Chicago Machine Reviews the Drake's $199 At-Home NYE Kits
By Megan Rains
Due to COVID-19, the infamous Drake Hotel NYE gathering has been canceled, but they are offering a $199 at-home kit for those who are missing the festivities. Megan Rains here at The Machine got her hands on one, so here is her review!
1. An opened bottle of Andre
The original package I purchased said unlimited drinks... but this bottle should be fine. It’s kind of flat but who am I to be picky?
EDIT: Someone came to my door at 11:00 PM and demanded it back. I tried to argue with him and he said he’d kick me out. Of my own house? Honestly, I believed him. I conceded and finished off the Fireball I have in my kitchen at midnight. 7/10 very authentic, but threatening.
2. A recording of a stranger crying in the bathroom stall
This was tricky but a nice touch. I had to take the tape recorder and put it in my bathroom. While I did have to press play everytime I went into the bathroom, it really did feel like I was in a public stall in the Drake Bathrooms. 10/10 - I felt sympathy for this fake girl!
3. A blindfold
Everytime I left my bathroom, the package instructed me to put on the blindfold and spin around 10 times before I tried to get back to your computer. I truly got lost at my own place just like I would, drunk, in the dank basement of The Drake! Again, truly authentic. 9/10.
4. Pumice stone to rub blisters into your feet (females only)
No night would be complete without the aching pain from standing in uncomfortable, but necessary, heels for over 5 hours. I rubbed my feet raw before the Zoom start time and couldn’t get comfortable for the rest of it. I thought this touch was completely professional and accurate. 10/10.
5. Scheduled small talk with strangers
At a moment's notice, the shared Zoom link would put you into breakout rooms with people you didn’t know and at least 2 of your coworkers at any given time. You had to talk to them for 10 minutes. 8/10 - painful but accurate.
6. No one to kiss at midnight
At midnight, the box said they might send someone to your door for you to kiss. But, no one came. At first, I was disappointed but the emotional rollercoaster was truly authentic. 10/10
Overall, we would recommend the kit if you literally have money to burn. Like, if you’re already burning your money, this would potentially be a better use of it. From all of us at the Machine, have a great new year!