Opening of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago

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With the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago the very first Radisson Blu has opened its doors in the United States of America. The 334 rooms-property is set within the stunning Aqua Tower created by internationally acclaimed architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architect, and awarded as “Skyscraper of the Year”. Situated near the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River in the Lakeshore East Development, the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is surrounded by Chicago’s biggest tourist attractions, including Millennium Park, Navy Pier and the fabulous shopping of Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile. The hotel is a joint venture between Carlson Hotels and Magellan Development Group, and a US$ 125 million project. The contemporary and creative design of the interior spaces is a work by Jim Hamilton (Graven Interiors), and Swedish hospitality designer Christian Lundwall created the rooms in two different styles: “Mansion House” is defined by sophisticated strong lines and boasts rich timber finishes, flashes of chrome and a “dark but clubby” aura. “Naturally Cool” is contemporary and features splashes of colour, a soft and sensual white bed, metal lamps, wood flooring and dramatic paper art versatile enough for any setting of climate. All rooms offer incredible views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline and are equipped with extras like complimentary WIFI access, flat screen TV, iron and iron board, and deluxe Anne Sémonin bath amenities. Two floors of the hotel are exclusively designed for Business Class guests, and comprise a hospitality lounge with complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails.

The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago also presents Filini, a contemporary Italian restaurant and bar that focuses on the finest fresh ingredients and flavours. Filini’s food is uncomplicated but exquisitely prepared. Unpretentious and stylish, the mood of the restaurant is friendly and subtle with memorable Mediterranean overtones.

Guests of the hotel enjoy access to an indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, a fully equipped fitness centre, an indoor basketball court, a game room, and an outdoor terrace. Meeting facilities of the brand new property include 2,600 square meters of total meeting space with an additional 650 square meters of outdoor space. The hotel’s unique ballroom features 6-meter-high windows overlooking The Park at Lakeshore East. The overall meeting space can be configured into 14 different meeting rooms.

Daniel Fountain / 11.11.2011

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

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Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

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Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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