by @geekgirls

I recently spent a few nights in Hotel Sax Chicago. Originally the House of Blues, Hotel Sax provides a swanky and engaging experience that awakens all five senses.

Upon initial arrival at the hotel, I was greeted with an array of amazing visual stimuli. An enormous mirror covering one wall reflects the glass trinkets that line the clear shelves of the reception desk. Plush Victorian-era furniture fills the lobby with an invitation to unwind from traveling. The elevator to my room was shared with a mysterious wallpapered painting of a pregnant woman cradling a skull. And my room was filled with calming hues of blue and gold and furnished with unique design accents like this chandelier shadow.

Dan Dolan, the hotel’s Direct of Marketing and Sales, explains that “guests experiences will touch all five senses; they will find pleasant surprises around every corner.” The first night of my stay was themed “Spice Night”. I noticed that not only did the food provide an appetizing blend of exotic spices, but also different rooms of the hotel seemed to emit various fragrances into the air. Dan confirmed that scent machines are spread throughout which provide subtle aromas to enhance the exotic nature of the hotel. Textured wallpaper, micro-suede table cloths and mood lighting also influenced the atmosphere for each space.

In 2007, Hotel Sax began a 27 million dollar renovation that included a partnership with Microsoft to integrate the latest technologies throughout the hotel. Dan states that this partnership allowed the hotel to demonstrate that “technology can flow from personal to professional spaces.”

Aside from the Studio and Suites rooms, which include preloaded Xbox 360s and Zunes based on the traveler’s personal style, the entire fourth floor is also dedicated to providing the latest technologies into its high tech meeting and conference rooms. A “whole brain concept” is successfully carried out in each space, satisfying the right-creativity and the left-linear hemispheres. Since part of my stay included a business conference, I can confirm that the conference room provided a level of relaxation without once compromising the agenda of the day.

Ok, let’s get down to business. Here is some of the spec of the hotel:

Crimson Lounge. This cocktail bar resembles a Transylvanian mansion complete with plush Victorian-style seating, ambient lighting from candelabras and beautiful, but eerie oil paintings.

The Studio – This intimate gaming area comes complete with an XBox 360, Wii, PS3 and Rock Band set up. And if you need a game changed, a different tune, or help getting to the next level, Bill works in The Studio all night to ensure each guest is taken care of.

Bin 36 Рa Manhattan style caf̩ offering a wide menu to satisfy any palette.

10Pin Bowling – (next door) numerous lanes lit by black lights also provide a chic bar and lounge.

Free WiFi – the signal is strong in every room including the bathrooms and Bin 36. There is a cumbersome splash page that appears anytime I turned on my iPhone, but Dan assures that this issue will be resolved. The hotel is looking into better technology that could enable a guest to “register” once and use the WiFi for the duration of their stay.

Be Careful with that Snack Tray! – The tempting tray of sweets and treats is electronically monitored. If an item is removed for more than 30 seconds, your room will be billed automatically. But not to fear. The prices are decent and if you didn’t open that snack, the front desk removes the item with a smile :)

Service – is beyond excellent! Not only was every employee courteous and smiling, but quick and efficient, making every part of my stay carefree.

Amenities – Everything I needed was available: hairdryer, towels, bathrobes, bath accessories, flat screen TV, comfortable bed and pillows, etc.

Next time you visit the downtown Chicago area and want to escape the typical and mundane experience, Hotel Sax is perfect for the single traveler, business executive or rock star.

Follow Hotel Sax and Crimson Lounge on Twitter.

Check out more Hotel Sax pix on Flickr.