Vacation Rentals by Owner

Awesome apartment and location!

Guest: Bob (Palo Alto, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/17/12 Review Submitted: 05/21/12

My wife and I stayed for 3 days in the 2nd floor apartment along with our daughter and her husband. Amazing location - Rush/State street literally 1/2 block west and the beach 1/2 block to the east, and easy to walk both downtown and to Lincoln Park. Could not ask for a better spot. The apartment itself is just as you see online - maybe even better. Just a great stay - if we come to Chicago again we'll definitely be back here.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Guest: Westcoasties (Santa Cruz CA)
Date of Stay: 05/07/12 Review Submitted: 05/19/12

The brownstone is in such a perfect spot: in its own little village, within walking distance to just about everything, within carrying distance of groceries and good take-away food, and a couple of blocks from the underpass to the lake path for quieter version of Chicago. It's also its own perfect spot. It's big enough to feel spacious, yet has a cozy charm that makes coming "home" and putting the feet up part of the perfect end to a busy day of sightseeing. It's on a quiet street and the windows open to let in just enough of a breeze to not have to work the AC. I would recommend, if possible, taking the top unit. It's an old building and sound travels, especially footsteps. We had a wonderful stay in the E Cedar brownstone. We will stay again, if we return to Chicago, and we will not hesitate to recommend it to friends travelling to the city.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Choice

Guest: Carmen (Iowa)
Date of Stay: 06/24/11 Review Submitted: 07/09/11

This condo was an excellent choice: the photos are accurate, the space is large, and the furniture seemed brand new. The location is ideal: 1/2 block to the lake and an easy walk to Navy Pier, Lincoln Park and of course, shopping.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Awesome location

Guest: Business Travelers (Cambridge, ON Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/12/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

Travelling to Chicago often on business, this was a pleasant home to come back to. Amazing location, close to great restaurants on the famous Rush Street and walking distance to the Mile! Nice decor, luxurious bed, great neighbourhood. Parking is extra unfourtunately if you have a rental car. Would recommend this accommodation! Jenn & Simon Canada

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fantastic Experience

Guest: Jennifer and Bruce1 (Sherman Oaks, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/13/11

Our first-ever visit to Chicago was made even more memorable by the outstanding accommodations at this lovely, vintage Brownstone. The apartment was impeccably clean and warmly decorated. The kitchen was a bit tight but was fully functional and we managed to cook all of our meals without a hitch. The bedroom was comfortable and very cozy but could have used better reading lights (a common problem if you like to read in bed as we do). The bathroom was a bit small too, but completely fine for the two of us, and very nicely appointed. The apartment was in a very safe and beautiful neighborhood, and was very quiet at night. We were able to walk everywhere we wanted, and/or take the train which was not too far away. We actually took the train to/from O'Hare without a problem. All in all, this apartment was a great find and the owners were highly professional and a pleasure to deal with. We would stay there again without hesitation.

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

Incredible Location!!!

Guest: Marc & Linda (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/25/11 Review Submitted: 05/07/11

This brownstone is a fantastic place to kick back and relax when visiting the 'windy' city. It was just the way described and the photos are exactly what to expect. My husband and I were there for a 3 day holiday and we just loved it. You would never know you are only a stones throw away from the best shopping of the city. The street is so quiet and quaint! There is a huge variety of restaurants in the neighbourhood and the beach is at the end of the street. The unit is fantastic and fully outfitted. It was like our home away from home. Mark and Ashley were really great answering all sorts of questions and were sure to let us know if there was anything we needed to let them know. They provided great recommendations on places to eat and helped us out in how to get to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game. I will definately stay at the brownstone again next time in Chicago!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Get-a-Way Spot in the Heart of Chicago!

Guest: Keith (Kansas City)
Date of Stay: 11/10/10 Review Submitted: 12/16/10

This property was a great escape among all the great things to see and do in Chicago. The unit is perfectly situated at the north end of the Miracle Mile and near Lake Michigan. The owners provided very helpful information in advance regarding grocery stores, restaurants, drug stores, etc. They were very responsive and helpful during the reservation process. The unit itself was very well-appointed, clean, and stocked with everything you will need. The pictures accurately reflect a comfortable and upscale apartment. We flew into Midway and had no problem finding our way to the unit via the Orange and Red lines - it was an easy walk from the subway station to the apartment. I can't say enough about the peaceful, tree-lined, beautiful neighborhood. We walked everywhere and always felt safe and secure. No problems with street noise or noise from neighbors. I would highly recommend this unit for a romantic get-a-way or a break from the normal hotel routine while visiting Chicago! Our fairly short stay in Chicago was perfect in every way - and this apartment helped make the experience special.

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

Perfect Spot

Guest: canucks (Edmonton, Alberta Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/29/10 Review Submitted: 10/21/10

Stayed here for 4 short days end of September 2010. This has the location, location, location, a few short blocks to the mag mile. We didn't take a cab anywhere, and always had this little safe haven to return to, and view our purchases, or sleep off some pizza, etc.. Everything the listing describes is correct is, including the photos, the location, etc. I would recommend this vrbo to anyone, have, and and will.

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

Happy Vacationers

Guest: Anne (West Virginia)
Date of Stay: 08/16/10 Review Submitted: 09/06/10

This property was exactly as described! A beautiful section of Chicago with tree lined streets and fun nearby. Perfect for two and reasonable for three. Owner was quick to respond and we would recommend this to anyone visiting Chicago. The rental is a fair price considering the convenience. Public transportation is nearby and there's plenty to see just a walk away. Hope to rent again!

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Outstanding!

Guest: Clint (Fort Myers, FL)
Date of Stay: 07/23/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

My family and I enjoyed virtually every one of the many benefits of this Brownstone. The location is perfect for those who wish to experience all that Chicago has to offer. We managed to see a Cubs game, visit the Field Museum, spend time at the Oak Street Beach and have dinner at the top of the Hancock Tower - all on the same day! When we recovered from a long day of shopping on the Mile, we did so in a quiet apartment located on a quiet street. Electronic door locks provided insurance against losing the keys, and the entire process was neat, clean and efficient. I would strongly recommend the Brownstone to my family, friends, relatives and anyone who is looking for something less conventional and more accomodating than a hotel. Mark and Ashley are both wonderful people, and they have an excellent feel for what it means to be treated well while on vacation. If you're on the fence about this and still having trouble making a decision, choose this option - you'll be glad you did!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fantastic Trip!

Guest: Deborah (Trussville, AL)
Date of Stay: 06/27/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

My family of 3 stayed in this condo 6/27/10-7/2/10 and it was perfect for our 1st trip to Chicago! It is as beautiful as the pictures depict and so much nicer than staying in a hotel. I can't stress enough how perfect the location of the brownstone is. It is, in our opinion, located in the most desirable area of Chicago and close to everything you likely came to Chicago to see. We walked to so many of the tourist attractions but found it very easy to hail a cab right outside the place when we needed one. For evenings we didn't feel like venturing too far there were truly wonderful restaurants and shops right at the end of the street and around the corner. In fact I found myself in desperate need of a pair of walking shoes and to my delight found a Puma store at the very end of the street. Oh and if we are to believe one of our tour guides apparently Oprah lives a mere 3-4 blocks away from the brownstone. We actually walked past her building several times...but alas no sighting. Did run into (almost literally) Jessie Jackson on N. Rush St. on our way to find pizza one night...that was amusing for sure! Ashley and Mark were wonderful to deal with and as first time visitors I'm sure we tried their patience with our many questions but they were always patient and kind. Thanks Ashley and Mark! We have fallen in love with Chicago and will definitely be back! It is an exciting, vibrant and beautiful city with so much to do we weren't ready to leave after 5 days. We hope the 2nd floor of the Brownstone will always be available when we return because we can't imagine staying anywhere else. Go Cubbies! P.S. The outside porch and corridor lights were replaced during our stay.

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

Enjoyed our stay

Guest: Jenn (Adrian, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 06/22/10 Review Submitted: 07/03/10

We stayed at this property for 3 days in June. We could not have been happier. The location was close to great shopping and great restaurants. At the end of a long day of walking, it was really nice to come back to the apartment and relax in the living room. Wish we would have made more use of the beautiful kitchen - next time.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Home away from home

Guest: Happy visitors (Las Vegas, NV)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 06/27/10

My husband and I enjoyed this VRBO immensely. It made for a delightful and stress-free holiday in the wonderful city of Chicago. Excellent location, beautiful furnishings, very comfy king size bed. The listing photos are very accurate. VRBO was wonderfully clean. Shower & kitchen: great! We enjoyed being so close to so many restaurants, entertainment, and just nice places to walk. The ONLY things that need improvement have to do with with lights! No good lights for reading or make-up application, and the light at the outside door was burned out, making the entrance extremely dark at night! With those improvements, this would earn five stars from us.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/24/10

Perfect location! Walk to everything you can think of and more!! The unit is charming, cozy, and warm. Door codes make it so easy to come and go without worry about loosing a key. If only we could move in full time! Thanks for letting us visit. We will be back.

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Guest: Doreen S.1 (Central Coast of California)
Date of Stay: 12/29/09 Review Submitted: 12/29/09

If you are looking for total relaxation, comfort and refinement, your search has ended. This is a home, a place you will be delighted to return to after each foray out into the city. And it's in the high rent district...Chicagoans would give their eye teeth to live here! We absolutely love this place and plan to make it our usual Chicago address every other November-December when we visit. Great job Hellicksons!

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Guest: Chris177 (Germantown, MD)
Date of Stay: 08/19/09 Review Submitted: 08/19/09

I just got back from a week-long consulting trip back to my favorite city, Chicago, and at the end of each of my long work days it was refreshing knowing that I would be at least spending my evenings at Mark & Ashley's condo on Cedar. I remember seeing the pictures online and thinking can this place really look as nice and comfortable as it does in the pictures? It does!!! When I first arrived and walked in, I immediately felt at home. It was not cluttered with lots of unnecessary things...rather it was very tastefully appointed and the bed and linens were especially comfortable. The bathroom and kitchen were very nice and the living room was nice and open and relaxing. I truly felt like I was going back home every day and Mark & Ashley were very helpful...even when I anxiously called them about the wrong door code, when in fact I had entered it incorrectly!!! I used to live in Chicago and this condo is located in pretty much the best neighborhood in Chicago - less than a block from the beach, less than a block from Rush Street and about 2 blocks from all the Division bars/night spots. Plus it is a very short walk to the Mag Mile and Water Tower attractions. I could write a whole lot more...suffices to say that I would definitely recommend staying at Mark & Ashley's for your upcoming travel plans. No more hotels for me!!! I will be calling when I plan my next trip to Chicago! :-)

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Guest: Tracy Grove (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 08/03/09 Review Submitted: 08/03/09

My family and I traveled to Chicago for a week over the summer and had the pleasure of staying in this beautiful home. We are very familiar with Chicago, and the location is absolutely unbeatable!! We walked everywhere:) It is close to restaurants, shopping, the beach & Lincoln park. It is an ideal place for a family to stay! We already booked a trip back to stay before we left:)

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Guest: Mary108 (Middleton, WI)
Date of Stay: 07/31/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/09

Comment Text: Seven girlfriends from all over the US and Canada met in Chicago in June of 2009 to celebrate the year of a 'big birthday' for us all. We stayed in two of First Class Chicago's apartments. The location was perfect: restaurants, access to transportation and shopping, museums, the beach, etc. The brownstone apartments were lovely, safe and quiet. We all felt so at home and enjoyed talking until all hours in the kitchen or the living room. We plan to re-union again in two years, but where ever we end up, it will be hard to beat First Class Chicago.

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Guest: Chuck & Donna Wagner (Dayton, OH)
Date of Stay: 12/14/08 Review Submitted: 12/14/08

We have been visiting Chicago for a long weekend each November for many years. This time we rented one of Mark and Ashley's apartments on Cedar Street in their beautiful brownstone. It was lovely and so close to everything. The Hellicksons are incredibly helpful and accommodating. We recommend this place enthusiastically!

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Guest: Lori Duffy (Valencia, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/22/08 Review Submitted: 10/22/08

Everything about this brownstone condo was delightful! Perfect location to everything. I will definately be coming back! Thank you, Mark and Ashley for providing my family with excellent accommadations!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/22/08 Review Submitted: 10/22/08

This was our first trip to Chicago and staying at your home on Cedar St was a highlight of our stay. We had other family members staying at five star hotels and they all would have rather been staying at our apartment. We would definitely rent from you again on our next trip to Chicago. Thank you!

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Guest: Martha7 (Italy)
Date of Stay: 10/22/08 Review Submitted: 10/21/08

The apartment is absolutely well mantained and has a very pleasant atmosphere. The 3 of us where totally at ease and comfortable. It is provided with any item necessity for a comfortable stay. Position is great and info about chicago provided are very usefull. Thank you, and if we shall ever come back to Chicago we will remember you!

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Guest: Karen Casey (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 10/19/08 Review Submitted: 10/19/08

Dear Mark and Ashley, From our first phone conversation, the experience was great! Your brownstone was a dream! My daughter and her 2 little boys had the first floor apt., for the first few days, then the 3rd floor for the last 2 days of our trip. I had the 2nd floor apt. the entire week. EVERYTHING was wonderful. Each apartment is so beautifully appointed, so comfortable, clean, so well-maintained. I feel so lucky to have found such a wonderful place. After each day, I truly did feel as though I was going HOME for the evening. The neighborhood is so nice, quiet, and charming. We walked everywhere. To the Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and of course, up and down Michigan Avenue! (Being able to catch the water taxi from Navy Pier to the Museum campus and back was great!) The only question I had during my stay was answered and attended to immediately. Thank you! My 2 year old grandson, called it Nana's home!! Without a doubt, the best place I have ever stayed, anytime, anywhere! (The LuxBar around the corner was my favorite restaurant in the neighborhood. Out of this world Salmon dinner!) Thank you again.

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Guest: Will2 (Boston,MA)
Date of Stay: 06/29/08 Review Submitted: 06/29/08

Great location and beautiful apt. It was very easy to book and was able to accommodate my last minute reservation

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/22/08 Review Submitted: 06/22/08

This place is amazing!! I am afraid to say such great things as I want to keep this a GREAT Chicago secret! It was everything we hoped for and then some! The location is perfect. You could really not ask for a better location. The beach is just steps away, the shopping and great restaurants are right around the corner. The apartment is perfect in every way and decorated so beautifully. We had such a wonderful and relaxing time. Thank you so very much for sharing your place with us. We will definitely be back to stay very very soon!

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Guest: Jason and Rendy (San Diego, Ca.)
Date of Stay: 06/17/08 Review Submitted: 06/17/08

Great unit. Convenient location, clean, well decorated and well appointed. Nice people to deal with. We will stay here again on future visits, and we recommend this unit to anyone looking for a wonderful place to stay while in the Chicago area.

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Guest: Joel Mark (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/22/08 Review Submitted: 05/22/08

We had a wonderful time staying in this apartment. Our small children loved being able to walk to the playground on Goethe, and being in the middle of everything was perfect. The apartment is very clean, and everything about the stay was extremely easy. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

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