Indulgent, luxurious, and flawless. Visiting the Dana Hotel and Spa is a treat to your senses. They have left no stone unturned in every aspect of their hospitality. From the natural light that flows through each of their guest rooms, to the rooftop lounge providing magical city views, this boutique hotel exudes a passion for pleasure, with a cool and chic fashionable vibe. It is coupled with a high-tech environment and state-of-the-art amenities – often reserved for only the best of the best hotels.
Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by their doorman who pointed me in the direction of the elevator that would take me one floor up for check-in. Because I was meeting someone there, I did not have to go through the check-in process, but found out later that their individualized sit down service was both comfortable and efficient, exactly what we hope for when arriving to our destination.
Our hotel room was located on one of the higher floors, although it was quite obvious that this hotel has wonderful views from almost every guest room, no matter the floor you are placed on. With music flowing throughout the common areas, windows at the end of every guest hallway, warm, natural woods and earth tone fabrics, you can’t help but feel indulged. The moment I entered this hotel, I knew I was in for a treat.
We stayed in their regular guest room, which is always beneficial to see what you get for the cheapest price. I was completely blown away. The moment you open the door, your gaze fixates on the floor to ceiling windows, giving you a voyeuristic view of the beautiful Chicago skyline. Looking down upon the busy city streets, over the tops of rustic older brick buildings, or up at the amazing skyscrapers, it is a true feast for your eyes.
Each room is beautifully decorated with loft elements including cement ceilings and walls, dark hardwood floors (but carpeting beneath the bed), and a glass enclosed shower that joins the bedroom to the bathroom, allowing views straight to the outside should you so desire. For those wanting a bit more privacy during your shower, there is a golden curtain that can be drawn to separate you from the rest of the room. Truly magnificent.
Each room comes well equipped with top-notch electronics ranging from 37″ flat screen televisions, free high speed wireless internet, European cordless phones, Zeppelin—Bowers & Wilkins Sound System that syncs with your MP3 player, and Keurig Coffee Makers. On the luxurious side of the spectrum, the beds come with Serta Enrapture Eurotop Mattresses and 300 thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, ensuring the best night’s sleep one can be offered. Their bathrooms are surrounded with Italian stone, and carry thick bath sheets, robes, and slippers for a spa-inspired feel. Each shower is well-equipped with rain shower heads, Philippe Starck shower stools, and are double the size that others may deem typical.
During the warmer months of the year, it is a must to check out the Vertigo Sky Lounge on the top floor of the hotel. This rooftop lounge has a sexy, chic appeal to it, with an outdoor patio and fire pits, a perfect place to meet someone new, or perhaps to share a drink with a date. Should it be a bit chilly, the inside of the lounge is no worse for the wear. The intimate lighting and mood-inspiring music just adds to the appeal of the floor to ceiling windows providing endless views of the city lights by night.
As a guest, you have access to complimentary continental breakfasts daily, 24-hour room service, private wine reserves, and a concierge service that provides wonderful insight on some of the best local attractions, restaurants, clubs, and hidden gems in the city. Although I didn’t get the chance to check them out, I would only assume their restaurant and spa are of top-notch quality as well.
Boutique hotels are my forte. They specialize in individualized service, unique amenities, and I expect the perfect juxtaposition of luxury and hospitality. At the Dana Hotel and Spa, they far exceeded my expectations, with not one thing I could suggest improving upon. For the most discerning luxury traveler, to the frequent business traveler, it would be hard to find an audience this hotel would disappoint. On my next stay, I hope to view their suites and provide insight on the value for money, as this is not the cheapest boutique hotel in the city. Would I come again and stay at the Dana Hotel and Spa? Without a doubt.
Should you have any questions, comments, or would like permission to use the above pictures, please feel free to contact me at kirsten [at] travelingfashionista [dot] com.
The Dana Hotel and Spa has received four Best of Citysearch 2010 Awards: Best Boutique Hotel, Best Business Hotel, Comfiest Hotel Bed, and Best Luxury Hotel. In addition, Dana was named the 2010 Forbes Chicago Travel Guide’s Best Boutique Hotels.
Love, K.
