Spa Suites + Holiday Happy Hour = Escape From Crazy

Usually when I hear (or read) “spa services” in the same sentence or paragraph as “hotel”, my ears perk up. (Err, or my eyes…widen?)

I used to work in the salon industry and I wrote business articles for trade magazines in that industry for years. That, combined with my being the daughter of a (now retired) hotel manager who was very interested in providing excellent experiences for his customers at every company he worked for over the years, means that I completely respect and admire what goes into providing high end service. Typically when there’s a spa at a hotel, I know it’s going to be top-notch.

A while back I was invited to visit an Open House at the Spa Suites at Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center. The hotel itself has gone through a $25 million interior and exterior transformation, and it’s beyond lovely. The Spa Suites? So innovative. They have literally taken over two suites upstairs and that’s where they offer services like massages and facials (priced lower than hotels in downtown Chicago, I might add, and using the high-end ESPA products!).

From the press release, because they say it way better than I could:
Choose from an array of spa treatments which provide the ultimate in relaxation. Lavish design elements, including custom stone and marble décor, will allow guests to revitalize the mind, body and spirit. The spa suite walls are finished floor to ceiling with glass mirrors and translucent drapery, creating an endless view with a delicate touch.

Ideal for couples, a group of friends and individuals who are seeking absolute privacy, the spa suites feature a stone tiled rain shower with a 32” heated mosaic tile bed amidst six body sprayers, soaking tub and a large relaxation lounge. The lounge is designed to offer seamless flexibility, as guests will be able to relax in the comfort of an oversized sectional sofa or engage in a curated spa treatment service.

I mean, COME ON, right? When do you want to meet me there?

I stayed for about an hour, just chatting with the two lovely ladies who provide services there about the concept—and receiving an awesome hand massage for about fifteen of those minutes. The suites include relaxation areas where, as long as you purchase a service that’s 50 minutes or more, you get 40 minutes to spend just hanging out in the suite. You can watch television, read a book, scroll Facebook on your phone (just threw that in because I know you, err me), or even order room service (I mean, Suite Service) from the yummy restaurant downstairs. (Express services of 25 minutes will include an additional 20 minutes of complimentary relaxation time when booked individually, and you can add on extra relaxation time for a fee.)

I have been going to Oakbrook Center for years and years, and to be completely honest I never even noticed there was a hotel right there in the mall circle. Now it’s all I see when I drive by: I’m looking longingly towards the upper floors and thinking about those Spa Suites. Let me just repeat that their services are at a lower price point than hotel spa services in the city. I will also tell you that one of the women who works there used to work at one of those fancy downtown hotels and now has downtown clients making the drive to Oakbrook, not only because she’s that good, but they can get more service for the price, plus that relaxation time! (and we all know how valuable relaxation time is, don’t we?)

While you’re pondering your schedule and figuring out when you can go in to get a facial, a massage, or one of their Signature Treatments—either the Relax & Reflect or the Taste of Heaven—let me tell you about what the hotel has in store this holiday season.

Their “Holiday Happy Hour” package includes complimentary valet service (if you’ve visited Oakbrook Center during the holidays this part alone should make you jump for joy), use of the hotel’s house car to transport shoppers to and from mall entrances to help make hauling away goodies a breeze, and 25 minutes of ultimate relaxation via a back and body massage in the hotel’s exclusive Spa Suites. (Yeah, the ones you just read about!)

The day is capped off with a hot spiked (or virgin) cider plus a signature tapas at the hotel’s ninth floor authentic Spanish restaurant, El Tapeo. It’s priced at $65 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and is available Tuesdays through Saturdays, through December 23.

I’ll just add that I love Marketing Genius. If you’re in the Chicago area, you should book this so you can be experience what this magical place has to offer. You’ll get some holiday shopping done too, so BONUS!

Also, let me know when you’re going. Perhaps I’ll meet you there!