Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perfect location to experience the best of Chicago!

Guest: rwnelson (portland, or)
Date of Stay: 05/04/12 Review Submitted: 05/08/12

We rented two of the brownstone apartments for a girls weekend. It was a great alternative to a hotel because it allowed us to be together doing the down times. The apartments are spacious and comfortable, even at their maximum capacity. You could not ask for a better location. We especially enjoyed the short walk to Lakeshore drive for our morning run, and the short walk to all of the best shopping on Oak street and Michigan Ave. I would highly recommend this location to anyone...a couple going for a weekend getaway, ladies meeting to shop the city, etc.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Miss Missy

Guest: Missy (Faribault, MN 55021)
Date of Stay: 04/05/12 Review Submitted: 05/03/12

Excellent is the word I would use to describe the brownstone...inside and out. Not only was the house fully stocked it was all top of the line, from the bedding to the wine fridge. The location was wonderful. In the evening you could sit in the living room and watch the horse and carriages go by. I can't wait to go back!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Luxie's choice

Guest: Luxie (Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/14/11 Review Submitted: 11/17/11

Nestled between the Magnificent Mile and Rush Street, this location can't be beat for amazing restaurants, piano bars and world class shopping all just steps away. Clean, comfortable and convenient in the heart of Chicago.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a fantastic place & location!

Guest: David R.
Date of Stay: 10/31/11 Review Submitted: 11/16/11

Thank you Mark & Ashley for our stay on E. Cedar! A block from the center of action on Rush Street and one block from Lake Shore Drive & Michigan Avenue...we could not have asked for a better location for our stay in Chicago. Your home felt exactly like that...a home! We felt comfortable from the moment we entered. We didn't want to leave and will certainly be back!

Recommended for:

What a fantastic place & location!

Guest: Dave & Linda (Cherry Hill NJ)
Date of Stay: 10/31/11 Review Submitted: 11/10/11

Thank you Mark & Ashley for our stay on E. Cedar! A block from the center of action on Rush Street and one block from Lake Shore Drive & Michigan Avenue...we could not have asked for a better location for our stay in Chicago. Your home felt exactly like that...a home! We felt comfortable from the moment we entered. We didn't want to leave and will certainly be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

best time ever!

Guest: Donna M.
Date of Stay: 10/13/11 Review Submitted: 11/16/11

What a wonderful place to stay. We did a girls weekend and had the best time ever. Great location, spotless place. We are definitely returning next year!

Recommended for:

best time ever!

Guest: donna (shelby twp, mi)
Date of Stay: 10/13/11 Review Submitted: 10/22/11

What a wonderful place to stay. We did a girls weekend and had the best time ever. Great location, spotless place. We are definitely returning next year!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

East Cedar Street

Guest: Barbara D.
Date of Stay: 09/06/11 Review Submitted: 11/16/11

The unit in the townhouse on East Cedar St. in Chicago is not only a great location, but an extremely comfortable place to stay while in the city. The unit is spacious, very well maintained and offers the comforts of home (a great kitchen, wi-fi, plenty of closet space, and comfortable living room). The neighborhood is terrific for restaurants, shopping and walking along the lake. We would highly recommend this unit to anyone visiting Chicago!

Recommended for:

East Cedar Street

Guest: VRBO fan (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 09/06/11 Review Submitted: 09/15/11

The unit in the townhouse on East Cedar St. in Chicago is not only a great location, but an extremely comfortable place to stay while in the city. The unit is spacious, very well maintained and offers the comforts of home (a great kitchen, wi-fi, plenty of closet space, and comfortable living room). The neighborhood is terrific for restaurants, shopping and walking along the lake. We would highly recommend this unit to anyone visiting Chicago!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Perfect location for business and/or pleasure.

Guest: Saqib H.
Date of Stay: 08/23/11 Review Submitted: 11/16/11

The apartment was in an amazing location, half a block from Rush Street and the beach. Lots of great places to eat close by and the night life was also convenient. The place was much bigger than my business partner and I needed but with the cost of hotel suites it was a no brainer. The place was clean, nicely furnished with high ceilings. The beds were quite comfortable but the bathrooms are tiny. I'll definitely consider staying there again:). Thanks, Suzie, for a smooth transaction!

Recommended for:

Perfect location for business and/or pleasure.

Guest: saqomoney (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/04/11

The apartment was in an amazing location, half a block from Rush Street and the beach. Lots of great places to eat close by and the night life was also convenient. The place was much bigger than my business partner and I needed but with the cost of hotel suites it was a no brainer. The place was clean, nicely furnished with high ceilings. The beds were quite comfortable but the bathrooms are tiny. I'll definitely consider staying there again:). Thanks, Suzie, for a smooth transaction!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Wonderful Location for Out-of-town Visitors

Guest: Doug (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/16/11 Review Submitted: 06/23/11

The neighborhood in which the townhouse is located is very lively, a center of the night-life scene, with many interesting and tasty restaurants. The beach is nearby, and the shopping on the Golden Mile is the best. The unit itself was clean, well appointed, and everything worked fine. The baths are a little small but well designed, and the kitchen is great. Mattresses could be upgraded. Parking is a bit of a chore, but the attendants at the lot near the Big Bowl on the west end of the block were friendly; we paid about $25 per day. I'd have to rate the experience as excellent. Costs compare roughly with high end in-town hotel rooms, and seem reasonable given the amenities. Recommended.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Love, Love, Love it!

Guest: Cindy
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 11/29/11

6 ladies had a great time celebrating our 50th year. the place is beautiful, great location--blocks from rush street and great restuarants and shopping. the street is quiet with beautiful, large trees. i would highly recommend this place and we plan on returning next may. property was spotless--pictures don't do it justice- much better in real life.

Recommended for:

love, love, love it

Guest: creator (bettendorf iowa)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 06/02/11

6 ladies had a great time celebrating our 50th year. the place is beautiful, great location--blocks from rush street and great restuarants and shopping. the street is quiet with beautiful, large trees. i would highly recommend this place and we plan on returning next may. property was spotless--pictures don't do it justice- much better in real life.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Outstanding Stay

Guest: Happy Traveler (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/23/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

Mark and Ashley, We had an excellent experience and the location of your Cedar Street unit could not be in a better location to explore Chicago. The condominium was perfect, very clean and accuratly discribed on the web site. Susie was very helpful and pleasant in answering any and all of our questions. As first time visitors to the Chicago area, we couldn't have more pleased. Thanks again for making the trip so enjoyable for a few Michiganders Sincerely,

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect for Girls Weekend

Guest: Kathy
Date of Stay: 01/21/11 Review Submitted: 11/29/11

We rented the brownstone for a girls' weekend this past January. It was perfect. The unit was clean, nicely decorated and well maintained. The kitchen was top notch, there were nice conversation areas and the beds were extremely comfortable. We had a minor repair that needed to be taken care of when we first arrived. After calling the owners, the serviceman showed up and completed the work promptly. We are looking forward to staying at brownstone again! - Kathy

Recommended for:

Perfect for Girls' Weekend

Guest: Kathy (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 01/21/11 Review Submitted: 02/23/11

We rented the brownstone for a girls' weekend this past January. It was perfect. The unit was clean, nicely decorated and well maintained. The kitchen was top notch, there were nice conversation areas and the beds were extremely comfortable. We had a minor repair that needed to be taken care of when we first arrived. After calling the owners, the serviceman showed up and completed the work promptly. We are looking forward to staying at brownstone again!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Staff Recharge Retreat

Guest: Micky (Long Beach, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 11/08/10 Review Submitted: 11/12/10

I recently hosted my real estate staff to a motivational retreat for 2 days in Chicago. It was so delightful for all of us to relax and call this terrific condo our home for 2 days. The pictures on line were exactly the way we found the condo and had no unexpected surprises or disappointments. Restaurants were exceptional within a 5 minute walk and it was such a charming tree lined street. We cannot wait to return! Thanks you for allowing us to enjoy your home.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great location!

Guest: A & K (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 09/23/10 Review Submitted: 10/01/10

My family and friends enjoyed renting this brownstone apt. The apt is perfectly located – an absolutely lovely place to walk to many nearby restaurants, pubs, Mag Mile, Hancock building and it's a half block to Lake Michigan with a pedestrian underpass nearby so you can get to the bike path and Oak St beach. The walk to Navy Pier was manageable with a lovely view along the Lakeshore. The living areas are roomy and the bedrooms comfortable. We had six people in our party so two slept on the living room sofa which was not as comfortable but we managed. Thanks for a good stay. If you're looking for an ideal location with a bit more of a private setting, we recommend this place. We also recommend Bistrot Zinc - a great French restaurant nearby on State Street.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Dave D

Guest: DD (Sugar Grove, IL)
Date of Stay: 07/14/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/11

Very nice unit, excellent location; walking distance to the beach, mag-mile shopiing and night life.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great location, excellent accommodation.

Guest: Fiona Hall (County Durham, England)
Date of Stay: 06/14/10 Review Submitted: 06/27/10

We found the location to be just right for us, within walking distance of the city centre and all major attractions. The accommodation was spacious and comfortable. If we return to Chicago we would choose to stay here again and recommend it to others.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Jack and Patty (northville, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 05/24/10

We had a amazing time in Chicago thanks to the townhouse. The location couldn't have been better. Walking to the Magnificent Mile was a breeze, and getting a taxi was no problem for longer destinations. My favorite activity was just sitting by the front picture window and watching people go by. We highly recommend this townhouse.

Recommended for:

Guest: Bill & Paula Harris (Cookeville, TN)
Date of Stay: 05/10/10 Review Submitted: 05/10/10

Thanks so much for sharing your brownstone with our family. My husband & I and our four grown daughters went on a get-away to Chicago and loved our stay at your place! It was so convenient and we loved the home atmosphere. Thanks again for a wonderful trip!

Recommended for:

Simply the best place to stay!

Guest: the NewEnglanders (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/10/10

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed renting this brownstone apt. It was everything as described and more. We used to live in Chicago, and upon planning our return trip, we knew we wanted to stay here in the Goldcoast area. The apt is perfectly located since it's just a few blocks from Water Tower place and the Magnificent mile shopping, but also just a short walk to Lincoln Park and Old Town. Despite being located right in the middle of the action, the home is set off on a quiet residential street. Even on a holiday weekend, we were never awakened or disturbed by local traffic or neighbors. It was an absolute joy to be able to walk to many of the nearby restaurants and bars and simply stroll back to retire to our quiet rental. As for the unit itself, the rental is in wonderful condition, tastefully decorated and well stocked. There are no unpleasant surprises here, the pictures displaying the unit are accurate and up to date. The living areas are roomy and the bedrooms comfortable. We used the kitchen regularly and items were in tip top shape. Traveling during the spring in Chicago can bring unexpected weather, but despite some cool evenings and one unseasonably hot day, the apartment was always comfortable. As for perks, it's a half block to Lake Michigan and there's a pedestrian underpass nearby so you can get to the bike path and Oak St beach. And finally in terms of transportation, we relied on cabs when we didn't walk. You can easily catch a cab at either end of the block, and the fares are reasonable even to Museum Park (Shedd Aquarium/Field Museum/Planetarium). Parking is a bit rough, since there's only residential street parking in front of the unit, but there are local lots just a block away if you plan on having a car. Working with Mark and Ashley on the rental was a pleasure. They are professional, courteous and prompt. Thanks folks for such a wonderful stay! If you're looking for an ideal location with a bit more of a private setting (as opposed to a cold and sterile high rise condo rental), then look no further, I would highly recommend it!

Owner response:Thank you for sharing Michael. Hearing that our guests enjoyed our home as much as we do is what motivates us! We'll look forward to the opportunity to accommodate you on your next visit to Chicago! M & A

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

St. Pat's Weekend 2010

Guest: Kelli's Crew (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 03/11/10 Review Submitted: 03/16/10

Our group of 8 (2 adults, 4 teenagers, and 2 kids under 10) stayed in the Brownstone 3/11/10 - 3/14/10. We arrived at 9:30pm and had no trouble locating the property and entering the building and apartment. The location was perfect - a quiet street just steps from Michigan Ave. We parked our cars in a lot on the corner which was super convenient ($26 a day, which while not cheap, wasn't unexpected). The condition of the apartment is excellent and we had everything we needed - dishes, cookware, linens, soap, toliet paper, etc. waiting for our arrival. There was enough space for everyone to stretch out and relax, which is a must for our family. My one recommendation for improving the unit would be to put a television in the upstairs bedroom. My poor husband, a TV junkie, really missed watching the tube befoore bed. The kitchen is wonderful and saved us plenty of money by not having to eat breakfast and lunch out. The walk to Michigan Ave is a breeze and even walking to Navy Pier was doable. The bathrooms are tight but there are two of them, which made life much easier for us all. I would definitely recommend this property to any group interested in a trip to the windy city. Thanks Mark and Ashley!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/27/09 Review Submitted: 10/27/09

My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at 57 E. Cedar. The apartment was eveerything we hoped it would be and more. We will definitely return on our next trip to Chicago. Judith and Friends from Texas

Recommended for:

Highly recommend!

Guest: Bill (California)
Date of Stay: 10/16/09 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, would definitely recommend it to our friends and would love to come back. The location cannot be beat and is within a very short walk of everything. Activity is close by yet the brownstone is located on a quiet street. I stayed with two 70+ year olds who found the brownstone easy to get around in and very accessible. The decor inside was beautiful and conveys a lot of pride of ownership. You will not be disappointed.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Fran Inman (Santa Ana, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/22/09 Review Submitted: 09/22/09

We rented this brownstone and had a great weekend in Chicago -- the location was perfect. We'll rent again! Fran

Recommended for:

Guest: Don Wendland (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 08/18/09 Review Submitted: 08/18/09

Mark and Ashley's brownstown is very comfortable, with a great interior, and conveniently located to most of the places you would want to visit in Chicago. Also, it is the perfect size for a family.

Recommended for:

Guest: Dick Schulte (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 07/30/09 Review Submitted: 07/30/09

We thoroughly enoyed our stay at this property. We were in Chicago for our son's wedding and it fit our needs quite well. It's location was perfect for us as we had easy and close-by access to downtown, Old Town, the Gold Coast and the lakefront. We'd come back again.

Recommended for:

FInd a better place

Guest: Shelley (South Carolina)
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/01/10

Very uncomfortable layout...the kitchen is in the basement. And there is a rental upstairs so you can hear every footstep. Sleeping is impossible on the first level if there are people right above you. And no parking!!!!

Owner response:The kitchen is indeed on the lower garden level of this two story apartment next to the dining area as shown in the photos. We would refer you to other reviews in this section who had very good things to say about the kitchen. As advertised on the first page of our website, there are two other apartments in the same building, therefore as in any 3-flat brownstone there are other guests potentially staying in the apartments above. Although this review was submitted a year after this guest’s stay for reasons unknown, we recall intervening and although we are not in control of other’s actions, we requested that the guests above please respect the quiet enjoyment of others. Despite apparently falling short in this instance, we do our best to provide a wonderful experience when opening our home to our guests and enjoy doing so.

Recommended for:

Guest: Gretchen6 (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 06/16/09 Review Submitted: 06/16/09

We loved this place. The location is fabulous, and it's an easy walk to the lake. Very comfortable, and equally charming! We noticed with some delight the lettuce growing in the window boxes - tasty!

Recommended for:

Guest: Robert Slobod (Georgetown, TX.)
Date of Stay: 05/23/09 Review Submitted: 05/23/09

Had a wonderful stay in the Cedar St condo. My wife, her two grown daughters, and I spent 4 great nights. The condo was better than advertised. It is a perfect location to explore Chicage. Will want to stay there any time we go back.

Recommended for:

Guest: Jody Galli (-)
Date of Stay: 05/20/09 Review Submitted: 05/20/09

Mark and Ashley - My 7 college girl friends and I stayed in your lovely brownstone for a long weekend. The location is great. We enjoyed the back deck and spacious kitchen. We all will have fond memories of our visit to Chicago. The location of the brownstone allowed to walk for the most part everywhere we went. I would recommend this property while visiting Chicago!! Thank you!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/19/09

We had a wonderful stay at 57 E. Cedar. We were very comfortable and at home, and the neighborhood and location could not have been more ideal. We would definitely stay here again.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: threeboys (Bloomington, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/01/09

We truely enjoyed our stay in the Brownstone. The location was absolutely perfect!! We loved the architecture of the buliding as well as the ammenities. We will defintely stay with you again!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/28/08

This was a perfect accomodation for 6 college girlfriends to get together, stay comfortably in a centralized location, conveniant to all that Chicago has to offer!! Mark and Ashley were great to work with!! Would recommend this brownstone for anyone seeking a great time in Chicago.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/21/08

We loved the brownstone! We went to Chicago for a girl's weekend and stayed on Cedar. It was a perfect location for shopping, restaurants, Rush & Division etc. It was perfect!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/23/08

we spent a week in chicago at this apartment, my husband and i with another couple. so nice!!! we felt like we were in two different spaces, with the two bedrooms being on the two different levels. everything was clean when we arrived. we had lots of closet space. anything and everything we needed for a week was at our fingertips. we felt very safe in this neighborhood. we had resturants near, and the transportation within blocks. we will revisit chicago in the future and hope to stay at this rental again. please make a chicago cubs game when you to chicago!!!! so much fun!!!!!!!!!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/11/08

We loved staying here. The location was great. We visit Chicago at least once a year and hope to stay here every time.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/11/08

This Brownstone was AMAZING! We absolutely LOVED it! We were in Chicago celebrating our anniversary with another couple who was celebrating a birthday. The furnishings and decor were absolutely beautiful and the location was in walking distance of EVERYTHING we wanted to do. There is a bedroom and bathroom on each level, so there is plenty of privacy and space. It was a perfect weekend! Thank you!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/11/08

WE RENTED ALL THREE UNITS FOR A FAMILY VACATION TO CHICAGO AND COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE HAPPY. WHAT A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO A NICE HOTEL! THE LOCATION AND THE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE FIRST RATE. I HAVE RECOMMENDED THESE UNITS TO SEVERAL OF MY FRIENDS.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/08/08

The accommodations were fabulous! The location couldn't be better. We rented the 2BR/2/BA for a girlfriends weekend get away. PERFECT! We were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go - dining, shopping, Oak Street Beach, Second City... There was even a farmer's market Saturday morning a few blocks away that was awesome. We will be back. Thanks, Mark & Ashley, for sharing!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/13/08

The brownstone was a wonderful surprise. Loved going right out the front door to great restaurants, shopping on Michigan Ave. and the beach right across the street! Beds were comfortable. Furnishings were modern.

Recommended for:

Great stay

Guest: cmorgan (Cincinnati, OH)
Date of Stay: 06/27/08 Review Submitted: 06/30/08

We just returned from a great weekend at this location. Very close to the beach, shopping, great restaurants, parking and public transportation. The place is extremely comfortable and the service was great.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/09/08

If you like an elegant brownstone in an upscale neighborhood (Gold Coast)that is around the corner from great restaurants such as Gibson's and Tavern on Rush, this is the place for you. This is truly a step-above all other condo rentals I have encountered in downtown Chicago.

Recommended for: