Mani/pedis | Steal vs. splurge

SPLURGE Wine and Roses mani/pedi at the Dana Hotel and Spa (660 N State St, 312-202-6000), $125
STEAL Classic mani/pedi at Reina Spa (1821 W North Ave, 773-227-3462), $35 (Monday–Wednesday; regularly $40)
The Dana Hotel’s mani/pedi experience is the epitome of luxury—from the fluffy robe and glass of red wine at check-in to the honey and rose petals in the foot bowl during the service. While Reina Spa is no luxury spa, it’s miles away from typical cheapie nail joints. Swap the ’80s nail-art posters for flat screens and the plain white nail bars for vintage apothecary tables. Sit back in a comfy massage throne while a tech goes to town on your toes—sloughing, lotioning and massaging—all finished off with a hot towel wrap. And that red wine you get at the Dana? Yep, you can get that at Reina, too: Head there on “Happy Hour Wednesdays,” when mani/pedis are $35 and complimentary wine is served from 5–8pm. Save the Dana for a special occasion, when you can take full advantage of its relaxation room and steam showers.

Money saved with steal: $90