The bonus point promotion lured me away from my normal Chicago choices of The Westin Michigan Avenue and The Park Hyatt. After one stay, the Radisson Blu Chicago has earned my business.

I have no status with Club Carlson, so I had no leverage for any kind of consideration in that regard. I think that's what impressed me the most.

After some travel upsets, I arrived in Chicago at 5AM on the day of my reservation. After some time in the United Club, I decided to make my way to the hotel and simply buy an additional night (as in, the night before) so I could make my way to my room for some much-needed sleep.

The cab driver didn't know the property, so I was glad I had the address handy. It's helpful to know that they hotel is part of a larger condo product called "Aqua". It's a brand new, beautiful building located behind the Hyatt, just south of East Wacker on N. Columbus.

Walking in was a sight. I'm not very good at describing decor, but it's very modern and very beautiful. I guess it should be, as a brand new property. The hotel, while modern, is still very warm.

Speaking of warm, I arrived at the front desk and was greeted by a delightful young lady. I told her my situation and that I'd like to add a night to my reservation and get into a room right away. She explained that the hotel had been sold out the night before, as it was this night, and there were no rooms ready. It surprised me, because I only paid $169 for my room; cheaper than the Westin MA, and most certainly cheaper than the PH. Nonetheless, there were no rooms. Keep in mind this was 6:15AM.

At that moment, a woman came and checked out. My agent told me that she was leaving a room that was the same type I reserved, and I could have it as soon as it was cleaned. The housekeeprs didn't come til 8, but she thought she could have a room for me at 9.

Oh - and by the way, she insisted that she would find a room for me; and that she didn't plan to charge me for a 2nd night. They wanted to ACCOMMODATE me. Wow.

I find it interesting that she made this commitment without calling anyone. Empowering a front desk agent to make decisions is smart on the hotel's part. Immediately, I'd gone from first-time customer to knowing I'd be back at some point.

I went and ate a delicious breakfast in Felini, their restaurant. The menu is very European. For example, no pancakes. No waffles. The waiter commented that they were discussing that, particularly for when children were there. The menu wasn't particularly kid friendly. I had perhaps the best French Toast OF MY LIFE, and OJ that tasted fresh squeezed, but I can't be sure. Entree, bacon, juice, coffee - $22. Reasonable, if not comparable to other hotels of the same level. The menu was expansive, inventive, and gave lots to try.

At lunch, Felini turns into its normal Italian restaurant. I ended up here for lunch on the second day with my business acquaintances who picked it without my knowledge or input. The meal with no booze for 4 was $130 with tip and worth every penny. Even my Chicago-native dining partners raved that it was on the "really good" list of restaurants for them. All of us had soupls and pastas, none of which were the standard spaghetti-and-meatballs fare. It was a rich, delicious menu that truly made decisions difficult. The restaurant gets an A from me, despite the aluminum chairs that were quite cold on the seat on a brisk Chicago Winter day.

As promised, at 9:15, my room was ready. I was put in a room on the 6th floor with a view of buildings, but not an unpleasant view. Again, having reserved their lowest-price King room, I wasn't expecting much. I was surprised. It was large by many standards, and at the risk of a backhanded compiment to Radisson, it was refreshing to be at one of their properties that wasn't worn down. It's brand new, after all. Like it's name, the Hotel has rooms that are based in blue - in many shades, and very tasteful. My room had a good size desk and work area, a chair with ottoman, and a very comfortable king bed. The bathroom was also above average in size with slate floors and shower, sink, and toilet all able to be separated by sliding doors. The shower was big enough for three. and was one of those "right-over-the-top-of-your-head rain types. On the wall was a shower wand as well.

I was tempted into room service by the standard "special" they were offering, which they called "continental". For ONE, it was a basket of breads including a roll, pain au chocolat, a danish, a croissant, and some nut bread. It also came with a serving of yogurt with granola and a bowl of fruit, mostly berries; and a plate of ham and swiss cheese. Coffee and OJ were included. It was $20, if I remember. Truthfully, there was enough for two people to have dined. I ordered from the menu card the night before, and it arrived exactly as I had requested.

The hotel has a business center where internet and printing are free, and where there were 8 computers that I counted. It was an easy place to print a boarding pass.

There is a beautiful fitness center, steam, sauna, and an outdoor pool. All of this is shared with the condo residents. I didn't have time to experience any of these facilities, but they looked great.

After 13 years on the road, I'm not concerned with suites or gigantic rooms like I used to be, unless my other half is with me and we are on a multi-night stay. That said, I was impressed with the type of standard room I received as a no-status CC member.

Checkout was smooth as could be. Truth be told, I was sad to leave.

The hotel is obviously brand new. It's easy to love something so new and beautiful. But what I really loved was the friendliness of the staff. The air of the hotel is what I always wished the W brand were like.....fashionable and modern, but with ZERO attitude. I tell people I'm not fabulous enough to stay at W properties, even though I do sometime. The brand experience at Radisson Blu Chicago had what I believe W has always gone for.....chic, modern, elegant, stylish; but I didn't have to endure the phoniness of "welcome to whatever whenever what is your wish?".

The hotel was just friendly people doing friendly business. And they won my frequent business in Chicago.

Give this place a try!