
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Best for groups, conventions, and families who want direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk and lots of event space.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is a large, riverfront convention hotel with extensive meeting rooms, family-friendly services, and direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a design-forward, upscale property in the distinctive Aqua Tower—readers choosing between a convention-oriented riverside hotel and a design-savvy central stay should read on.
Updated · about 0.4 km apart

Best for groups, conventions, and families who want direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk and lots of event space.

Best for travelers who prefer contemporary design, a smaller upscale footprint, and a hotel with indoor and seasonal outdoor pools.
When Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk wins: choose the Sheraton for large meetings, weddings, or family stays — it has far more rooms, extensive ballroom and event space, multiple on-site restaurants including a full steakhouse, and direct riverfront access.
When Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago wins: choose the Radisson Blu if you want a design-led boutique feel in the Aqua Tower, a central location a short walk from Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue, and both an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Bottom line: Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is the practical pick for conventions, big groups, and families wanting river access; Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is the pick for travelers prioritizing architecture, design, and a more compact upscale downtown stay.
| Category | Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk | Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large riverfront convention hotel, business- and family-friendly | Design-forward upscale hotel in the Aqua Tower |
| Location | Directly on the Chicago Riverwalk (Streeterville/River North) | Central downtown; within a short walk of Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue |
| Size | 1,218 rooms across 34 floors (large) | 334 rooms (mid-size) |
| Ages / audience | All ages; family-friendly (kids up to 17 stay free on existing bedding) | All ages; adults-only: Not published |
| Pools | One indoor heated pool (7th floor) with downtown/Lake Michigan views | Indoor pool plus a seasonal outdoor pool (seasonal outdoor pool open June–September) |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site outlets (Shula's Steak House, Riverside Café, CHI Bar, Link Café, seasonal Chicago Burger Company) | One main restaurant (FireLake), plus a bar/lounge and room service (limited hours) |
| Spa / wellness | No dedicated named spa; massage services available (for a fee); two-story fitness center with Peloton bikes and dry sauna | Fitness facilities and pool access listed; dedicated/spa facility: Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive — roughly 120,000–125,000 sq ft of meeting space across many ballrooms and rooms (large wedding capacity) | Conference space ~27,997 sq ft (2,601 m²) with 13 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & services | Concierge, multilingual staff, accessible features, complimentary fitness center; destination fee applies | Luggage storage, multilingual staff, wheelchair-accessible facilities, 24-hour business center; self-parking/valet surcharge |
| Near | Chicago Riverwalk at the doorstep; Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park within walking distance | |
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk sits directly on the Chicago Riverwalk in the Streeterville/River North area.
Choose Sheraton for immediate riverfront access and easy walking access to major downtown attractions.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is centrally located in the Aqua Tower, a short walk from Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue.
Choose Radisson Blu for a compact, central base when your priority is proximity to Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile.
Sheraton has a large room inventory with many view and club options across 34 floors.
Pick Sheraton if you need a wide selection of room types, suites, or club-level amenities for groups or families.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago offers 334 air-conditioned rooms with contemporary design touches.
Radisson Blu is a better fit for travelers who want a design-focused room in a mid-size downtown hotel.
Sheraton offers multiple on-site dining options ranging from casual to a full steakhouse.
Sheraton suits guests wanting a wider range of on-site dining choices and options for groups or special events.
Radisson Blu lists one main restaurant (FireLake) plus a bar/lounge and limited room service hours.
Radisson Blu fits travelers who don’t need many on-site dining options and prefer a simpler, design-focused food & drink offering.
Sheraton provides a single indoor heated pool with expansive views.
Sheraton is strong for a year-round indoor-swim option with a substantial fitness area.
Radisson Blu offers both an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Radisson Blu adds a seasonal outdoor pool to the indoor option—good for summer stays.
Sheraton emphasizes fitness and convenience; it does not operate a dedicated named spa.
Choose Sheraton when you want a strong fitness offering and varied evening dining; don’t expect a full-service branded spa.
Radisson Blu includes 24-hour fitness facilities and pool access; a dedicated spa facility is not published in the supplier listing.
Radisson Blu supports wellness with a 24-hour gym and pools; formal spa services are not published.

Sheraton — far larger meeting and ballroom capacity, more guest rooms and event services.

Radisson Blu — Aqua Tower setting and design-forward rooms make it a better fit for style-focused stays.

Sheraton — family-friendly policies, kids-stay-free option, and multiple casual dining outlets.

Radisson Blu — indoor pool plus a seasonal outdoor pool and free pool cabanas.
Both are within easy walking distance, but Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is described as a roughly 5-minute walk to Millennium Park; Sheraton is about a 10-minute walk.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk — it has far more meeting and ballroom space and is set up for large conventions and weddings.
Sheraton does not operate a dedicated named spa but offers massage services for a surcharge; Radisson Blu's supplier listing does not publish a dedicated spa facility.
Yes. Sheraton is explicitly family-friendly (kids up to 17 stay free on existing bedding). Radisson Blu's listing allows children (children 17 and under stay free when occupying a parent/guardian's room is noted for Sheraton; Radisson Blu listing states children 17 and younger stay free when occupying the parent/guardian's room).
Explore how Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·