Bed and Breakfast

Chicago Bed and Breakfast Vacations

Story Published on September 22, 2008 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

Chicago is a city rich in history and tradition, full of eclectic neighborhoods and offering plenty of attractions. While the city offers plenty of swanky Chicago hotels, for travelers craving a slightly more intimate setting, a bed and breakfast might be a better choice. Here are lodgings that might fit the bill.

Located in a restored, early 20th-century brownstone, The House of Two Urns offers both historic charm and close access to downtown. There are six guest rooms, three with fireplaces and two with Jacuzzi tubs. Rooms are bright and airy with quilt-topped beds and antique furnishings. The innkeeper at this Chicago bed and breakfast also offers several apartments with plenty of amenities, including kitchens.

At China Doll Guest House, travelers can choose to stay in one of several fully self-contained city apartments or even opt to spend a night on the innkeepers’ sailboat, when available. Three apartments are available in a historic, ivy covered row house in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood and there are several more located in other homes. The innkeepers offer plenty of amenities for business travelers, including a computer, printer and fax in each apartment. The kitchens are stocked with everything from coffee and espresso to bacon and eggs to cereal, breads and yogurt. Several units have a fireplace or Jacuzzi tub, and all offer fantastic access to downtown Chicago.

The Hansen House Mansion, also located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is another option for travelers seeking a Chicago bed and breakfast. The 19th-century Queen Anne still features original stained-glass windows. The rooms are decorated in Victorian style with plenty of period antiques. There are two guest rooms, each with private bath and one with a clawfoot soaking tub. The spacious Parlor Suite is another option, housing up to four guests. This suite also has a clawfoot tub, as well as a spacious parlor and even a sun deck.

Evanston, a North Shore suburb about 15 miles from Chicago, is home to Northwestern University, museums and theater, as well as The Homestead. This historic inn has been family-run for more than 70 years and offers both traditional inn rooms, as well as a selection of apartments. There is a gourmet restaurant, Quince, at the inn serving specialties such as shaved asparagus salad with a truffle vinaigrette, braised short ribs with Meyer lemon risotto, and homemade blueberry-dusted doughnuts with blueberry jam.

A 35-mile drive west of Chicago will take you to West Dundee and The Mansion bed and breakfast. The century-old Tudor boasts original features such as leaded, stained-glass windows and lighting fixtures. Each of the four guest rooms includes a whirlpool tub. There are also three extended-stay rooms that share a bath with a whirlpool tub. The innkeepers often host weddings and receptions at this historic inn.

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