The first Radisson Blu hotel in the United States will open on 18 floors of a new 81-story tower in Chicago. Radisson and Carlson Hotels bought the space for $125 million and will launch the luxury-brand hotel in Aqua, the new Chicago skyscraper at 225 N. Columbus Drive.
According to Radisson, about half the $125 million will be put toward development and furnishing of The Radisson Aqua Blu guest rooms, lobby space and meeting areas. The remainder of the money will be put toward other floors containing condos and apartments.
You’ll have to wait a bit before the doors open – The Radisson Aqua Blu won’t be ready until fall 2011.
But, while you’re waiting you can watch the development take place. The new Aqua tower, which opened in 2009 and stands adjacent to the hotel, offers great views of the city from just about every angle.