What to pack for a stay at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Pack layers and city-ready clothes for walking and dining; include swim gear and a lightweight pair of shoes for the hotel's indoor lap pool and seasonal rooftop pool. Bring business- or event-appropriate attire if you’re using the Atlantic Ballroom or meeting rooms, and remember chargers, a reusable water bottle, and any kid- or pet-specific items if traveling with family or pets.
In this guide
Arrival & check-in
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Bring a photo ID and the credit card used to book; some guests may be asked for a refundable damage deposit.
The hotel is at 221 N. Columbus Drive inside the Aqua Tower and is connected to the Chicago Pedway. If you expect to park, the property offers self-parking and valet for a daily fee; an EV charging station is available.
- Photo ID and credit card for check-in
- Reservation confirmation (digital or printed)
- Cash or card for parking, Urban Fee, or incidentals
| At the desk |
|---|
| Check-in: 4:00 PM; Check-out: 11:00 AM |
| Photo ID and credit card required |
| Urban Fee covers Wi‑Fi, fitness center, pools, track, sauna, business center |
What to pack for your room
Rooms range from 1 King Bed, Deluxe to One Bedroom Ambassador Deluxe Suite, Balcony; pack items that suit the room type you booked and your plans (work, relaxation, or family stay). If you plan to work, a number of rooms list a dedicated desk and city views.
The hotel is smoke-free and provides standard in-room amenities, but you may want a few personal comforts not guaranteed in every room.
- Universal phone and laptop chargers; an adapter if traveling from abroad
- Light robe or slippers if you prefer your own — the property has saunas and spa services arranged via Windy City Massage
- Compact first-aid items and any preferred toiletries (hotel toiletries are provided but personal brands vary)
- If you requested a specific bedding setup, note room names exactly (example: 1 King Bed, Superior, Balcony or 2 Queen Beds, Deluxe)
| Room example | Common bedding |
|---|---|
| 1 King Bed, Deluxe | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds (selectable) |
| 2 Queen Beds, Deluxe | 2 Queen Beds |
| One Bedroom Ambassador Deluxe Suite, Balcony | 1 King Bed + 1 Twin Sofa Bed |
Pool, fitness and spa essentials
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago provides both a year-round indoor two-lane lap pool and a seasonal outdoor rooftop pool with a hot tub; pool hours and availability can vary by season and weather. Pack a swimsuit and flip-flops for pool use, plus a dry bag for wet items.
The property also has a 2-story fitness center open 24 hours with cardio and weights, an outdoor running track, saunas, and locker rooms. In-room massages are available through the Windy City Massage partner; bookings go through the concierge.
- Swimsuit, pool shoes or sandals
- Quick-dry towel or extra swimsuit (pool towels are provided but some guests prefer their own)
- Workout clothes and trainers for the 24-hour fitness center or rooftop track
- Sunscreen and a hat for the seasonal rooftop pool and sundeck
| Facility | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Indoor lap pool | Swimsuit, goggles (optional) |
| Rooftop seasonal pool + hot tub | Sunscreen, swimsuit, sandals; outdoor hours vary weather permitting |
| Fitness center & running track | Athletic shoes, workout clothes, small towel |
Dining and food to pack
On-site dining is centered on FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch are served), plus Blu Bar and a Lavazza coffee bar in the lobby for grab-and-go items. FireLake accepts reservations through OpenTable.
Breakfast is available for a surcharge at the restaurant; the hotel also offers grab-and-go breakfast options in the lobby. If you have dietary restrictions, note them when you reserve or order.
- Reusable water bottle (filtered water is not guaranteed in-room)
- Any specialty snacks or baby food if traveling with children
- Small travel utensils or collapsible containers if you plan to take food back to your room
| Venue | Notes |
|---|---|
| FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar | American/Midwestern menu; breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch; reservations via OpenTable |
| Blu Bar / Lavazza Coffee Bar | Coffee, breakfast sandwiches, to-go options |
| Pool/Aqua Bar | Seasonal light bites and drinks when rooftop pool is open |
Packing for the neighborhood and season
The hotel sits in Lakeshore East near Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Michigan Avenue — most of these are short walks. Comfortable walking shoes are useful for exploring nearby attractions.
Chicago weather varies by season: winters are cold and often snowy, shoulder seasons (spring/fall) can be windy and cool, and summers are warm. Pack layers and a windproof jacket for shoulder months and a warm coat for winter travel.
- Comfortable walking shoes for sidewalks and park paths
- Layered clothing: light sweater, mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer
- Travel umbrella (Chicago has rain fairly evenly distributed through the year)
| Season | Quick packing tip |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Light clothing, sun protection, comfortable sandals |
| Shoulder months (Apr, May, Sep, Oct) | Layers, windproof jacket, light waterproof |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Warm coat, hat, gloves, insulated footwear |
Family, kids and pets — what to bring
The hotel is family-friendly and accommodates children 17 and under under its rate policy; cribs are available on request and the restaurant offers kids' meals. Pack any child-specific items you need (stroller, favorite snacks, medicines).
Pets are allowed with a fee and a limit of two pets per room; guests should contact the hotel to request a pet-friendly room and confirm current pet rules and fees before arrival.
- Crib request noted on reservation if you need one
- Child medicines, favorite comfort items, and a lightweight stroller
- If bringing a pet: carrier/bed, food, leash, and any vaccination records; contact the property to reserve a pet-friendly room
| Topic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Kids | Request a crib in advance; bring child-friendly snacks |
| Pets | Pet fee applies; contact hotel to book a pet-friendly room |
| Events/Weddings | Pack appropriate dress for ballroom events; Atlantic Ballroom can host large receptions |
