Randy Romero Takes the Helm as General Manager at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago

Published on December 11, 2025

In an exciting new development for the hospitality industry, Randy Romero has been appointed as the General Manager of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago. With a career spanning over three decades, Romero brings with him an extensive wealth of experience in hotel management, leadership, and brand development, particularly within the Hilton Hotels Corporation. His appointment marks a significant milestone for the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, where his expertise is expected to positively impact every aspect of the property.

A Distinguished Career in Hospitality

Randy Romero’s impressive career has seen him take on pivotal roles with Hilton Hotels Corporation for over 35 years. His tenure at Hilton includes senior leadership positions, such as the Regional Director for Full-Service & Lifestyle Brands in North America, where he was responsible for managing a vast portfolio of high-profile hotels across the Americas. Romero’s leadership has extended to some of the most renowned hotels in the world, including Hilton Chicago, Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, The Beverly Hilton, and the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York. His ability to elevate brand standards and strengthen service cultures has earned him a well-deserved reputation for driving significant growth in revenue and profitability.

His ability to create and maintain high standards of excellence in hotel operations is well established. By combining operational efficiency with a strong focus on guest satisfaction, Romero has consistently succeeded in enhancing the performance and reputation of the properties under his management.

Romero’s Vision for Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Now, as the General Manager of Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago, Randy Romero’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of the property. The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, located in the heart of Chicago, is renowned for its dynamic combination of luxury, style, and service, offering one of the largest fitness centers in the city, both indoor and outdoor pools, and an impressive 28,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Romero’s leadership will influence every facet of the hotel, from the operations of guest rooms to the renowned FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. His extensive background in hotel management, combined with his deep understanding of guest experience, positions him well to bring a fresh perspective to the hotel’s diverse offerings. Whether it’s enhancing the guest experience or streamlining operations, Romero’s vision is set to make a lasting impact on the property’s overall performance and guest satisfaction.

Experience with Other Major Brands

Before joining Radisson Blu, Romero served as the General Manager of Sable at Navy Pier, Curio Collection by Hilton. In this role, he played a key part in the hotel’s successful positioning as one of Chicago’s premier waterfront destinations. Romero’s strategic direction strengthened the hotel’s reputation, which contributed to its growing success.

His career also included regional leadership oversight with Maverick Hotels & Restaurants, where he guided multi-property performance and operational excellence across a diverse portfolio. His leadership in this capacity further solidified his status as a key figure in the hospitality industry, known for his ability to drive success and inspire teams to achieve operational excellence.

A Collaborative and People-First Leadership Style

Romero’s leadership is characterized by a collaborative and people-first philosophy. His approach fosters an environment in which associates thrive, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed. By encouraging creativity, discipline, and purpose within his teams, Romero has consistently created working environments that promote both personal growth and team success. This leadership style has made him a respected figure in the hospitality industry, known for not just achieving business goals but for creating a workplace culture where employees feel valued and motivated.

His decision to join Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel was driven by the opportunity to become part of a thriving international brand and to contribute to the hotel’s success. By positively impacting the property’s diverse service offerings, Romero aims to continue inspiring his teams and cultivating an environment that not only attracts guests but also ensures they return time and again.

Future Goals and Expectations

With his appointment, there are high expectations for Romero to bring a fresh, dynamic perspective to Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. His leadership style, focusing on operational excellence, high service standards, and a deep commitment to both employee and guest satisfaction, will likely be central to the hotel’s future growth. As the General Manager, he will have the opportunity to continue elevating the hotel’s position within the competitive Chicago hospitality market.

Romero’s vision for the hotel includes maintaining the property’s reputation as a top-tier destination in Chicago while ensuring that the experience for both guests and staff remains at the highest level. His long history of success in the industry makes him a perfect fit for this role, and the team at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel looks forward to seeing the continued growth under his guidance.

Radisson Hotel Group’s Expanding Reach

Radisson Hotel Group, the parent company of Radisson Blu, is a rapidly expanding global hospitality brand with a strong presence across EMEA and APAC. With over 1,575 hotels in operation and under development in more than 100 countries, Radisson Hotel Group continues to grow and expand its portfolio. The appointment of seasoned leaders like Randy Romero is part of the company’s broader strategy to elevate its hotels worldwide and provide exceptional service to guests.

The appointment of Randy Romero as General Manager at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is an exciting development for both the property and Radisson Hotel Group as a whole. With his vast experience, proven leadership skills, and passion for hospitality, Romero is poised to make a significant impact on the future of the hotel and its offerings. Guests visiting the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago can expect enhanced service, superior hospitality, and a revitalized experience under his leadership.