
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Best for families and event groups who want easy access to pools, a rooftop seasonal pool, and large ballroom/event space.
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Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a mainstream, family-friendly design hotel occupying the lower floors of the Aqua Tower, with multiple pools and large event spaces. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is a high-profile five-star riverfront tower with a full-service spa and skyline views — read this if you want a practical family-friendly base (Radisson Blu) or a landmark luxury riverfront stay (Trump).
Updated · about 0.5 km apart

Best for families and event groups who want easy access to pools, a rooftop seasonal pool, and large ballroom/event space.

Best for travelers seeking a landmark five-star riverfront address, a full-service spa, and skyline views in a prominent downtown tower.
When Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago wins: choose Radisson Blu if you want a family-friendly property with multiple pools (including an indoor lap pool and a seasonal rooftop pool), straightforward American dining at FireLake, and extensive meeting/wedding facilities in a striking architectural setting.
When Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago wins: choose Trump if you want a traditional five-star riverfront tower experience with an on-site full-service spa, a single indoor pool, strong name recognition, and rooms with river or city views in a high-profile location on the Chicago Riverwalk.
Bottom line: Both hotels put you within easy walking distance of Millennium Park, the Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue. Pick Radisson Blu for pools and large event space in a design-led property; pick Trump for a classic luxury riverfront tower with a dedicated spa and a prominent downtown address.
| Category | Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago | Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Design-forward, mainstream, family-friendly | High-profile five-star riverfront tower, luxury-focused |
| Location | Lakeshore East / Aqua Tower, steps from Millennium Park and the Riverwalk | Riverfront on Wabash Ave, steps from Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue |
| Size (rooms) | 334 guestrooms (including 18 suites) | 339 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages welcome; family-friendly | All ages welcome; family-friendly (not adults-only) |
| Pools | Three pools: indoor two-lane lap pool year-round + seasonal outdoor rooftop pool + hot tub | One indoor pool (listed as number of indoor pools - 1) |
| Restaurants & bars | FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (signature) + Blu Bar + pool/Aqua Bar service | Terrace 16 (American) plus a bar/lounge and 24-hour room service |
| Spa & wellness | In-room spa services via Windy City Massage and a large fitness/spa deck with saunas and running track | Full-service on-site spa offering massages, body treatments, facials; fitness center and sauna |
| Meeting & event space | 28,000+ sq ft across 13 rooms including the 12,000-sq-ft Atlantic Ballroom (capacity up to 1,650) | Conference space, meeting rooms and a ballroom are available (detailed capacities vary by source) |
| Known for | Architectural Aqua Tower location, rooftop pools and large event/wedding facilities | Riverfront skyline presence and name recognition on the Chicago Riverwalk |
| Parking & transport | Self and valet parking (fees), connected to Chicago Pedway, limo/town car service | |
Radisson Blu sits inside the lower floors of Jeanne Gang’s Aqua Tower in Lakeshore East — an easy walk to Millennium Park, Grant Park and the Riverwalk.
Great choice if you want a design-forward hotel steps from parks and pedestrian links.
Trump International sits on 401 N Wabash Ave along the Chicago River, noted for its skyline presence and central riverfront location.
Better if you prefer a landmark riverfront address and prominent skyline views.
Radisson Blu offers a compact set of room types across 334 rooms on the hotel’s floors, including suites and balcony rooms.
Rooms suit families and groups wanting city or lake views with suite and balcony options.
Trump International has a wide range of deluxe rooms and many view options across its 339 guestrooms.
Choose Trump for a traditional luxury room inventory with multiple view and spa-designated room options.
Radisson Blu’s main restaurant is FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, supported by lobby Blu Bar and pool/Aqua Bar service.
A solid, family-friendly American grill concept with brunch and casual bar options.
Trump offers Terrace 16 as an American dining option plus a bar/lounge and 24-hour room service.
A straightforward luxury‑hotel dining setup with in-room dining and a signature restaurant.
Radisson Blu’s headline amenity is its multiple pools: an indoor lap pool plus a seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub.
Pick Radisson Blu if pool options (indoor year-round + rooftop seasonal) matter to your stay.
Trump International lists one indoor pool among its recreational amenities.
Trump offers an indoor pool as part of its luxury amenities but does not match Radisson Blu’s multiple-pool setup.
Radisson Blu provides in-room spa services via Windy City Massage and a large fitness/spa deck with saunas and a running track.
Well-suited for active travelers who value fitness facilities and convenient in-room spa treatments.
Trump International features an on-site full-service spa with massages, facials and body treatments alongside a fitness center.
Choose Trump if an on-site full-service spa and traditional luxury spa offerings are a priority.

Radisson Blu — family-friendly policies, kids' meals at FireLake, cribs available and multiple pools (including a seasonal rooftop pool).

Trump International — prominent riverfront tower location on the Chicago Riverwalk and classic five-star hotel services.

Radisson Blu — over 28,000 sq ft of flexible event space including the large Atlantic Ballroom with high guest capacity.

Trump International — lists a full-service on-site spa offering massages, facials and body treatments.
Radisson Blu is the more family-oriented pick with kids' meals, cribs, and multiple pools; both hotels allow children 17 and under to stay free in a parent's room, per each property's policies.
Radisson Blu — it lists three pools (an indoor lap pool open year-round plus a seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub); Trump lists one indoor pool.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is not adults-only; it advertises family policies including children staying free under certain conditions.
Radisson Blu has larger and more explicitly detailed event and ballroom space (28,000+ sq ft across many rooms and the large Atlantic Ballroom), making it the stronger option for large events.
Explore how Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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