This summer seems to be flying by! It’s been so busy and fun, but sometimes you need a little break. If you can’t fit a full getaway in, do what I do and enjoy a quick STAYCATION right where you live!

Staycations are great for many reasons, but mostly because:

• I can check out hotels around the city along with their dining options
• I can get some pampering in
• I can share my favorites with friends and family visiting Chicago

The most recent staycation was at the DANA HOTEL & SPA, in the lively River North neighborhood. Kitty corner to the hotel is Pinkberry, a block away is Quartino, and across the street is the late night spot Bijan’s Bistro. Needless to say, I’ve walked past and around the hotel so many times visiting these places, but I’d never stayed at the hotel. I knew it had to be lovely, because I thoroughly enjoyed a body scrub at their spa last winter. So the bf, the doggie and I made our way down and checked into an awesome corner suite (suite 1516) with this gorgeous view.

The Dana offers an “I am woof” package for pets, and it’s so cute! Look at the welcome package. Adorable.

After checking in, we made our way to floor 4 to enjoy a couples’ massage. An hour of bliss. I didn’t fall asleep this time (lol), but it was one of the best massages ever. Don’t sleep on the spa in this hotel – it’s a really nice space, great bathroom/locker room area, and wonderful services. That in itself is a really nice retreat from the daily grind, and a treat you deserve now and again.

Both being so relaxed after our spa services, we didn’t want to go far for dinner. We just made our way down to the ground level of the hotel to freestyle food+drink. Hotel restaurants can be a total hit or miss. This one is a hit.

Every dish was delicious, and the service was prompt and friendly. We enjoyed a few dishes as appetizers and then ordered our entrees.

CHIPS & GUACAMOLE 

BRUSSEL SPROUTS | fried with jalapeño and cauliflower, tossed in miso butter

ROASTED SALMON | edamame puree, fried sunchokes, pea shoots, snap peas, soy onion butter sauce

STEAK FRITES | 10oz flatiron, truffle fries

Everything was delicious, but the star of the meal was surprising – the vegetarian brussel sprouts side dish! That miso butter is gold! The veggies were roasted to perfection, then tossed in that butter sauce with a bit of a kick from the jalapeños. It was just a perfectly simple yet perfectly executed little dish. I will also say that my salmon was cooked perfectly and the sauce that it was in was also very delicious. The chefs in the kitchen definitely know how to make awesome sauces to accompany their dishes. Great work.

We skipped out on dessert (can you believe it) as we had a show to get to, but if the desserts are as good as the main dishes, we’ll definitely be back soon!

~ TIP: definitely check out Vertigo Sky Lounge for an after-dinner drink! The views are awesome, the drinks are stellar and the vibe is sexy.

THANK YOU to the Dana Hotel for a lovely little staycation!

DANA HOTEL & SPA | 660 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654