Have you ever had a party in the shower? Not in an X-rated sort of way (get your mind out of the gutter). I’m talking inviting friends, putting on bathing suits and heading over to The Tranquil Suite at the Dana Hotel and Spa to have a wine and spa party in the expansive shower, which is complete with two bench seats, five shower nozzles and has a very spa like feel — fuzzy slippers and bathrobes included. This serene, tiled retreat is just one of the many little luxuries of the space.
As you can imagine, the bathroom is huge, and with the swanky living room, bar area, two balconies and the most comfortable bed known to man, I really could have spent the entire weekend hanging out in the room. But shopping and eating pulled my attention elsewhere. After a few hours of retail therapy, (the hotel is 3 blocks from Michigan Avenue) I headed downstairs to Freestyle Food + Drink. Once I passed the long bar in this contemporary space I reached a host stand in the middle of the room and was shown to my table.
I sat down, glanced over the menu and was greeted by a very friendly and knowledgeable member of the staff who made a few wonderful recommendations. The server came over and took the appetizer order — Rock Shrimp and Sesame Chicken. I had been informed earlier that these were two of their signature dishes on a menu that boasted American cuisine with a global twist. Once they arrived, we dug in.
The Roasted Beet Salad came next, and was a slightly lighter dish but still packed a ton of flavor. The crumbled goat cheese and pine nuts added a tangy textural contrast, while the petite basil brought in savory notes. The punchiness of the champagne vinaigrette accompanied the earthiness of the beets in a way that would satisfy epicurean tastes.
And to keep on theme, we finished the meal with milk and cookies — but not your grandma’s milk and cookies (and for the record my grandma’s milk and cookies are delicious). These yummy chocolate cookies came out as little sandwiches with cream sandwiched in the center and were of course, accompanied by an ice cold glass of milk. They were rich, sweet and meant to be shared. After this ambrosial meal, that big comfy bed I mentioned earlier was calling my name, but I decided to push on and popped up to Vertigo Sky Lounge, located on the 26th floor of the hotel for a nightcap, and I’m glad I did.
With ample outdoor space that includes a stunning fire, this was a great spot to just hang out, chat and enjoy a glass of champagne. Inside there was a DJ and a ton of dancing. The indoor-outdoor concept offered the best of both worlds. After the champagne was gone I headed downstairs and instantly fell asleep in my cloudlike bed.
The next morning I woke up, had my coffee in the shower – I literally could have spent the entire day just hanging out in there – and then ordered room service, made a mimosa (the bar in the room was very reasonably priced) and ate in my cozy bathrobe and fluffy slippers. It was just the sort of relaxing morning I needed and I never had to leave my room. So what’s the takeaway from all of this? The Dana Hotel and Spa offers an ideal mix of fun and tranquility. It’s a place I could come and relax with my significant other or a weekend destination to have fun with friends. So, what are you waiting for?! Book your weekend here.
