House of Two Urns

When you think of Chicago, you might think of Lake Michigan, the Sears Tower, fantastic pizza or baseball, but chances are bed and breakfasts don't naturally spring to mind. But never fear B&B lovers, Chicago does offer the warm and cozy accommodations you seek. Here are some ideas.

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.

Hansen House Mansion

A stay at the Hansen House Mansion is like a trip back in time to old Chicago. The late 19th-century home is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and filled with Victorian charm. The guest rooms are filled with antiques and original features, such as a clawfoot tub or original stained glass windows. There are two guest rooms with private baths, as well as a two-bedroom suite with a parlor, bathroom and a sun deck. The innkeepers at this Chicago bed and breakfast can arrange for a chef to prepare a gourmet breakfast or a three-course dinner, as well as specialty cooking classes.

For more than 70 years, The Homestead has been a family-run inn, greeting guests to the Chicago area. The historic inn is located in the nearby suburb of Evanston, on the North Shore of Lake Michigan and home to Northwestern University. The innkeepers offer both traditional rooms, as well as apartments for those who need to book a longer stay. Quince, the inn's restaurant, serves up an eclectic menu with everything from char-grilled sweetbreads to osso buco to a mouth-watering array of desserts.

If you want a Chicago bed and breakfast, but prefer to stay a bit removed from the city, consider The Mansion Bed and Breakfast. This historic inn is located in West Dundee, about 35 minutes from downtown Chicago. There are four guest rooms, decorated with period touches and some antiques. Each of the rooms has a whirlpool tub, one has a fireplace.

About the Author

Jane Leisteiner enjoys writing and loves visiting B&Bs. For more information on Chicago bed and breakfast inns or Illinois bed and breakfast inns, check out the iLoveInns website.

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