The Radisson Blu Aqua hotel in Chicago’s soaring Aqua skyscraper is to open November 1, the company’s parent Carlson has announced. Radisson Blu’s Chicago property, which will be the brand’s first in the US, will feature 334 rooms and suites on the first 18 floors of the 81-storey Aqua Tower, one of the most anticipated architectural projects in the US.
The hotel marks something of a landmark for Radisson Blu, which is well established in Europe but yet to crack the US market, dominated by upscale competitors such as Hilton and Crowne Plaza.
The hotel is described as a ‘celebration of Chicago’ and is themed around the city’s reputation as the birthplace of the modern skyscraper — the lobby contains backlit glass bricks to symbolize the Chicago skyline along with materials such as wood and steelwork.
Rooms, overseen by Swedish designer Christian Lundwall, feature metal lamps, wood flooring, paper art and timber finishes, while British designer Jim Hamilton designed the wider hotel and Italian Filini bistro.
One of the most outstanding offerings from the hotel will be its recreational facilities, which are expected to include an indoor lap pool and basketball court, an 8,000 square foot (743 square meter) fitness facility and a movie screening room.
Outside, guests will be able to take a stroll on the 80,000 square foot (7,432 square meter) green roof and recreation deck, which includes gardens, gazebos, fire pits, two outdoor pools, a hot tub with cabanas and a running trail.