | The Peninsula Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Contemporary, design-forward, activity and family oriented | Traditional five-star luxury, polished service |
| Location | Lakeshore East / Loop; steps from Millennium Park and Chicago Riverwalk | Magnificent Mile; steps from Michigan Avenue and Water Tower Place |
| Size (rooms) | 334 rooms, including 18 suites | 339 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages welcome; family-friendly | |
| Pools | Three pools: indoor lap pool (year-round) plus seasonal rooftop outdoor pool and hot tub | Indoor pool (1) listed in supplier facts |
| Restaurants & bars | FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (main restaurant) + Blu Bar and pool/Aqua bar options | 2 restaurants (including Shanghai Terrace) and 1 bar/lounge; room service available |
| Spa / wellness | In-room spa services via Windy City Massage, 2-story fitness center, running track, saunas | Full-service spa and health club (dedicated spa facilities) |
| Known for | Aqua Tower architecture, rooftop pool, extensive event space | Iconic Magnificent Mile address and classic five-star service |
| Event & wedding capacity | Large: 28,000+ sq ft meeting space, Atlantic Ballroom up to ~1,650 reception guests | Event facilities and ballrooms available (supplier listing: ballroom, banquet hall) |
| Wi‑Fi & fees | Premium Free WiFi; nightly Urban Fee covers Wi‑Fi, fitness center, pools, running track, sauna/steam, business center | Free wired and wireless internet listed as featured amenity |
Radisson Blu sits in the first 18 floors of Jeanne Gang’s Aqua Tower in Lakeshore East, a short walk to Millennium Park and the Riverwalk.
Choose Radisson Blu for proximity to parks, the Riverwalk, and the Aqua Tower setting.
The Peninsula is located on East Superior Street a block off Michigan Avenue, placing it directly on the Magnificent Mile shopping corridor.
Choose The Peninsula if you want immediate Magnificent Mile access and classic downtown positioning.
Radisson Blu offers 334 rooms — many with balconies and city or lake views, plus a selection of suites.
Expect contemporary design-forward rooms with practical amenities and some balcony options.
The Peninsula lists 339 guestrooms with a range of deluxe rooms and multiple suite configurations.
Expect traditionally appointed five-star rooms with a range of suite options and classic luxury finishes.
Radisson Blu’s main restaurant is FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, focused on wood-fired Midwestern cuisine and weekend brunch.
Choose Radisson Blu for a casual American grill with family-friendly brunch and convenient lobby coffee options.
The Peninsula has two on-site restaurants (including Shanghai Terrace) and a bar/lounge, plus limited-hour room service.
Choose The Peninsula for classic hotel dining with a formal restaurant option and lounge.
Radisson Blu features three pools including an indoor lap pool open year-round and a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool with hot tub.
Radisson Blu suits guests who want more pool variety and outdoor recreational options on-site.
The Peninsula lists an indoor pool among its featured amenities.
The Peninsula provides a polished indoor pool and terrace space appropriate for a traditional luxury stay.
Radisson Blu emphasizes fitness and in-room spa treatments through a local partner plus saunas and a running track.
Good fit for guests who prioritize fitness facilities and convenient in-room massage options.
The Peninsula features a full-service spa and a health club as part of its five-star amenity set.
Choose The Peninsula if a dedicated, on-site spa facility and classic luxury wellness services are important.

Radisson Blu has multiple pools, a running track, expansive fitness facilities, and family-friendly programming.

The Peninsula offers a full-service spa, refined service, and a direct Magnificent Mile address.

Radisson Blu provides large event capacity (28,000+ sq ft and Atlantic Ballroom options up to ~1,650 guests).

The Peninsula suits travelers seeking a focused high-end stay with in-house fine dining and concierge-driven service.
Radisson Blu is more explicitly family-friendly with kids’ meals, kids’ programs and multiple pool options; The Peninsula welcomes families but presents a more traditional luxury environment.
The Peninsula has a dedicated full-service spa; Radisson Blu offers in-room treatments through Windy City Massage plus strong fitness facilities.
Yes. The Peninsula is on the Magnificent Mile; Radisson Blu is a short walk (about 0.6 km) to Michigan Avenue and nearby shopping.
Radisson Blu — it lists three pools including a year-round indoor lap pool and a seasonal rooftop pool with hot tub; The Peninsula lists one indoor pool in its supplier amenities.
Explore how Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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