Club Carlson - Radisson Blu Chicago review

We just got back home from the Radisson. This place is just awesome.

Parking is underground, as with most of Chicago's hotel, it is $43 daily and does not offer in/out privilege. :mad: Valet parking is $53 daily. A bit high in my opinion and unfortunately I will not get CC points for parking as it appears that it is being handled by another entity. The underground parking was a bit of a maze, :confused: as it handles more than just the Radisson, and depending on where you are parked, you may not be close to the elevators that are for the Radisson, otherwise you come out from the side and have to walk around the building.

The lobby was beautiful, nice fresh light brown/cream color, the lighting was soft, not overpowering. From the lobby you have access to Filini restaurant and bar. It seems that it was always busy with people walking in and out all the time. The bar was all white, with all sorts of bottles throughout the wall. I did not have a chance to try the bar or restaurant. Check in was fast and quick, I was greeted by my name and thanked for being a CC member. I was asked if I have stayed before at Radisson, which I haven't. The check in area was lightly colored and very bright lighting. I booked a executive/business room package, which allowed me early check in, I actually checked in @ 11am. ^ Our room was on the 17th floor with lounge access. The common hallways where light green/gray in color with soft lighting. I got 2 queen beds, overlooking Chicago River and navy Pier. Room decor was modern, European style, carpeting on the bedroom was actually light blue, also the comforter. It took me some time to get used to the color, but it was not bad at all. Bed was comfortable, 2 plushy pillows per bed, with 2 extras on the closet. The mini bar was completely full with amenities and the prices I found them to be reasonable. The mini bottles were around $5-$6, soda $3. My only complaint is that they did not give you any room to cool a bottle of water or can of soda. The bathroom was very spacious, the shower and toilet where side by side, like in a closet, sharing a glass sliding door. The shower is similar to those of Aloft hotels by Sheraton, with a rainshower head, and a shower wand. This hotel does not skimp on towels, we got 4 each, large, medium & small. They were very soft and heavy. The whole bathroom floor was dark with glass crystals that gave different colors as the light shined. My wife was very pleased with the amenities kit in the bathroom, though I forgot the brand name. The coffee machine was a Nespresso and it came with 6 pods of coffee.

The lounge was in the 17th floor also, by the elevator area, overlooking Millennium park, it also has a deck too. It was also lightly colored with blue chairs. It is open from 6am-10pm. You need room key for access to it. It is unmanned between 10am-4:30pm. They have a wide selection of magazines and a tv viewing area. You can rent out free of charge an ipad if you have a business package. Breakfast is from 6am-10am, it consisted of oatmeal, plantains, hard boiled eggs, pastries and fruits. Refreshment had juice, soda, water (gas and no gas) a coffee and tea area. Lounge is still open after breakfast, except they only leave the tea, coffee (Nespresso machine), soda water and the fruit tray. From 4:30pm they have a welcome reception with wine, champagne and beer. They also had some chips, crackers and nuts. Beer was Bud, Bud light, Stella, Lagunita, and 2 local Chicago craft beer from Argus Brewery.

The third floor gives you access to the indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, exercise room, and an outdoor recreation area with a park like setting. Nicely landscape with a .5 mile softly padded exercise track that goes around the hotel, and pool area. There are some bbq grills throughout the area for the residents, cabanas, and benches all around.

Second floor gives you access to the restaurant.

We were very pleased with this stay, the hotel is beautiful, fresh, crisp and hip. I will certainly recommend it to anyone. it is within walking distance to Millennium Park, Michigan Ave, and State St. ^^^^^^^^^

Thanks for the review:-:^:-:Parking is underground, as with most of Chicago's hotel, it is $43 daily and does not offer in/out privilege. :mad: Valet parking is $53 daily.highway robbery:td::(There are some bbq grills throughout the area for the residents, cabanas, and benches all around.so a guest could grill out?? Pretty amazing for a city location of a hotel.The lounge was in the 17th floor also... Breakfast is from 6am-10am, it consisted of oatmeal, plantains, hard boiled eggs, pastries and fruits. Refreshment had juice, soda, water (gas and no gas) a coffee and tea area.Plaintains??!! wow, I would have never guessed plaintains to be served at a Chicago hotel, San Juan sure, but not Chicago.

Where would be a better place to park for 3 days (Thurs- Sunday) if you didn't plan on using your vehicle after driving downtown?

Staying at the hotel tomorrow night and looking forward to it. Bummer about the very high parking rates...but you are in the city I guess. Any favorite spots to eat a fairly casual dinner within walking distance? Nothing real fancy (read: no tablecloths), just trying to keep it under $50 or so for a table for two. Heck, I'm happy with a burgers, chicken, and salad type place even.

Any favorite spots to eat a fairly casual dinner within walking distance? Nothing real fancy (read: no tablecloths), just trying to keep it under $50 or so for a table for two. Heck, I'm happy with a burgers, chicken, and salad type place even.I rarely eat in this area as the property is located in the heart of over-priced/iffy quality restaurants, the cheapest eats have to be from the African food truck that normally sits on the corner of Columbus & Randolph (just south of the Blu). Don't get me wrong, there are some very good restaurants in the area, just not cheap ones.

One can get pricey to go &/or food items at the market www.fox-obel.com which is 1/2 mile away and has a bistro/cafe besides the grocery area.

I'd personally take public transportation (or a quick cab ride) & get out of the nearby vacinity if looking for reasonable dining but I'm very picky when it comes to shelling out $ for dining, if I'm paying some top dollar for food I know I can get cheaper elsewhere, it better be worth it, mediocre to high dollar paid doesn't cut it for me.

A nearby, recent pricey (in my opinion) restaurant that made the grade with me was Henri www.henrichicago.com but you will be well north of your $50 mark.

I love Fox & Obel. Forgot that was an option...thanks!!

NYT review of the Radisson Blu Chicago: http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/06/17/travel/hotel-review-radisson-blu-aqua-hotel-chicago.html?

Bed was comfortable, 2 plushy pillows per bed, with 2 extras on the closet.

Any have any more input on the beds? Just wondering if they are sleep number beds or not - I don't really care for them.

Just regular beds. No sleep #. Very comfortable.

Just regular beds. No sleep #. Very comfortable.agreed, the comfort of the beds/linens & bright/clean look & smell to the room was the highlight of our recent stay at the Radisson Blu Chicago.

We had some issues with our stay:
1) room AC goes only to 65 degrees, at which point the AC & fan shuts off, I woke in a pool of sweat in the middle of the night, crappy AC system.

2) signage from the car garage to the lobby is spotty at best, there should be very bold & clear signage & there is not.

3) no pay per view/movie selection

For someone making use of activites/attractions in the Loop/N Michigan Ave area/Millennium & Grant Park, this property has a great location.

The outdoor common areas are very inviting (however not during the recent 100+ degree days and very warm nights). As a Gold we ended up with a corner room w/a nice wrap balcony, but no chairs on the balcony:confused:

For water, booze & other food items, one block away is a grocery market open 7 days a week, 7am to midnight, on the corner of North Stetson & South Water: www.bockwinkels.com

For a low priced sandwich/burger/bar option, 3 blocks away on Michigan Ave is SweetWater Tavern & Grill. www.sweetwatertavernandgrille.com For brunch they serve a killer mushroom hash & eggs.

Any reports from CC Gold members re upgrades, etc?

Any reports from CC Gold members re upgrades, etc?I guess I should have been more clear in my post above, as a gold member we were upgraded to a corner room w/wrap around balcony (but as mentioned, each balcony including ours did not have any chairs, I'm hoping someone had chairs on their balcony & I just didn't see it)

Parking is underground, as with most of Chicago's hotel, it is $43 daily and does not offer in/out privilege. :mad: Valet parking is $53 daily. A bit high in my opinion and unfortunately I will not get CC points for parking as it appears that it is being handled by another entity.

I always marvel that people think parking in a major city is over priced and in most cases should be included in the room price. Considering one is paying $300+ for a 400+ sqft room, and a car occupies perhaps 60 sqft, parking charges are not out of line. If one is local and leaving a car for the weekend, why not just take a cab to the hotel, it's going to be cheaper. Same goes if just flying into the city and renting a car: take taxis and save money!

Same goes if just flying into the city and renting a car: take taxis and save money!

I agree. I've never gotten a car for weekends in Chicago - or Boston or Seattle or NYC or etc. It just doesn't make sense for a number of reasons, esp financial.

I always marvel that people think parking in a major city is over priced and in most cases should be included in the room price. Considering one is paying $300+ for a 400+ sqft room, and a car occupies perhaps 60 sqft, parking charges are not out of line. If one is local and leaving a car for the weekend, why not just take a cab to the hotel, it's going to be cheaper. Same goes if just flying into the city and renting a car: take taxis and save money!
this stay was a weekend get away for us. Public transportation from the suburbs to downtown is about 2+ hour long with numerous transfers, for what should be a 25 minute car ride.
My complaint about parking is mostly on the how it is applied. I do not mind paying, however I would like to get some in/out privilege. there are numerous hotel in this city, from other brands that DO NOT charge for parking, or they offer it as part of a combined package. La Quinta and Best Western come to mind, not also here, but in other cities. this is not necessarily a Club Carlson issue, as I have had the same with Hilton and Sheraton.
I do not expect to have the parking included as part of the stay, as that is not fair to those who are not parking the car, however, I would not mind a "park-n-stay' rate that will include the parking at a discounted rate and I could get some points for this.

As for public transportation, one has to consider how convenient and useful it is. Some are not 24hrs, so it is not helpful for late arrivals, taxis are not always there, etc. For me, a car is helpful.

there are numerous hotel in this city, from other brands that DO NOT charge for parking, or they offer it as part of a combined package. La Quinta and Best Western come to mind, not also here, but in other cities. this is not necessarily a Club Carlson issue, as I have had the same with Hilton and Sheraton. \

This property is not comparable to a La Quinta or a Best Western, so one should not expect any similarity.

Where would be a better place to park for 3 days (Thurs- Sunday) if you didn't plan on using your vehicle after driving downtown?


For my future visit:

Would it be cheaper to say, park at the airport long-term parking lot (if there's any in ORD) and take a free shuttle (does the hotel provide it?) or even a cab from the airport to avoid paying hotel parking charges?

For my future visit:

Would it be cheaper to say, park at the airport long-term parking lot (if there's any in ORD) and take a free shuttle (does the hotel provide it?) or even a cab from the airport to avoid paying hotel parking charges?

The hotel does not have a shuttle to the ORD airport, as they are away, however, your idea is not bad.
There is a remote parking at ORD, its called the F lot and it is $9 daily, from there take the shuttle bus to the parking area, then take the airtram to the airport. at the airport terminal on the lower levels you can access Chicago Public transportation, CTA Blue line to the city, from the CTA blue line you can transfer to the red line, which has a stop about 3 or 4 blocks away from the hotel, or take a bus that will drop you a little closer. Total time will be around 1 hour or so transit time. Cost is $9 daily for parking, and around $5 train/bus fare. More info here on the CTA link.
http://www.transitchicago.com/

The hotel does not have a shuttle to the ORD airport, as they are away, however, your idea is not bad.
There is a remote parking at ORD, its called the F lot and it is $9 daily, from there take the shuttle bus to the parking area, then take the airtram to the airport. at the airport terminal on the lower levels you can access Chicago Public transportation, CTA Blue line to the city, from the CTA blue line you can transfer to the red line, which has a stop about 3 or 4 blocks away from the hotel, or take a bus that will drop you a little closer. Total time will be around 1 hour or so transit time. Cost is $9 daily for parking, and around $5 train/bus fare. More info here on the CTA link.
http://www.transitchicago.com/


Great info...Thanks! ^

Sure beats paying $43/day especially if you're not using the car daily.

I like this hotel a lot although I would prefer a location closer to restaurants and shopping etc. I'll check out Fox & Obel next time we are there as it looks great but there is also a very large Mariano's Fresh Market just around the corner where we went for a less expensive breakfast/lunch option and to stock up on wine, fresh sushi and other snacks (the wine department alone is larger than many grocery stores and seemed fairly priced). For dining we had an incredible lunch at the Gage Restaurant - I ordered Mussels Vindaloo for $14 which was very fresh and tasty and a huge portion, it must have taken me at least 20 minutes just to get all of the mussels out of their shells! My other lunch time favourite is David Burke's Primehouse for their shakenSteak lunch special but I see that the price for an appetizer, steak and side along with a Martini has gone up from an incredibly low $15.95 to now just over $20(Martini refrills were $5, not sure if this is the same); they also used to have various upgrades available at a very reasonable price, for example to a 10oz bone in filet, and other appetizers for just $5 like lobster soup, wedge salad etc. but I don't see any of these options listed on the new menu anymore.

I checked out the lobby last time I was in town and it looked great and now have booked for 10/24 to 10/26 to catch the Barbra concert. A balcony is a big selling point since the only other hotel that I know that has balconies is the Dana in its smallest rooms or suites. Hopefully someone bought the patio furniture by the time I check in or I'll be redecorating. I put in for upgrades, does anyone have experience with getting paid upgrades?

How is Filini's food and prices? I know there's a bunch of inexpensive restaurants on Hubbard and up State St about a 10-15 minute walk. I also recommend Flemings for HH and burgers at the bar at MJordan's rest in the Intercont. The atrium rest in the Hyatt is also good and reasonable.

My family and I stayed here on Thanksgiving Eve, and I highly recommend it. We were on a reward stay-50k points. I know it is not the best use of points, but I really wanted to check out this hotel for free. We are from suburban Chicago, so we drove in and had to pay for parking (about $46?)

As CC members, We were upgraded to a corner room on the 16th floor, with a patio - which was really impressive and different and windy! My kids (13, 12 and 9) loved the bathrobes, the funky lighting, the rain shower, and cool sliding doors in the bathrooms.

I loved the Euro feel of the lobby, bar, and hotel room. Since we were five in the room (!) one kid slept on the floor and in this case hardwood floors were not so great. Next time I would request a blue room with carpeting for a more cozy feel.

Fox and Obel was a highlight for breakfast after we did a Turkey Trot 5k. I highly recommend this fancy, old world grocery store as a good match for the Blu. It is an easy 4 block walk crossing the river.

Hopefully someone bought the patio furniture by the time I check in or I'll be redecorating.:D^

My family and I stayed here on Thanksgiving Eve, and I highly recommend it. We were on a reward stay-50k points. I know it is not the best use of points, but I really wanted to check out this hotel for free. We are from suburban Chicago, so we drove in and had to pay for parking (about $46?)

As CC members, We were upgraded to a corner room on the 16th floor, with a patio - which was really impressive and different and windy! My kids (13, 12 and 9) loved the bathrobes, the funky lighting, the rain shower, and cool sliding doors in the bathrooms.

I loved the Euro feel of the lobby, bar, and hotel room. Since we were five in the room (!) one kid slept on the floor and in this case hardwood floors were not so great. Next time I would request a blue room with carpeting for a more cozy feel.

Fox and Obel was a highlight for breakfast after we did a Turkey Trot 5k. I highly recommend this fancy, old world grocery store as a good match for the Blu. It is an easy 4 block walk crossing the river.

Aww, you should've stayed at Fairmont across the street
I got TravelZoo rate $129/night for Nov 22-24 (2 nights)
I also used my FPC suite upgrades, and got Park View suite + Radisson-view suite

but Radisson Blue building looked much cooler than Fairmont for sure

This is in my hood:D. I was going to suggest Mariano's for quick, reasonable eats but 2cool beat me to it. Great entertainment to watch the doggies play below in their park while having lunch. I didn't see anyone mention the pedway that is right below the hotel. Lots of eating places all along the way. One of our favorites is Hannah's Bretzel. It's great for getting around in bad weather and just fun to explore. Oh and a favorite of our guests is Wildberry right next door to Mariano's.

If you're part of the dining rewards network there's a burger place on Monroe just off Michigan. Rudy's. In the direction of the Trump Tower and Nordstrom's back door is Star or Siam. A bit off the beaten path but I've never been disappointed with the food or service.

Don't forget about the free lunchtime concerts in the Cultural Center.

For other parking options there's a thread in the Destinations/Chicago forum regarding Magnificent Mile parking. When we need extra local parking I use the garage under the Shoreham (north side of park adjacent to Radison).

Can't say I've seen any furniture on any of those balconies. Even the condos above have mostly bare balconies. Such a waste. We live on ours during the good weather but we're not as exposed as the ones around the Aqua. Form didn't follow function at the Aqua.

There's several more new eateries by Mariano's but we haven't gotten to them yet. I 'd like to hear impressions of these if others visit them.

Staying here next weekend. Coming from ORD and wondering if its easy enough to get to/from here, with luggage, via CTA - and if so what stops would you recommend (ideally with lifts)?

Also, would anyone recommend the in house restaurant (Fellini) or purchasing lounge access (we are Gold so perhaps this will be discounted).

Thanks!

Staying here next weekend. Coming from ORD and wondering if its easy enough to get to/from here, with luggage, via CTA - and if so what stops would you recommend (ideally with lifts)?

Also, would anyone recommend the in house restaurant (Fellini) or purchasing lounge access (we are Gold so perhaps this will be discounted).

Thanks!

http://www.radissonblu.com/aquahotel-chicago/location

I took Blue line from ORD, exit'ed at Clark/Lake station for my last ORD-Fairmont (right across Radisson) with carry-on luggage.
It has Elevator, while other closer stations don't @@
There's another 10 minute walk EAST after subway exit

Or, just use Google Maps, which says you can take M20 bus after to not walk so much
http://goo.gl/maps/aYz36

Transit directions to Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

Chicago O'Hare International Airport
10000 West O'Hare Avenue
Chicago, IL 60666, United States
O'Hare
Blue Line Subway towards Forest Park
7:44am - 8:26am (42 mins, 17 stops)
Washington-Blue
Walk to Washington & Dearborn
About 1 min (7 mins to make transfer)
Washington & Dearborn Stop ID: 447
20 Bus towards Illinois Center
8:33am - 8:40am (7 mins, 8 stops)
Columbus (Upper) & South Water Stop ID: 3955
Walk to Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
About 1 min (256 ft)

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
221 N Columbus Dr
Chicago, IL 60601, United States

If you look at this map for the pedway: http://www.spiegl.org/pedway/pedway.html

you will see the Clark and Lake stop is very close to the State of Illinois entrance. If you are only rolling one manageable bag and you are a walker then I would say you could use the pedway to get you to the Radison. You can exit at the Fairmont and walk across the street to the Radison or keep going to the Aqua. You will see doors that lead to the Radison elevators. Otherwise, get a cab when you exit the subway. Then you can take your time and explore the pedway without the luggage burden.

We had a very nice meal at the Filini and would gladly return. Look at the menu and see if you like it.

As a gold last summer, I was upgraded to a business class room with no lounge access/discount, fwiw.
I found walking from the train not a big deal.

Great advice. We do have a bit of luggage although a walk along the River looks flat and manageable. Will check out the pedway when we are luggage free. Would be interested to hear if the Biz Lounge upgrade is worth it even at a 'non discounted to Elite's' surcharge. We are staying over a weekend.

Thanks!

Great advice. We do have a bit of luggage although a walk along the River looks flat and manageable. Will check out the pedway when we are luggage free. Would be interested to hear if the Biz Lounge upgrade is worth it even at a 'non discounted to Elite's' surcharge. We are staying over a weekend.

Thanks!

Looking again at your first post you may already have checked in and paid for the lounge upgrade. I was going to suggest you think about what you're wanting from the lounge and compare it to what is offered right next door at Mariano's. They have a large variety of ready made food on the upper floor and a wine bar downstairs. You should definitely check it out.

Looking again at your first post you may already have checked in and paid for the lounge upgrade. I was going to suggest you think about what you're wanting from the lounge and compare it to what is offered right next door at Mariano's. They have a large variety of ready made food on the upper floor and a wine bar downstairs. You should definitely check it out.

No not here until next week! Despite trying to find out; I have no idea what the Biz Lounge costs and what it offers. I had read reviews that mentioned Mariano's and Fox & Otel for 'quick' eats, is their any difference between the two?

Thanks!

No not here until next week! Despite trying to find out; I have no idea what the Biz Lounge costs and what it offers. I had read reviews that mentioned Mariano's and Fox & Otel for 'quick' eats, is their any difference between the two?

Thanks!

About 3/4 to 1 mile of walking. Fox & Obel was our go to spot when we lived on the other side of the river. Now Mariano's is right next door. Very convenient.

Have you called the hotel to ask about the lounge? I would ask what their average fare is. We recently spent 5 nights at another hotel with complimentary lounge. It was convenient but the food was on the high fat side. Lots of cheese and fried. The tomatoes and nice bits to the salad were generally picked off by the time we got there. Romaine lettuce again?? At Mariano's you will have a generous hot and salad bar plus a full deli case of already made entrees, pizza, coffee shop items, sorbet and gelato. It's a beautiful store. Outdoor patio for eating or if the weather is cool you can sit inside. Our favorite spot is the high counter overlooking the dog park and park.

And you'll probably want to experience one brunch at Wildberry: http://www.wildberrycafe.com

Is this the weekend you are here?

We ate at Eggys yesterday. Was pleasantly surprised at their choice of food suppliers. Local when possible. No antibiotics or hormones in eggs.

We're on our porch enjoying a sandwich and olives we got from Pastoral: http://www.pastoralartisan.com Love, love the place. It's not a far walk from Radisson.

Took the Metra from Olgilvie Station to Braeside station and then walked to Chicago Botanic Gardens. A weekend pass for unlimited rides was only $7 each.