
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Best for families, active travelers, and event groups who value pools, a rooftop deck, and large meeting/wedding spaces.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a design-forward, family-friendly hotel occupying the first 18 floors of Jeanne Gang’s Aqua Tower, aimed at travelers who want easy access to Millennium Park and year-round pool and wellness facilities. The St. Regis Chicago is a prestige five-star luxury hotel in a landmark modern tower, best for guests seeking formal five-star service, a full-service spa, and riverfront/riverwalk proximity.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for families, active travelers, and event groups who value pools, a rooftop deck, and large meeting/wedding spaces.

Best for travelers wanting formal five-star service, river and skyline views from a high-rise landmark and an on-site full-service spa.
When Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago wins: pick Radisson Blu if you want family-friendly rooms, multiple pools (indoor lap pool plus a seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub), easier everyday dining with a single signature restaurant (FireLake) and large, flexible event space for weddings or groups.
When The St. Regis Chicago wins: choose The St. Regis for a formal five-star stay in a landmark modern tower, a dedicated full-service spa, quieter prestige service levels, and suites with river or park views.
Bottom line: Radisson Blu Aqua is a better practical choice for families, groups, and guests who prioritize pool access and event space within a distinctive architectural setting. The St. Regis is the pick for travelers who prioritize five-star luxury, an on-site full-service spa, and the cachet of a landmark skyscraper.
| Category | Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago | The St. Regis Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Design-forward, energetic, family-friendly; active wellness focus | Prestige five-star luxury; formal service and high-rise views |
| Location (neighborhood) | Lakeshore East / Loop — steps from Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue | Central downtown, near Chicago Riverwalk and Grant Park; short walk to Millennium Park |
| Distance between properties | about 0.8 km apart | |
| Size (rooms) | 334 rooms (including 18 suites) | 192 rooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; main guest must be 21 to check in | |
| Pools / signature amenity | Three pools: indoor two-lane lap pool year-round plus seasonal outdoor rooftop pool and hot tub | Indoor pool (number of pools listed as 1) and steam room; wheelchair-accessible pool noted |
| Restaurants & bars | FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (main restaurant) plus Blu Bar, rooftop pool bar | 2 restaurants (including Miru) and 1 bar/lounge; 24-hour room service |
| Spa & wellness | In-room spa treatments via Windy City Massage; 2-story fitness center, sauna/steam, rooftop fitness/track | Full-service spa offering massages, body treatments and facials; 24-hour fitness center and steam room |
| Event / meeting capacity | Extensive event space (13 meeting rooms, ~28,000+ sq ft; Atlantic Ballroom up to ~1,650 reception) | 8 meeting rooms available; banquet/meeting facilities for events |
| Known for | Occupies Aqua Tower’s lower floors (Jeanne Gang design), family amenities, pools and large event spaces | Prestige five-star service in a landmark modern tower close to the river and Grant Park |
Radisson Blu sits at 221 N. Columbus Drive in Lakeshore East, steps from Millennium Park and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Choose Radisson Blu for the convenience of Lakeshore East access and quick walks to the city’s main parks and shopping.
The St. Regis Chicago is at 401 East Upper Wacker Drive, centrally located near the Riverwalk and Grant Park.
Pick The St. Regis for a central downtown location with immediate access to riverfront promenades and parkland.
Radisson Blu has 334 rooms (including 18 suites) across the first 18 floors of the Aqua Tower, with multiple balcony and premium corner options.
Radisson Blu gives more guestrooms and family-oriented room configurations in an architecturally notable building.
The St. Regis offers 192 air-conditioned rooms and a selection of suites with river and park views.
The St. Regis focuses on fewer, larger rooms and a full suite lineup for guests expecting five-star room amenities and views.
Radisson Blu centers dining around FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar with casual lobby options for quick bites and coffee.
Radisson Blu is convenient for families and casual dining with a single signature restaurant and lobby coffee options.
The St. Regis has multiple dining venues and 24-hour room service for a full five-star food-and-beverage program.
The St. Regis suits guests who want multiple on-site dining options and formal room service typical of five-star hotels.
Radisson Blu offers three pools: a year-round indoor lap pool plus a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool and hot tub.
Radisson Blu is the stronger pick for guests prioritizing on-site pool options and seasonal rooftop swim time.
The St. Regis lists an indoor pool, steam room and 24-hour fitness center among its recreational amenities.
The St. Regis provides standard five-star pool and fitness facilities; it’s best for guests who want a quieter, luxury wellness setting rather than multiple pools.
Radisson Blu combines a two-story fitness center, rooftop running track, saunas/steam rooms, and concierge-arranged in-room massages.
Radisson Blu fits travelers who want active wellness amenities and social pool/rooftop spaces.
The St. Regis emphasizes a full-service spa, professional spa treatments, and a quieter bar/lounge experience.
The St. Regis is the choice for guests seeking formal spa services and a quieter, refined evening atmosphere.

Radisson Blu — cribs, kids' meals, kids’ programs, multiple pools and family-sized room options.

Radisson Blu — large event spaces (Atlantic Ballroom and ~28,000 sq ft total), flexible meeting rooms and outdoor event options.

The St. Regis — prestige brand, formal five-star service, fewer but larger rooms and landmark-tower presence.

The St. Regis — dedicated full-service spa with massages, facials and body treatments onsite.
Radisson Blu is better for families — it explicitly offers kids’ meals, cribs on request, family room configurations and three pools.
The St. Regis is the stronger pick if you want a traditional five-star experience and an on-site full-service spa.
Yes — both properties are within easy walking distance of Millennium Park and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Radisson Blu has the larger event footprint (about 28,000+ sq ft and large ballrooms) and higher maximum reception capacity.
Explore how Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·