Ray's Bucktown B&B is an absolute gem. The neighborhood, the staff, the breakfast, the whole damn package. It has character. It makes you feel like you're on an adventure. There's a warmth here. And that's something even the snazziest of hotels can't promise. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy bougie hotels too, but this place has a story. The dry sauna and steam room were more than enough comfort, and while we couldn't enjoy the roof deck due to storms, it looked like the perfect place to chill. Our room was spotless, we had plenty of space, and the jacuzzi tub was the cherry on top. Breakfast is included, and the food from that kitchen was stellar. They had an entire separate vegan menu. I was super into the local kombucha and fermented hot sauce options, and the vegan French toast and tofu scramble were spot on. There are always snacks and beverages available around the clock, too. So fear not, my fellow snackers. As far as the vibe, let's just say the founder must have made randomness their full-time job. There is art all over the place, plus collections of all shapes and sizes. Two dozen antique cameras? Got it. 15 or so vintage thermoses on a shelf? Yep. Rock collections, statues, maps, and more? There is just stuff to look at EVERYWHERE. And I mean that in the best way possible. My wife booked us a little one-night getaway, and Ashley and the team made the whole thing a treat. Smooth sailing from start to finish, friendly, accommodating, and the room was our cozy little home away from home, even if only for a night. Completely walkable to all kinds of fun and shopping. Zero complaints. I can't say I've been to a place like Ray's before. It's a community. Just check the common rooms where you'll find board games, books about art and the neighborhood, and people just chilling out. It's unique, and we need more uniqueness these days. Ray's is the kind of place I love to recommend. Anyone can grab a hotel, but this type of visit is something much more memorable. read more

A solid place to stay when in Chicago! We were fortunate to have a garage spot, but there's lots of free parking surrounding the place. Very friendly staff and a quirky vibe - perfect for people who want something more relaxed. Breakfast is included and you order off a menu they give you. Very good! They also have free snacks! We were in the Skylight Room which I liked - access to the roof deck, felt pretty private. You do hear the kitchen though I. The morning, but there is an additional door to close if needed. It's sort of like staying at a friend's house great for those who want to be in a classic Chicago neighborhood instead of downtown. Would recommend! read more

This place is fantastic. I always felt comfortable and welcomed the entire time here. Both Kay and Ashlee made sure we felt important and went out of their way on several occasions to provide top notch hospitality. I had a garage spot, which was great, although there was always a spot on the street to park. The neighborhood is nice and we felt comfortable walking even into the evening. They provided a custom breakfast with daily specials. The omelets are fantastic - FYI. There really isn't anything that i would change. I will definitely be back and will recommend this spot to anyone visiting that doesn't want to maybe deal with downtown, but yet are super close if that's your end goal. Thank you, Ashlee and Kat! You two make the experience what it is for the guests! 5 stars read more

My 2 Golden Retrievers loved their stay! Daisy and Trinity were very at home and met several new human friends. Everyone was so nice. The staff couldn't do enough for us! They were so accommodating from letting us check in early, giving us indoor parking, and making us a delicious breakfast. This was our 3rd stay there and once again cannot recommend a better bed and breakfast in the area. We were completely happy at Ray's! read more

Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast - tasty red potatoes, avacado toast and a poached egg - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have stayed at Ray's three times, each time bringing a new friend along to enjoy this great place. The location is great -- nice neighborhood with some local tavern-like places to eat and hang out. Breakfast at Ray's is included and fantastic -- made-to-order deliciousness. The friendly and efficient staff have thought of everything you could need to feel at home. Every wall in every room is decorated with vintage art and collectibles. The B&B is clean and easy to reach from the Blue Line (Western Ave stop is about a 15-minute walk). They have garage spaces (included), and also free parking on the street. read more

If you're looking for a place that offers more than just a bed to sleep in, this lodging is a true gem. From the moment you arrive, the welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for an unforgettable stay. The staff is exceptionally attentive, ensuring every need is met with genuine care. What sets this lodging apart is its attention to detail. Whether it's the complimentary refreshments, the well-curated local guide. The made to order Breakfast was amazing and the home made baked goods yummy!!! The location is another highlight--Bucktown is an adorable neighborhood walking distance to fun restaurants and bars. Not far from downtown attractions. Overall, this lodging doesn't just provide a place to stay; it delivers an experience. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, you'll leave with fond memories and a strong desire to return. Highly recommended! read more

This place takes the cake for service and style. It's a cute little throwback to Europe and antique collecting and the made to order breakfasts are out of this world. From the omelette to the pancake to the tofu veggie scramble we have been super impressed. The raspberry Chipotle bacon is also spot on. The staff is so nice at every turn of the way. What a find! read more

Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Planning our trip to Chicago, I didn't know where to stay. I wanted someplace that would be unique and add to our adventure. Suddenly, I saw Ray's. Could this be as lovely as it seems? Before booking, I took out my trusty Magic 8-ball. Oh, wise magic ball; shall we stay at Ray's Bucktown B&B? After shaking it like a Polaroid picture, I flipped the ball over. "It is decidedly so!" Wanting to be certain, I tried again a few more times. "All signs point to yes. Outlook good." The magic had spoken, and I booked our room. We arrived late- but upon entering and going up the stairs, an enchanting room beckoned. On the desk sat an envelope with a welcoming note, details to our room, and generous invitations to explore the property. Opening the door to our room, the charm was immediately soothing. Robes, slippers, and even a plethora of information on the neighborhood awaited us. Everywhere we looked was a delightful treasure of quirky whimsy. The next morning, we entered the dining area where the most magnificent Kat greeted us. She might not be the owner, but she was the perfect host for a place such as this. Oh. And the Breakfast? NOTHING compares to the wide range of options- it was amazing! If you can dream it, it exists. By the way, did I mention kid friendly? Because, this place is perfect for kids. The invitation to touch and to delight; beckons! Whether a kid at heart, kid with curiosity, a kid who likes to explore, or a kid who orders a breakfast from your imagination. This magical place is worthy of many more visits. My magical 8 ball might not be a real thing- but the magic here is the real deal! read more

We loved our stay here! The place is so cute, accommodating, and comfortable! They have thought of everything you might need or want. The food is delicious! The staff is responsive and friendly! We would stay here again. read more

The house is a museum, when people come to see 'em. There are fascinating things and artwork all around the common areas. Some of these items are displayed as large collections, for instance Pez dispensers and angel food cake slicers. Nice deck out back. In my room ("The Davinci Room") there was interesting art. And some good art books. Also lots of space and three beds. The words funky and quirky don't do it justice. This place is great. The staff were all friendly and helpful. And the breakfast made to order with lots of choices was superb. I didn't want to leave. read more

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Consistently great! The peaceful neighborhood, homey facility, congenial staff, quirky art museum-like ambience, scrumptious food and (24h) beverages, garage parking, steam room/sauna, and more are all top-notch. Friendly, fun atmosphere. Guest comfort and satisfaction are top priorities. They're accommodating, flexible, and personable, welcoming us back warmly on return visits. They even allowed extra guests for breakfast, gratis! Ray's has become our home-away-from-home in Chicago. Worth every penny! read more

Quaint and quirky B&B in the Bucktown neighborhood northwest of the Loop. Dogs and cats welcome. Mismatched furniture; arts and crafts of all kinds adorn walls, shelves, and cabinets; a dry erase board lists the first names of all the two-footed and four-footed guests, as well as the hosts. Our room slept four, plus our dog, and was located on the second floor up about 20 stairs so beware if you have mobility issues (like an 85-year-old mother). WiFi and big screen tv. A binder in the room provided house rules; transportation info; and local cafes, restaurants, bars, groceries, etc. There's a rooftop patio with a BBQ and a full kitchen. There is free parking but the spaces are first-come-first-serve, but street parking after 2pm was ample and free (confirm with staff though). However, we elected to use Lyft to venture out rather than move the car around. Very easy and convenient. The neighborhood is residential and quiet and felt very safe to walk Howard at night. The staff is friendly, helpful, and while not onsite in the evening, easily accessible by phone or text. Finally, 'breakfast is included' and is made-to-order (definitely not the bagels, cereal and juice spread that some chains tout as an amenity). Our breakfast would easily have cost $20-30 per person at a decent urban brunch place. Omelettes, pancakes, bread pudding, toast, fresh fruit, oatmeal, coffee, juice--all healthy, fresh, and delicious. Bonus was the communal table where we chatted with guests from Pennsylvania and the UK. Not for everyone, but for social, easygoing, no frills types, this is a wonderful place to call home base. read more

Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast - The Welcome Board - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Another fantastic stay at Ray's. We were there 5 wonderful nights. I can not say enough about Ray's. Every time we come to Chicago we make sure we stay here. Kat, Ashley, Molina, and Eda are such caring and wonderful people, that make sure you are comfortable and willing to help with whatever you need. I highly recommend Ray's Bed & Breakfast in the Bucktown area, whenever you are in Chicago. read more

Ray's Bucktown B&B was amazing! I am bummed that we were only there for one night (will definitely stay there again the next time I am in Chicago). Immediately after booking, Ashley called to talk about my reservation and share information about the property and surrounding area. She was so friendly and welcoming. Because we were planning to arrive late, Ashley let me know she would leave a welcome packet for us and provided me with an access code to the building. We arrived earlier than anticipated and were greeted by Ray. He stopped what he was doing to give me a tour, assist with parking (indoor private garage), help with our luggage, & provide some tips for the area. Again, I was amazed by how welcoming he was. Since we had to be at the airport early, we were going to miss out on the cooked-to-order breakfast. Ray let me know where to find coffee, yogurt, & pastries. That evening, my boyfriend and I walked around the neighborhood. We felt safe & loved the peacefulness of the area. We found some yummy food & a fun bar (Map Bar) & again wished for more time to explore the area (even looked at changing our flights!). The next morning, we awoke to a delicious smell: BACON! The chef greeted us by name and helped us prepare some coffee and food for the road. I cannot say enough good things about this place. The accommodations were great: clean and comfortable. If you're looking for a great place that is reasonably priced, close to O'Hare (about 30 mins) and downtown, look no further!! read more

Home away from home.... Rays exceeded my wishes . My daughter who is privileged in college studying the arts thought I was the coolest for picking this place, my 3 years old Son fell in love with the home and all its trinckets and toys and especially the lovely staff and managers Kat and Ashley! My husband loved everything about it and my mother in law especially loved the food. They had everything you could possibly think of. Although we had a lot of plans while there we really loved hanging out the bed and breakfast from our breakfast to our late night tea in one of the Lounge areas while our 3 year old played everywhere especially in "his little house" under the stairs. Thank you so much for such wonderful memories!! I could go on an on but my picture speak for themselves! read more

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Ray, how can I even express the delight this stay brought me. If you are trying to find accommodations in the area, you must MUST must stay at Ray's B&B. Our Airbnb fell through randomly NYE weekend, and we had the absolute fortune to switch our plans to staying at Ray's. Ray is a gem. He welcomed us warmly with complimentary bottles of water and showed us to our room. We weaved through a maze of eclectic couches, stocked shelves, and trinkets to our delightful Woodpecker room (equipped with our own private bathroom with heated tile floors!). Ray even took us on a tour of the whole house. There's plenty of common spaces to hang out in, and lovely full kitchen with fridges for leftovers and plenty of snacks. There's even a steam room and a sauna in the basement (hello!!!). Every guest gets a fluffy bathrobe, and all guests were comfortably walking around the house in their robes hanging out. Ray was so willing to help with everything and get us anything we needed. Each room has a key and the front door has a keypad with a code, so it feels really safe. There is a whole menu for breakfast cooked to order! My special eggs Benedict was delicious. The chefs were super nice, quick, and helpful. Check in and check out was super easy. I need to go back to Chicago just to stay here again, I swear. I'm in love with this place. Thank you Ray! read more

Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We stayed in the Room With A View and loved it. Enjoyed the charm and uniqueness of the property, and felt instantly at home. The staff was wonderful and accommodating to our entire family. And the breakfast was amazing, along with the baked goods and other snacks available all day. I would highly recommend this B&B to anyone. read more

100000000/10 stars. This was my parents and I's first time at a bed and breakfast. This was the best hotel/home-away from home experience ever. The intention to detail from the towels, chocolates, welcome packets etc. were out of this world! The sauna and steam room were amazing and everything was beyond our expectations. When we had to leave early for college visits we were given a to-go breakfast which was absolutely perfect. If you are even remotely considering booking, I'd come to Chicago again just for Ray's B&B! read more

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Breakfast here is delightful and the staff is fantastic. If you're looking for a quirky place to stay this places is a jackpot. Every wall has something new to discover. There are games to play in the living room. Our room was a nice size and the shower was excellent. We also enjoyed being able to use the sauna and steam room. Check out isn't till 12 so we didn't even have to wake up and leave in a rush. The only downside was our room the east room was in the basement so it got noisy when breakfast started and people where moving around above us. read more

Can I give Ray's Bucktown B& B six stars? I would if I could! My husband and I went there for an all-too-short staycation and loved it. The bed in our room was so comfortable I kept waking up and reminding myself that I wasn't dreaming. Outstanding amenities included a jacuzzi in our bathroom and a squeaky-clean sauna. Our breakfast was fresh and delicious. Ray's staff is friendly and super helpful. There was a whole lot of crazy collections, books and games to hold our interest in the common areas too. Eclectic and luxurious! I highly recommend it. read more

I loved it here so much. The place is weird in the most adorable way. I was going to hit up the sauna downstairs but it was so warm and cozy in the room (in the dead of January in Chicago) I didn't even need to. There was a tub in the bathroom so that was nice too. The staff is super friendly and helpful, and they make a mean breakfast. There was also a desk so I could set up a little remote workstation away from home. I will definitely be coming back for a little staycation when it's not possible to get away. read more

Such a cute place! Staff is amazing. So comfortable in a great location. 100% recommend! The breakfast was awesome!!!

We can't say enough good things about Rays! If you are looking to stay in the Chicago area, this is the place to stay!! Everyone is so welcoming and helpful! The place is very charming. The cook to order breakfast is delicious! Nice neighborhood very close to the city. Extremely pet-friendly. There are a few garage parking spots and plenty of free street parking. We highly recommend and can't wait to go back! read more

My NYE Airbnb fell through and I ended up finding Ray's by accident! Booked two days in advance and they were super communicative and checked in with me prior to arrival. It is a really cute area in Bucktown, only 10 minutes away from downtown and close to the bar we were going to! We walked in and immediately fell in love with all the quirky decor and fun layout of the house! Ray is a collector and it definitely shows through. We stayed in the Woodpecker room upstairs which was cozy but perfect for what we needed (hello, heated bathroom floors!!) Check out the binder in the room if you're looking for literally anything to do - loved the thorough recommendations provided! Very intrigued by the sauna and steam room in the basement but we unfortunately didn't have time to try it out. Breakfast was great and I wish we could have stayed multiple nights to try everything! Awesome service from the team and I enjoyed the homey vibe. There are some garage spaces behind the building that I did not attempt to find, but we found a street parking spot right out front. I am so glad I stumbled on this bed and breakfast and I would love to go back someday! read more

Ray's is a great little bed and breakfast in Chicago. My husband, son and I stayed for a quick overnight and wished we had more time. We stayed in the Cardinal room which had a twin and queen bed and a private bathroom across the hall. It was a perfect amount of space for our little family. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Ray was also great about sharing local birding spots that we were interested in. There are lots of games and a small children's nook under the stairs which my son loved checking out. The house has a few lounge areas and an excellent roof top patio great for enjoying a take out meal. At breakfast, we were surprised to find a full vegan breakfast menu. We enjoyed the vegan French toast and tofu scramble. Both were excellent and the service was great! I definitely recommend Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast. read more

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If you love historic buildings, cozy string lights, and eclectic art, you will love Ray's. Staff members are very friendly and excellent conversationalists. The food is top notch - on par with the nicest brunch spots in Chicago. Ray's will be a new Chicago tradition for my husband and me. What a treat! read more

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Ray's Bucktown Bed & Breakfast is amazing. The rooms are sparkling clean and the bed is very comfortable. We reserved the Chickadee room with an attached bathroom. The water pressure for the shower was good and the soap they had smelled great. They offer great amenities: use of the washer and dryer, water, snacks and cooked to order breakfast in the morning that is absolutely delicious. Ray's Bucktown bed & breakfast is walking distance to multiple restaurants and bars. It's a safe neighborhood with cute brownstones on tree lined streets. There is plenty of street parking near the B&B. Everyone is friendly. We will definitely return. read more

Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast - We loved Ray's Bucktown Bed & Breakfast! - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a really nice stay. Breakfast was delicious and the sauna was very relaxing, included essential oils you could add. The neighborhood is very cute with lots of good places to eat and stores to check out. However some of them were not open everyday so we missed out on costa-Rican food. But all the reason to come back! Ashlee was awesome and she is the engine that keeps this place running. Thanks for an awesome stay! read more

Ray's is delightful. It was comfortable, the staff were amazing, breakfast was fantabulous. Charming spaces for hanging out in your room or in living spaces; great location (Near Blue Line, so we got to & from O'Hare easily-we walked the 10-15 minutes but you can also get a ride). We stayed in 2 difft rooms to & from ORD; both good, one had a bathtub with jets! Easy to get downtown on Blue line. Charming neighborhood, good walks & takeout/restos nearby, and locals walking dogs are friendly. I'll be going back just to hang out at Ray's and relax. I called Ray's directly to rsvp, & I recommend it; they are great, accomodating, and they do better when you reserve through them...and Ray's is awesome, local, lived-in, way-cool and unique. read more

Hidden gem! Very unique spot, staff is very welcoming. Breakfast was delicious. We enjoyed our stay!

Ray's was absolutely the best stay I've had anywhere. It felt like staying at a friend's aunt's house. The staff was so welcoming and they made us feel very much at home. Our room was super comfy and had access to a little deck right off the side. It was a great place to have our morning coffee and enjoy the quiet neighborhood. The amenities there are fantastic, the sauna (fuckin LOVELY,) snacks and water for grabs, cute little common spaces for guests to hang in, plus the breakfast in the morning...WONDERFUL. I'd say the staff tops it all though, they are a fantastic group, everyone seemed like they genuinely enjoyed being at work and hanging with each other and their guests, just real nice people. We were so glad to have chosen this place! Thank you Ray's, we had fun! read more

I normally don't take the time to write reviews unless it was exceptionally bad. This was OUTSTANDING. This was our first experience at a B&B and I have to say, Ray's REALLY set the bar. He's taking EVERY precaution because of Covid, and the breakfast truly is amazing. It smelled like a Waffle House (if you've never been, then like a GOOD breakfast diner) and was fully cooked to order with fresh ingredients. Funky and retro decor was just fun taking a look at and he has a full little sauna and steam room! I highly recommend coming here, either as a romantic getaway or family times. We will def be coming back and bringing the whole tribe with us next time ((hopefully)) read more

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Rays B&B is a great little place with character and charm and was a perfect place for us to stay while visiting Chicago for the week. Prior to arriving I felt it was a bit on the expensive side but after my stay I felt like it was actually a good deal. The place comes a great full breakfast every morning and never were there any restrictions to what you could order or how much. The girls in the kitchen did a great job! The room was great, nothing fancy but clean and had what we needed. It also has parking which is super convenient in the area. Another plus was the steam room and sauna which I took full advantage of. All the above perks along w/ unlimited water and snacks/fruit made this place a great choice. Area was awesome and conveniently located. read more

A great Bed and Breakfast with a vibrant, warm vibe! I absolutely loved staying here. I'm a Chicago native who lives in SF and comes back home to visit a couple of times a year and was pleasantly surprised to find this place. I had the Flamingo room and everything was great. The room has a hot tub that I made sure to use! Breakfast was amazing and the other people from out of town I met at breakfast were great to chat with! The staff were friendly and helpful. Will definitely stay here in the future and would highly recommend this spot to anyone that is looking for a cute, welcoming place to stay! read more

After having bad experiences at other B&B's I have fallen in love with Ray's. Very cool and definately not your mother's b&b! To start with, you aren't required to meet for breakfast at early hours-you get to tell them when you will be ready for breakfast..and the breakfast? WOW. Local culinary students cook up some of the best breakfasts you will ever have, complete with fresh herbs from their garden. We were able to use their laundry facilities, sauna, and they were very helpful with local information. Also, the location is perfect, with just a few short blocks to transit and wonderful resturants and bars. We'll be staying here everytime we go to Chicago. Such a great, unique place. read more

Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast - Ray's B&B, main house - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing find. Great location, accommodation, staff and breakfast. Cool and eclectic character of a hostel but with the cleanliness and privacy of a hotel. Can't wait to come back. read more

I stayed at Ray's for 5 nights, and I had a great stay. I am from the area and come into town to visit family/ friends, so the location was convenient & overall, it was more personable than a hotel. The breakfasts are generous, amazing, and ended up saving me money on lunch! I love the decor in the main common areas, esp. Ray's photography. Ray and his staff are unbelievably friendly and nice. The atmosphere is comfortable, homey, and there is a lot of info about what to do in the area. I made friends with a number of other guests & enjoyed talking to them over breakfast. I stayed in the Sunlight Room, which was slightly awkward in its layout- being off the kitchen w/ the bathroom downstairs, but it was a comfy room & I got used to the quirks and liked how it was quiet, sunny, and low-key. I *really* liked the whirlpool bathtub. There were cute bars and restaurants in the area, shopping close by, the neighborhood is much safer than it was in the 90s, and I ended up taking the Western Ave. bus a lot which was easy & handy. I would stay here again & hope to for future visits. read more

Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast - view from kitchen to main area - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My friend and I had a great girl's weekend staying at Ray's to run the Chicago marathon. The staff is great and extremely helpful. The food was amazing! The neighborhood is quiet and cute with a train stop within walking distance. I will stay here again if I am back in Chicago! read more

We found a great deal through Trivago, though we didn't know which room we were booking until we got the confirmation. We ended up in the East Room which is a garden level room under the public spaces. Pros + Location + Friendly service + Excellent breakfast + Value + Fun and quirky atmosphere + Garage (first come first serve) Cons - Not consistent room to room experience - Some rooms may need to be refreshed We arranged for a late check-in, was left clear instructions by email and an envelope at the front desk with the room key and more info. We were pleasantly surprised by the availability of a garage, accessible by back alleyway. When we walked in we were drawn in by all of the things to look at and explore. Collectibles, board games and antiques are everywhere, many of which also are for sale. The East Room actually looked bigger than in the photos, though I know is more value driven than some of the other rooms. It's filled with antique furniture and a modern TV. Upstairs is a bit noisy at times and being in the lower level there is a distinct smell that I was able to adjust to but may prove challenging for those with sensitive noses. Turning up the air purifier in the room seemed to help. The room is a bit rough around the edges, the shower grout could use some love, the bathroom fan wasn't working. The bed was comfortable enough, but not premium. Otherwise it felt like we were staying at a family member's basement guest bedroom. Breakfast was amazing. We stayed two nights and enjoyed French toast, banana and bacon pancakes. The potatoes were delicious and they provided a great assortment of fruit, pastries and coffee while we waited. In the end we loved the location, casual and comfortable environment, delicious food and excellent service. I'd stay here again, though I'd pick an upstairs room, instead of going for the bargain deal. read more

We recently stayed here for five days. We initially didn't know what to think from the photographs. It turned out to be fantastic!!! We needed a place to stay for a weekend wedding celebration and we were post-surgery at the time. So we needed much help, attention, consideration and comfort as possible. We got all of the above and more. This is a convenient location to everything in and around the Loop area, central Chicago and Wrigleyville. The building itself is decorated in kitschy and eclectic fashion ... FUN to say the least. Our room was comfortable and the bed and bathroom were great! The staff was fantastic. There is a cooked-to-order breakfast available in the morning until 11 AM. The accommodations are for families and help in accommodating their time with games. Individual or group time with private areas both inside and out. Ashley and Kat are in charge and make sure your concerns and needs are more than covered. The food was outstanding! Thank you for the awesome hospitality!!! We will definitely plan to be back. read more