dana hotel and spa

We were greeted by an excellent staff at the Dana Hotel. Everything was within walking distance. The room was wonderful except for the fact that it was kind of small and the balcony was a very small triangle with no seating on it. Overall, it was a great choice for us.

We traveled in the middle of August and the trip was wonderful. The weather was perfect and we were able to walk all over downtown Chicago with ease. We visited all the major attractions (loved the Aquarium) and even made time for some of the neighborhoods north of downtown. We traveled mostly by foot, but it helped to take the train when we were traveling longer distances. I partook in the Spa services offered by the Dana Hotel and I was not disappointed in the least. Lastly, if you are looking for a quick bite, check out the hot dog and pizza joints in the neighborhood. You will not be disappointed.

Overall, we really loved the experience at the Dana. The rooms were beautifully sleek and modern and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. One staff member helped us check-in for our plane reservation even after he had clocked out for the day. On the down side, the doors to the room are heavy and loud, so you can hear other hotel guests when they enter/exit their rooms. The biggest downside (which I hope will be corrected) is hiring a better trained hostess to seat people at breakfast. The hostess was a DISASTER. She didn't take names and couldn't keep track of when people arrived to eat breakfast. The line was out the door and people were waiting for 45 minutes. Ridiculous. The hostess even seated people at dirty tables.

- the service at the hotel restaurant for the breakfast was not so great. we wait more than 45 minutes for 2 pieces of bread. - the day after we were told we were not allowed at the restaurant for breakfast, 40 minute before the end of the service. - the hotel room was nice, the hotel staff was friendly.

Small hotel, but comfort was on a par with some of the best hotels anywhere. Very modern, sleek atmosphere inside and out. Very enjoyable.

The Dana was in an excellent location near the Magnificent Mile. The bell service, concierge and breakfast servers were excellent. The continental breakfast was very nice. The bed and bathroom were nice. The reception desk did not inform us about breakfast, how the elevators work and where the elevators were located. These seem like the routine info all guests need. the wireless internet got a very weak signal or didn't work at all which was of great importance everyday to us. The hotel staff was unresponsive or unable to fix it. The hotel did have 2 computers for guest use but in a very dark, hard to read area.

Alot of times when I go on vacation I look forward to getting back to my own bed and shower. However, my own shower and bed were not near as wonderful as at the Dana Hotel and Spa. They were both fantastic!!!

The location of the Dana is exceptional. There are really fantastic restaurants within walking distance; literally, across the street and within a block or two. For added conveniences, you have a Whole Foods, 7-eleven, Blockbusters, and an Applebees, a stones throw away. The shops on Michigan Ave, 3 easy blocks. The staff at the hotel was extremely courteous - thank you "[...]" at the door, "[...]" with the bags from our entourage (2 adults, 2 wild kids), and "[...]", the concierge. The Aja Steakhouse... wonderful! The Lemon Grass martini - "magnificent". My compliments to the chef - loved the shrimp tempura maki and the sunomono salad (seawood, octupus, cucumber) was not only beautiful, but delish! They make their own soy sauce, and you'll notice the texture of the wasabi is somewhat different than other places - it's fresh; has a hint of sweetness and a well rounded finish of subtle "kick" that you can expect from wasabi. The Dana's rooms are adequate in size. Very nice ultra luxe decor. While my personal taste is more "old world" with varying hints of traditional, I found the contemporary design of the place both relaxing, luxurious and pleasing to the eye. The rooms use a mix of subtle hues of creams, naturals, grassy earth tones and soft berry. A textured wood floor greets you at the door, with clean line furniture. Floor to ceiling windows really open the room. (Just a note - the Dana is located across from another highrise comprised of offices and residences.) You literally can look directly in the eye of anyone that might be sitting at their desk.. so keep in mind, they can see you as well. No worries - there are not only nice light filtering shades, but also black-out shades behind them to give you full privacy when needed. The beds.. HEAVENLY. Nice flat screen - probably 42", and ipod/mp3 docking stations. The bathroom was adequate in size, quartz countertop and bowl sink. Loved the "Lather" bath and shower products. Walk-in shower with "rain" shower head, as well as detachable shower wand. Bathrobes and slippers too.There's an honor bar, with water, wine and soda. As well as chocolates and nuts from Mr Kites. The maids come in and turn down your beds in the evening and place chocolate dipped fortune cookies on your pillow. They also fill your ice container.The roof top lounge was nice.. offered stunning views of the skyline, great drinks (pricey .. but again.. Chicago.. hip.. happening... you MUST expect this) and a party atmosphere you would expect from a city such as this. Probably a little younger crowd... 20-mid 30's. While we felt comfortable, (we're 42 and 43) a round of drinks and a few turns of music on the mixing table is about all I could do. But if you like loud music, sexy drinks, short dresses (which I might add the cocktail girls wore these really short black "hot mama" shorts that many, even 20 somethings, couldn't pull off. These girls rocked it!) and "voyeur" type views of the Chicago skyline, the roof top lounge at the Dana might be on your list of faves for things to do while in Chicago. Overall, exceptional hotel, exceptional staff, and exceptional stay!

This hotel was super....quite trendy with young staff. Decor was great....loved the walk in showers with overhead nozzle. I'd definitely stay here again!

What can I say - I LOVED this hotel. The rooms were very nice, the location was outstanding, the free continental breakfast delicious, and so much more. I would definitely stay here again. Do bring ear plugs because Chicago taxi drivers love to use their horns and if you are facing the street, you'll hear them.