Radisson Blu in Chicago
 

Is there anyone who can tell me when the Radisson Blu opens in Chicago? I have tried booking dates at the end of this year and Radisson's site only says "coming soon."
Also, is this hotel a new build, or is it being renovated from another hotel?

It's in the Aqua Tower, which is a new building. I think they ended up going hotel for part of it that didn't sell.

Aqua was planned as a condominium/hotel mix originally. If I remember correctly, the Fairmont across the street was going to expand into about 15 floors. When the economy tanked, so did that plan.

They've been building this out since late Spring. Now being advertised as opening on 11/1.

We are excited to announce that the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel opens on 11.1.11. Please visit www.radissonbluchicago.com to make your reservation today. We look forward to hosting you.

I talked to a vendor last night who'd just had a tour of the facilities, and she said they're fantastic. Still, another hotel in a sort of odd corner of the city - one where the Fairmont seems to dump rooms with great frequency. Hope they do well.

radisson blue rates
 

The Carlson (Radisson) Friends & Family Rate is a great deal on this property!

Might be a good place to use one of those free nights from the recent promotion.

Technically, Aqua has been open and has had residents in it for a couple years now, both owners in the condos and renters in the apartments.

It's on Groupon today for $119, including two drinks.

Note that the reservation calendar uses European-style dates (12/11/11 is Nov. 12, not Dec. 11).

Groupon is now sold out.

How do you get that rate?

They did a profile of this hotel's architect on PBS Arts this past weekend (I think I met her ages ago at a benefit dinner, but I can't be sure). She apparently incorporates ecologically-sound principles into her work. Very interesting look. You may also be seeing the hotel's profile in FT's ads here today, as I am. :)

Yes, today too!

Friends & Family Rate
 

See the details in the Miles & Points/Hotel Deals Forum

Basically, the promo code is CarlsonF, but you need to name an employee of Carlson/TGIF, but easy if you look at the posts in the above forum