High-Rise Healing

High above the congested downtown streets, Checkers Spa at the Hilton Checkers Hotel provides a peaceful respite for frazzled nine-to-fivers looking to either decompress on their lunch break or avoid the evening gridlock. The spa facility is a small, serene space on the penthouse level of the hotel. And because there's only one treatment room (which can accommodate two people at a time), Checkers' clients can count on the devoted attention of the spa's friendly staff.

We visited with a friend to participate in a 60-minute Spa-for-Two package, which includes an absolutely heavenly mini-facial, a full-body exfoliating scrub, and a targeted Swedish massage. The facial was undoubtedly our favorite part - our aesthetician began by running her fingers through our hair for several minutes before massaging a series of refreshing masks into our skin. The bodywork was a treat, as well - after giving us a thorough once-over with a soft-bristled body brush, our masseuse applied an aromatherapy rubdown to our back, neck and shoulders.

After an hour of being pampered, we were able to choose from a variety of activities, as the sauna, pool, Jacuzzi, and even the hotel's fitness facility were all at our disposal. We soaked in the extra-deep hot tub for an hour or so, admiring the picturesque Bunker Hill skyline from our rooftop vantage point. The spa is open until 9 PM seven days a week, so we plan to head downtown after dark on our next visit so we can enjoy the twinkling city lights after our treatment.

Review originally published 9/23/2004.