
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Best for families, meetings, and larger events — multiple pools, a large ballroom and extensive meeting space make it a practical choice for groups and families.
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Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a 4.5-star, family-friendly hotel in the Aqua Tower that emphasizes pools, fitness and large event spaces. Viceroy Chicago is a stylish 4.5-star Gold Coast luxury hotel aimed at travelers wanting fashionable, design-forward accommodations near the Magnificent Mile.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for families, meetings, and larger events — multiple pools, a large ballroom and extensive meeting space make it a practical choice for groups and families.

Best for style-conscious travelers and couples who want a fashionable Gold Coast base within easy walking distance of Michigan Avenue and the lake.
When Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago wins: choose Radisson Blu if you need lots of meeting or wedding space, want multiple on-site pools (including a year-round indoor lap pool), or are traveling with family — the property and event inventory are geared to groups and multi‑age stays.
When Viceroy Chicago wins: pick Viceroy if you prefer a boutique-luxury, design-led hotel in the Gold Coast with a focus on style, a single-season rooftop/outdoor pool, and rooms with lake-view options.
Bottom line: both are downtown 4.5-star hotels close to Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan; Radisson Blu is stronger for events and family-focused amenities, while Viceroy is the more fashion-forward Gold Coast choice for smaller groups or couples.
| Category | Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago | Viceroy Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Urban, family-friendly large hotel in the Aqua Tower with functional amenities for groups | Stylish, design-forward Gold Coast luxury hotel aimed at fashionable travelers |
| Location (neighborhood) | Loop / Lakeshore East — steps from Millennium Park and Chicago Riverwalk | Gold Coast / Near Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan (north of the Loop) |
| Size (rooms) | 334 rooms including 18 suites across the first 18 floors | 180 guestrooms (listing shows 180 guestrooms) |
| Star rating & guest score | 4.5-star (Radisson branding) — mainstream upscale | 4.5-star, guest rating 9.4 (supplier listing) |
| Pools | Three pools: a year‑round indoor two-lane lap pool plus a seasonal outdoor rooftop pool and hot tub | Outdoor seasonal rooftop pool (seasonal; has pool hoist and sun loungers) |
| Restaurants & bars | FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (main restaurant), Blu Bar coffee/casual bar, seasonal pool bar | Somerset (restaurant/lounge) plus rooftop terrace bar/lounge and limited room service |
| Spa & wellness | In-room spa services via Windy City Massage; 2-story fitness center, saunas, outdoor running track | On-site fitness facilities and seasonal pool; spa treatments not listed as a dedicated hotel spa in supplier listing |
| Event & meeting space | Large — 28,000+ sq ft across 13 meeting rooms; Atlantic Ballroom for up to ~1,650 reception guests | 12 meeting rooms, conference space ~13,440 sq ft (multiple meeting rooms and ballroom) |
| Family policy | Family-friendly; children welcome (children 17 & under included in rate policy), cribs available | |
| Typical guest | Families, business groups, weddings and conference attendees | Leisure and business travelers seeking stylish, upscale accommodations near the Magnificent Mile |
Radisson Blu sits in Lakeshore East / the Loop with immediate access to Millennium Park and the Riverwalk.
Better if you want immediate access to Loop attractions, Millennium Park and integrated Pedway connections.
Viceroy is in the Gold Coast, a short walk north of the Magnificent Mile and very close to Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach.
Better if you prefer a north-Magnificent Mile location with quick lake access and a Gold Coast neighborhood feel.
Radisson Blu offers 334 rooms and 18 suites across the first 18 floors of the Aqua Tower with city and lake views.
Better for larger groups or families who need a range of room types and suites in a landmark tower.
Viceroy's roster lists many room types including lake-view Deluxe and several suite categories and terrace rooms.
Better if you want design-focused rooms with lake-view and terrace suite options in a smaller luxury property.
Radisson Blu's main on-site restaurant is FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar with a separate lobby Blu Bar.
Better for families and groups who want a full-service hotel restaurant and casual bar options on-site.
Viceroy's Somerset is the property's main restaurant and the hotel has a rooftop terrace for drinks.
Better if you want a single, focused hotel restaurant and a rooftop terrace for cocktails in a boutique setting.
Radisson Blu highlights three pools: an indoor year-round lap pool plus a seasonal rooftop pool and hot tub.
Better for guests who want both year-round pool options and a rooftop seasonal pool.
Viceroy lists a seasonal outdoor pool with sun loungers and a pool hoist; pool is open seasonally (May–Oct noted).
Better if a single seasonal rooftop pool and terrace are sufficient for your stay and you travel in warmer months.
Radisson Blu offers a two‑story fitness center, locker rooms, saunas and in-room spa services through Windy City Massage.
Better for active travelers who want extensive fitness options and in-room spa treatment availability.
Viceroy provides fitness facilities and a rooftop terrace; spa is not listed as a separate on-site branded spa in supplier details.
Better for travelers who prioritize a stylish hotel bar/rooftop scene and may arrange external spa services.

Radisson Blu — over 28,000 sq ft of event space and ballrooms that can handle receptions up to ~1,650 guests.

Viceroy Chicago — a smaller, design-focused property in the Gold Coast for travelers seeking style and intimate service.

Radisson Blu — has a year‑round indoor lap pool plus seasonal outdoor options and a hot tub.

Viceroy Chicago — closer to Oak Street Beach and positioned for quick walks to Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile.
Radisson Blu is more family-focused with kids' meals, cribs available, and multiple pools including an indoor lap pool usable year-round.
Viceroy Chicago is the more fashion-forward, boutique-luxury choice in the Gold Coast with terrace and lake-view room options.
No — Radisson Blu has a year-round indoor lap pool plus a seasonal outdoor pool; Viceroy's outdoor pool is seasonal per the supplier listing.
Radisson Blu — it offers substantially larger event and meeting space (tens of thousands of square feet and large ballrooms) than Viceroy's listed conference inventory.
Explore how Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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