Last Updated on July 23, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Radisson-branded hotels can suit very different trips, from a downtown Chicago stay with a mapped running route to an airport stop in Salt Lake City. However, several hotel names and transportation procedures have changed. This guide explains the current options, including the 2026 LAX rental-car process, the former Radisson LAX location, and practical airport transfers.
Quick Answer
Choose Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel for downtown Chicago and its 3.05-mile BluRoute. At LAX, use the Rental Car Center for Dollar and note that the former Radisson LAX is now Hyatt Regency. In Salt Lake City, use TRAX or rideshare from the downtown Radisson, or choose the airport Radisson for shuttle service.
Key Takeaways
- Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago remains a convenient downtown option near Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and the Chicago Riverwalk.
- BluRoute 1 is approximately 3.05 miles and includes city streets, park areas, and lakefront paths.
- Dollar Rent A Car now operates from the LAX Rental Car Center at 5251 West 98th Street.
- The Century Boulevard hotel once described as Radisson LAX is currently Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport.
- Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown and Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport are separate properties with different transportation advantages.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 30–60 minutes for route planning; approximately 30–50 minutes for BluRoute 1, depending on your pace |
| Difficulty | Easy for hotel and transfer planning; moderate for the Chicago running route |
| Tools Needed | Phone, live navigation app, RunGo for the Chicago route, and your hotel or rental-car confirmation |
| Cost | BluRoute access is free; rental cars, parking, public transit, and rideshare fares vary by date and demand |
Why Stay at Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago?
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago is at 221 North Columbus Drive in the heart of downtown. You can walk to Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier, which makes the hotel useful for sightseeing, events, business trips, and short city breaks.
The hotel currently lists premium Wi-Fi, an indoor heated pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, on-site dining, and pet-friendly rooms among its amenities. Some services, pool areas, dining hours, and fees may change by season, so the official property page should be treated as the current source.
The Aqua building was designed by architect Jeanne Gang and is one of the most recognizable modern buildings in Chicago. Its central location is the main advantage: you can explore much of the downtown area on foot without depending on a rental car.
How BluRoute 1 Works
BluRoute 1 on RunGo starts and finishes at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The mapped distance is approximately 3.05 miles, with a mix of sidewalks, city streets, park paths, and lakefront sections.
The route heads toward the Chicago Riverwalk and Magnificent Mile before reaching the Navy Pier and lakefront area. It then continues south toward Grant Park and returns to the hotel. RunGo classifies it as a route better suited to a more experienced runner because it includes changing terrain and busy urban sections.
The RunGo app can provide spoken turn-by-turn directions, which reduces the need to stop and study a map. Download or open the route before leaving the hotel so you can confirm that the map loads correctly.
Note: BluRoute 1 is an independently mapped public route, not a closed racecourse. Sidewalk work, events, weather, crowd levels, and temporary lakefront closures can affect the path.
Best Scenic Stops on BluRoute 1
BluRoute 1 passes several well-known Chicago areas. You can run the complete loop or slow to a walk at busy or scenic sections.
- Chicago Riverwalk: The early part of the route gives you views of downtown architecture and the Chicago River. Watch for stairs, turns, and pedestrian traffic.
- Magnificent Mile: Michigan Avenue adds an urban section with shops, hotels, bridges, and frequent road crossings.
- Navy Pier and the lakefront: This area provides open views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, but it can be windy and crowded.
- Grant Park: The route moves through or near one of Chicago’s main downtown green spaces before returning toward Columbus Drive.
- Lakeshore East Park: This landscaped neighborhood park is close to the hotel and works well as a short warm-up or cool-down area.
Allow extra time if you plan to take photographs, walk crowded areas, or stop at the waterfront. The listed route distance does not include optional detours.
Tips for Running the Route
BluRoute 1 is short enough for many recreational runners, but its city crossings and mixed surfaces require more attention than a continuous park trail. Check the weather, wear visible clothing, and carry only what you can secure comfortably.
Warm Up Properly
Begin with five to ten minutes of easy walking or jogging. Add controlled movements such as leg swings, ankle circles, arm circles, and a few gentle body-weight squats. The goal is to increase movement gradually, not to force a deep stretch before running.
- Walk or jog easily around the hotel or Lakeshore East Park.
- Check that your shoes are secure and that your phone or room key will not bounce or fall.
- Open the route and confirm your first few turns before increasing your pace.
- Start slowly while you adjust to pedestrian traffic and road crossings.
Pace Yourself Smartly
Keep your first mile comfortable. Frequent turns, traffic signals, crowds, and uneven surfaces can interrupt your rhythm, so this route is better treated as a sightseeing run than a personal-record attempt.
Carry water in warm weather, especially if you are not familiar with the route. During colder months, watch for ice near shaded sidewalks, stairs, bridges, and lakefront sections. Strong lake winds can also make the return section feel harder than expected.
Warning: Obey pedestrian signals and do not follow audio directions into a road or restricted area. Stop running if you feel chest pain, dizziness, sudden shortness of breath, or sharp pain.
Pro Tip: Run early in the morning for lighter pedestrian traffic, but choose well-lit public areas and tell someone where you are going if you run alone.
How to Get to Dollar Rent A Car at LAX
The LAX rental-car process changed on March 11, 2026. Dollar now operates from the LAX Rental Car Center at 5251 West 98th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Do not use older directions that send you to 5630 Arbor Vitae.
Terminal Shuttle Pickup
After collecting your luggage, go to the Lower/Arrivals level outside baggage claim. Follow airport signs to the pickup area marked with a purple Rental Car Shuttles sign.
- Collect all checked bags before leaving the terminal.
- Go to the Lower/Arrivals level outside baggage claim.
- Find the purple Rental Car Shuttles pickup sign.
- Wait in the marked area for the authorized rental-car shuttle.
- Keep your Dollar confirmation and driver information available.
At Tom Bradley International Terminal, also called Terminal B, follow the same airport rental-car signage. You should not depend on an old online map or wait at an unmarked curb.
Dollar Office Location
Dollar is listed among the companies serving passengers from the LAX Rental Car Center:
Dollar Rent A Car
5251 West 98th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90045
The Rental Car Center is away from the passenger terminals. Allow time for walking through the terminal, waiting for the shuttle, traveling to the center, completing paperwork, and inspecting the vehicle.
Shuttle Ride Tips
- Keep children and luggage close while waiting near the roadway.
- Let exiting passengers leave the shuttle before you board.
- Confirm that the shuttle is serving the Rental Car Center before loading your bags.
- Photograph the rental vehicle and note existing damage before driving away.
- Save the Rental Car Center address for your return trip.
LAX traffic patterns and pickup areas can change during construction or special events. Follow current airport signs even if they differ from a saved screenshot.
Best Route From Dollar to the Former Radisson LAX
The hotel referred to in older articles as “Radisson LAX” is not currently operating under that name. The active property at 6225 West Century Boulevard is Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport.
After collecting your vehicle from the LAX Rental Car Center, enter these current locations into your navigation app:
- Starting point: LAX Rental Car Center, 5251 West 98th Street
- Destination: Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport, 6225 West Century Boulevard
Do not rely on the old Bellanca Avenue and Arbor Vitae directions from the original article. Airport roads, lane access, and construction patterns can change, and live navigation is more reliable than fixed turn-by-turn instructions.
Is the Former Radisson LAX Location Good for Beach Trips?
The current Hyatt Regency location is convenient for LAX, but it is not a beach hotel. Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are reasonable South Bay outings by car, although travel time can change sharply with traffic, road work, parking availability, and the time of day.
Beach Access From LAX
A rental car or rideshare is usually the most direct way to reach the coast from the Century Boulevard hotel area. Public transportation may cost less, but it normally takes longer and can require transfers.
- Leave earlier on weekends and warm summer days.
- Check the return route before sunset or a flight departure.
- Allow time to find legal beach parking.
- Do not leave luggage or valuables visible inside a parked vehicle.
Nearby Shoreline Options
- Manhattan Beach: A polished South Bay area with a pier, beach path, restaurants, and shopping.
- Hermosa Beach: A livelier shoreline with a pedestrian plaza, pier, and beachfront path.
- Marina del Rey: Better for marina views, waterfront dining, boating, and access toward Venice.
- Santa Monica: A larger visitor district with the pier, beach, shopping, and more tourist facilities, but usually a longer trip from LAX.
Parking prices at both hotels and beaches change regularly. The former article’s $12 hotel-parking claim should not be used for trip budgeting.
Better Stay Alternatives
Choose an airport hotel when your priority is a flight, overnight connection, rental-car pickup, or event near LAX. Choose a coastal neighborhood when the beach is the main purpose of the trip.
- Stay near LAX: Best for early flights, late arrivals, and short stopovers.
- Stay in Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach: Better for a walkable South Bay atmosphere.
- Stay in Marina del Rey: Better for waterfront dining, boating, and access to Venice.
- Stay in Santa Monica: Better for a larger beach district with more tourist attractions.
How to Travel From Radisson Downtown to Salt Lake City Airport
Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown is at 215 West South Temple, near the Salt Palace Convention Center, Temple Square, and the Delta Center. Do not confuse it with Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport.
The most dependable published options between downtown and Salt Lake City International Airport are TRAX, rideshare, taxi, or another licensed transportation service.
TRAX From Downtown
Utah Transit Authority provides light-rail service between the airport and downtown. Salt Lake City International Airport describes downtown as approximately a 15-minute TRAX ride from the airport, although your total trip also includes walking and waiting time.
Arena and Temple Square stations are close to the downtown hotel. Check the current UTA trip planner before leaving because service intervals and operating hours may vary by day.
Rideshare or Taxi
The airport is usually within a short drive of downtown when traffic is light. However, road work, weather, events, and rush-hour traffic can increase the trip time. For a departing flight, schedule enough time for pickup, driving, baggage check, and security.
Note: The current official downtown Radisson listing does not present complimentary airport transportation as a highlighted amenity. Plan on TRAX, rideshare, or taxi instead of assuming that a free 24-hour hotel shuttle will be available.
Radisson Airport Hotel Shuttle
Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport is a separate property at 2177 West North Temple. Its official listing advertises complimentary airport transportation, but the published service hours are limited rather than reliably available 24 hours a day.
This airport property is the better Radisson option for travelers whose main concern is an early departure, late arrival, or short airport stop. The downtown property is better for the Salt Palace, Temple Square, the Delta Center, restaurants, and central sightseeing.
Lyft Options for Salt Lake City Transfers
Lyft is licensed to operate at Salt Lake City International Airport. Use the pickup instructions shown in the app and follow the airport signs to the assigned rideshare area.
- Standard: Lyft describes its standard car option as suitable for up to four riders.
- XL: Lyft XL is designed for up to six passengers in vehicles with at least seven seat belts.
- XXL: Where available, this option provides additional luggage space for groups of up to six.
Not every ride type is available in every city or at every time. A four-person group with several large suitcases may need XL or XXL even if a standard car technically has enough passenger seats.
Fares change with demand, traffic, pickup location, and vehicle type. Review the fare estimate and vehicle size before confirming the ride.
Which Radisson Hotel Fits Your Trip?
The best property depends on whether you value a downtown location, airport access, a beach setting, historic sightseeing, or distinctive design.
| Property | Best For | Main Advantage |
| Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago | City sightseeing and runners | Walkable downtown location and access to BluRoute 1 |
| Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown | Conventions, sports, concerts, and central sightseeing | Near Salt Palace, Temple Square, Delta Center, and TRAX |
| Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport | Flights and airport stopovers | Published complimentary airport transportation |
| Radisson Blu Euphoria Resort, Mykonos | Greek island and beach trips | Kalo Livadi location near the beach |
| Radisson Blu Hotel at Porsche Design Tower Stuttgart | Design, business, and automotive interests | Distinctive tower design and Stuttgart transport connections |
| Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre | Historic sightseeing without a car | Royal Mile location in Edinburgh’s Old Town |
The former Radisson LAX should not be included as a current Radisson choice. Travelers seeking that Century Boulevard location should search for Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport.
Understanding Radisson Ownership
Radisson-branded hotels do not all belong to one operating company. Choice Hotels owns and controls the Radisson brands in the Americas, including the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Outside the Americas, the brands are controlled by Radisson Hotel Group, a separate company headquartered in Belgium. This distinction affects corporate leadership, booking websites, loyalty programs, and customer-service contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Radisson LAX still open?
There is no current Radisson hotel operating under that name at the Century Boulevard location described in older guides. The active property at 6225 West Century Boulevard is Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport.
Where do I catch the Dollar rental-car shuttle at LAX?
Go to the Lower/Arrivals level outside baggage claim and wait under the purple Rental Car Shuttles sign. Dollar operates from the LAX Rental Car Center at 5251 West 98th Street.
How long is BluRoute 1 in Chicago?
RunGo lists Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago’s BluRoute 1 at approximately 3.05 miles. It includes urban streets, park areas, and lakefront paths.
Does Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown have a free airport shuttle?
The current official downtown property listing does not promote free airport transportation as a featured amenity. Plan to use TRAX, rideshare, or taxi. The separate Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport advertises a complimentary shuttle with limited published hours.
Which hotels are part of Radisson?
Radisson-related brands include Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson Collection, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. Brand availability varies by region.
Who is the CEO of Radisson?
Federico J. González is the Chief Executive Officer of Radisson Hotel Group, which controls Radisson brands outside the Americas. Radisson brands in the Americas are owned and controlled by Choice Hotels, so there is no single corporate answer covering every Radisson-branded property worldwide.
Does Radisson have hotels in the United States?
Yes. Radisson and Radisson Blu properties operate in the United States through the Radisson brands owned in the Americas by Choice Hotels. Current locations should be checked through the Choice Hotels booking site.
Conclusion
A useful Radisson route plan starts with the exact property name and current transportation information. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is a strong downtown Chicago base with a verified 3.05-mile RunGo route. At LAX, use the Rental Car Center and search for Hyatt Regency rather than the former Radisson LAX name. In Salt Lake City, choose the downtown Radisson for central attractions or the airport Radisson when shuttle access matters most.
Sources
- Choice Hotels: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago — official location, amenities, and nearby attractions.
- RunGo: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago BluRoute 1 — route distance, directions, terrain, and voice-guidance information.
- Los Angeles World Airports: LAX Ground Transportation — current Rental Car Center address and terminal shuttle procedure.
- Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport — current hotel name and Century Boulevard address.
- Choice Hotels: Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown and Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport — property locations, amenities, and airport transportation differences.
- Choice Hotels Radisson Press Kit and Radisson Hotel Group Executive Team — regional brand ownership and leadership.