Well, where to start. Here is a realistic accounting of my recent experience.
We had these spa rooms in Illinois back in the 90s. For some reason, all of them closed. Maybe a liability issue or they attracted unsavory characters.
I thought they were the best thing ever, and obviously, the idea originated probably in the California area (this version of it). They were usually attached to a place that actually sold spas. They were a great place to get away for an hour or two with your girlfriend or significant other, almost like a day spa experience or an occasional treat.
I was in the area for work, and I thought it would be a great way to finish my day after some hard physical labor. I know these places are geared more towards couples and parties, but I like the fact of having a private spa all to myself.
I traveled about an hour to come to this location. It has a website that gives you some information, and the place was pretty easy to find. The website said they only took cash, so I had to find an atm down the street. But, when entering the place, I saw that they actually accept debit cards now. I wish I knew that.
I knew pretty much what to expect from the website coming into the place with rules and the rates per hour.
Coming in, it was dressed up like a forest for some reason. I guess they are trying to get you in a tropical mood. The large empty room you come into almost seems like a huge waste of space. Then you see the large bulletproof plastic main window off to the left. Guess they must have had some problems before (they are open pretty late).
The person at the desk wasn't the most pleasant person you had ever met. The person didn't ask me if it was my first time or try to explain anything to me, only that I would get a call on the room phone when there were 10 minutes of my time left.
Dealing with the bulletproof window and the small door for the towels, almost seemed like it was a drug or bank transaction rather than a relaxing experience. You also have to give a $20 deposit or your driver's license for the two scratchy towels that they give you. Guess those have been walking off too.
I paid for two hours because I just wanted to relax for a while without being bothered. The lady gave me a metal ring with a number on it.
Went to my assigned numbered room. It was pretty clean and well-lit in the entrance of the room. There aren't any lights over the spa area or inside the spa. I liked the fact that you could dim the room lights.
There are some signs in the room to tell you what switches do what. The spa seemed to be circulating the water, but it wasn't that hot. I turned on the switch for the spa and the sauna that was in the room.
There were some hooks on the wall for your clothes. But, all your other stuff has to go on the bed, the wooden deck, or on the floor.
Although I have to say, the wall clock encased in Tupperware over the door was a nice touch.
The showerhead on the wall that faced the bed and kind of sprayed into the center of the tiled floor area. I wish somebody would have told me that it sprayed almost clear all the way over to the bed area because that was where my shoes were on the floor.
After showering, I maneuvered over to the spa. This in itself was kind of hard because the floor is now wet, and there aren't any grab rails near the shower or on the wall leading over to the spa.
The spa had much of a froth going on, probably from the chemicals they have in it. Sitting in the spa, the water was warm but not that hot. The jets also weren't that powerful, almost like someone breathing their breath on you. The water wasn't that warm, so I decided to try out the sauna.
The sauna interior was all wood. Many customers took it upon themselves to carve their names and initials in the wood. I guess I was just brought up a little better and don't damage other people's property. Even with the sauna door closed, it really didn't get that hot. It was on; you could feel some heat coming out of the electric heater.
I went back to the spa. Guess what, still not hot. Sitting in the spa was not relaxing because of the six inches of foam on the water surface. You really couldn't rest your head on the edge of the spa because you would have foam in your face.
It has been about an hour at this point; you would think that one of these two things in the room would at least be hot by now. The water that I dripped into the sauna floor area wasn't even evaporating.
This was such a disappointing experience that I didn't even stay for my whole time and just decided to leave. I didn't say anything to the staff because I didn't really want to talk to them.
Needless to say, I have had better experiences in other places. If you ever find yourself in the Chicago area, we have a couple of places called "Sybaris" or "Champaign Lodge." They have pool suites. Check them out. read more