All About Traveling and More

Summary:   Bed and breakfast inns are a wonderful alternative to even the nicest hotels. Bed and breakfast inns are cozy, friendly, and are often no more expensive than their hotel counterparts.

Hotels, schmotels - why not see the Windy City from a different point of view - say, from a place that feels a lot like home? If you want to experience Chicago the way the natives do, opt for a cozy bed abd breakfast located in any one of Chicago’s hottest and most historic neighborhoods.

If you’re interested in shopping, dining, clubbing or sightseeing around Lake Shore Drive or the Magnificent Mile, try Flemish House of Chicago or the Gold Coast Guest House. Flemish House of Chicago, 68 E. Cedar Street, is a historic, 1892 Chicago Row House offering apartments or bedrooms for rent. All vintage accommodations include wood paneled walls, fireplaces, a private phone line, TV, VCR, A/C and Wi-Fi service. Prices typically range from $135.00 to $185.00 per night and children, pets and smoking are not allowed. Call 312-664-9181 for reservations or reserve online at: www.innchicago.com.

The Gold Coast Guest House, 113 W. Elm Street, was built in 1873 and one of the major attractions here is the home’s beautiful 2-level garden. Located just a short 5-10 minute walk from the Magnificent Mile, Oak Street Beach and tons of restaurants, boutiques and clubs, this intimate bed and breakfast features four cozy guestrooms, each with its own private bath. Prices range from $119-$189 per night and the price includes breakfast every day, complimentary refreshments and phone usage. Call 312-337-0361 for reservations or reserve online at: www.bbchicago.com.

In neighboring Old Town, visitors will appreciate the sleek, modern decor at the Old Town Chicago Bed & Breakfast Inn. Located in the hip, but upscale Old Town area of Chicago, this Art Deco mansion features many common area amenities such as rooftop gardens, a penthouse lounging area, a study, a fitness room and laundry facilities. The 3500 sq. ft. home includes four spacious guest suites with private baths. Nearby bars, clubs, restaurants and theatres provide enough entertainment to last throughout your stay. Old Town is also located a few minutes from the Magnificent Mile. Room rates range from $160-$200 per night and for the entire house, rates range from $650-$1000 per night. For reservations, log onto www.oldtownchicago.com or call 312-440-9268.

Bucktown and Wicker Park are two of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods and they are chock full of boutiques, eclectic eateries, pubs, artsy coffee houses, clubs and live music venues. If you don’t mind traveling a tad west of the Lakefront, Ray’s Bucktown B&B and the Wicker Park Inn are definitely worth checking out.

Located at 2144 N. Leavitt in Bucktown, Ray’s B&B is not your typical bed and breakfast. This luxurious space features a steam room and a sauna and breakfasts are cooked to order - perfect for vegetarians and vegans. With three levels and 4500 sq. ft. of space, this unique bed and breakfast has several different room types. For $139 a night, guests can book the “West Room” or the “Room-With-A-View” and for $149, guests can book the “Skylight Room” or the “East Room.” For $159, guest can book the “DaVinci” room. All rooms have a private bath. Reservations are accepted online at www.raysbucktownbandb.com or you may reserve by calling 800-355-2324.

Located on a quiet tree-lined street, the Wicker Park Inn is so charming, quaint and quiet - you’ll forget you’re in one the most energetic neighborhoods in the city. This historic row house features shiny hardwood floors, and exposed brick walls with country-style decor throughout. The Wicker Park Inn also features a room to fit every budget including The Cape Cod Room ($125), the Chicago Room ($135-$150) and the Provence Room ($115). Each room includes a private bath, TV, VCR and views of gorgeous Wicker Park Avenue. Prices include breakfast every day and parking is free. The Wicker Park Inn is located at 1329 N. Wicker Park Avenue. Reserve online at www.wickerparkinn.com or by calling 773-486-2743.

Whether you want to spend a day at Lincoln Park Zoo or browsing the boutiques along busy Clark Street, City Scene Bed & Breakfast is perfectly situated near all the exciting activities Lincoln Park has to offer. Located at 2101 N. Clifton Avenue, this Victorian four-flat features antique furnishings throughout, guest suites with 1-2 bedrooms, a private steam shower in each suite, a sitting room with fireplace and a full gourmet kitchen available 24/7. Rates range from $100-$200 per night, depending on the season, and reservations are available online at www.citysceneb.com or by calling 773-549-1743.

Interested in bars and boutiques or diners and the Chicago Cubs? Then check out Nyberg Bed and Breakfast in Wrigleyville. This cozy retreat in the heart of the city feels more like a country home deep in the woods than a home located a few blocks from world famous Wrigley Field. Guests can enjoy a hot breakfast in the lush garden area, in the dining room or in the quaint little country kitchen. The guestroom features a comfy double bed and a private hallway bathroom. Guests also have access to an intimate parlor with fireplace. Rates range from $105-$115 per night. For reservations, log onto www.chicago-bnb.com or call 312-337-0767.

No matter what your tastes, a Chicago bed and breakfast is out there that’s just right for you, and a wonderful alternative to a regular hotel!

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