Vacation Rentals by Owner

July 4th Rental

Guest: Steve K (Columbus, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/23/11

My family had a great time in Chicago this past week. We can’t thank Nicole & Tom enough for your hospitality and graciousness in hosting us. It was good to have a place to call home for a week. It sure beats the hotel scene. We would definitely consider a return visit the next time we are heading to Chicago.

Owner response:Steve, Thank you for your comments. It was a pleasure having you and your family as guests. Best!

Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Perfect!

Guest: Susan A.
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

What a lovely home. I come to Chicago a few times a year for work. I generally rent a hotel suite but wanted something more homey. I chose this rental mainly due to location. This is just North of Andersonville (my fav hood) and just South of Evanston (where my office is located). It was my one year old daughter and I together for a week. What a lovely rental! The minimalist decor was fabulous and the layout was so classic Chicago. The deck was just lovely! Everything very well mantained and cared for. It was the most comfotable trip we have had to date. I am late in writing my review but am visiting again soon and hope that this condp is open for my next trip! Thank you.

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"Best choice for family travel to Chicago"

Guest: Tonya
Date of Stay: 05/13/11 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

We traveled with our 18 month old and searched all over for hotels, but they were outrageously expensive, small, parking would cost an arm and a leg. The rate was higher than usual since it was peak, but compared to staying at a hotels it was a great value. We didn't meet Nicole, but she and her husband were within reach. During our stay, temperature dropped one day and I was not sure how to turn the heat. I emailed Nicole, within 5 minutes, her husband knocked at our door to adjust. Thank you!

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EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE

Guest: Carthral (atlanta)
Date of Stay: 02/24/11 Review Submitted: 03/03/11

From the moment we walked in we received a thank you basket a very nice touch. The beds were wonderful we had a great sleep. The house was very spacious and clean. Ohhhh the deep tub was excellent and the shower was marvelous too. The huge flat screen TV was a wonderful surprise. We enjoyed our stay and would stay again.

Owner response:Thank you very much for your review. I'm very happy to hear you enjoyed your visit and so glad you had great winter weather in Chicago! Thank you for staying with us during your February get-away... Best! Nicole Hilario

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Great home in Edgewater

Guest: The LAW (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 11/12/10 Review Submitted: 11/23/10

We loved this apartment. From the moment we walked in, it felt like our home away from home. It was beautifully staged awaiting our arrival. The beds were very comfortable. It's about a 30 minute L ride to downtown but our family is in Edgewater so it was very convenient for us. The only thing that the apartment needs is a couple more mirrors. There were 3 girls staying at the apartment and only two mirrors. It made it very difficult to get ready all at the same time. Even a make-up mirror in the hall closet that you could move to the dining room, kitchen, or living room would be helpful. We would definitely come back to this apartment! Great price for a beautiful home.

Owner response:We are so happy you enjoyed your stay. We will be happy to have you as guests anytime!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Amazing Expierience!

Guest: Bree (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 08/15/10 Review Submitted: 09/03/10

My family and I recently stayed here on vacation in August. I cannot convey how nice it was to come back to such a homelike atmosphere after a long day walking/sightseeing. My husband and I appreciated having room to spread out and easy access to our car (which was parked safely off- street). The boys (all three of them) enjoyed the bunk beds and the thoughtful basket of goodies Nicole and Tom left for us. The kitchen table was great to sprawl out with a cup of coffee and the paper while the kids drew pictures and ate breakfast. This rental is very well-appointed- they have thought of everything for you. There was the perfect amount of everything one might need set aside for us (towels, toilet paper, dishes, paper towels, etc). There were several wonderful restaurants within walking distance (Try Ethiopian Diamond!) and a drive into downtown is quick and easy. Nicole and Tom have a handy book set aside with good suggestions and directions. We had a delicious breakfast at M. Henry on our last day and brought home cookies and pancake mix. There is plenty to do and see downtown but we really enjoyed sticking close by at dinnertime. I have never rented a vacation home before and was at first a bit unsure, but I can tell you that communications with Nicole went smoothly from start to finish and it happened to be easier to book than a hotel. Speaking of which, I cannot stop blabbering to everyone who will listen to me what a great option this is. Now that I stayed here I will never stay at another hotel in Chicago fighting traffic, waiting for slow elevators and valets, being nickel and dimed for a bottle of water, and having to deal with my family cramped in a tiny room listening to the neighbors' loud TV till all hours. This is so much smarter and more comfortable! Thank you Nicole and Tom for an unforgettable experience!

Owner response:Brianne, Thank you very much for your comments - It was a pleasure having you and your family as guests during your visit to Chicago. I'm happy to hear you had a great stay and were able to enjoy a couple of our delicious neighborhood spots! Definitely let us know the next time your travels bring you to Chicago. We will be happy to have you anytime. All the best, Nicole & Tom

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

August Rental

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/10

The property was immaculate, very comfortable, and the owner was very easy to work with. The off-street parking was nice and very helpful. Robes and slippers were a nice touch. Very positive experience and would not hesitate to rent again or recommend it to others.

Owner response:Donald, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your stay. It was a pleasure having you as guests and we hope you return soon!

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

Awesome Stay

Guest: Cbarry (Jacksonville, NC)
Date of Stay: 07/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/03/10

My family and I visited Chicago recently to visit family. The location of the vacation rental was perfect everything was in walking distance. The rental was also close to major expressways and downtown and we took advantage of both. The owners provided us with excellent customer service and the rental was well maintained. I would recommend this property! When we visit family in Chicago we will pick this property to stay at again.

Owner response:We so enjoyed having you and your family. Enjoy the rest of your travels and we will be happy to have you as guests the next time you return to Chicago! Nicole . Tom . Jackson . Lucas

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

Wonderful place to relax

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/15/10 Review Submitted: 07/22/10

My husband and I were in town for a trade show and came to stay here after two nights in a hotel downtown. I started my stay with a massage and all I can say is that Nicole is the BEST! She was a lifesaver for me. We really enjoyed the apartment. It was very well appointed in so many ways. The bed was one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in and the shower head in the beautiful bathroom was amazing. Each day I was very happy to return after a full day of sightseeing. It is located very conveniently between the city and the northern neighborhoods. Nicole was great in that she even suggested websites and festivals right in line with our likes. Truly a wonderful vacation. Thanks so much!

Owner response:Hello Sally, Thank you so much for your comments. I'm happy you and Gary had a great visit. We will be happy to have you as guests any time your travels bring you to Chicago!

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

Fabulous Home Away from home for family

Guest: Michele (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/20/10 Review Submitted: 06/28/10

I hoped from the information on the website and early communications with the owner that this would be the perfect place for our family to stay for our Chicago vacation and visiting family in the area. It was! Everything was fabulous. It's clean and quiet. We decided to not have a car for a week, and found the condo to be close enough to public transportation even for our 6 year old. We enjoyed the lovely neighborhood, including restaurants and grocery stores, but we also ventured farther to the lake, the Field Museum, a Sox game, the zoo... We enjoyed having a separate sleeping space for both children and a comfortable place to relax after some long days of sightseeing and visiting. The owners were very helpful and accommodating. I highly recommend and will definitely be visiting again!

Owner response:Hello Michele - Thank you for the review. We are very happy you and your family enjoyed your Chicago visit and stay at Edgewater Vacation Rental. It was a pleasure having you and we will be happy to have you any time! Nicole & Tom

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

Guest: Karis2 (-)
Date of Stay: 03/29/10 Review Submitted: 03/29/10

This was a wonderful home for our family vacation. It was very clean and safe. It has all the amenities that are needed plus several perks such as slippers, housecoats, movies and games. It's just a few blocks from Lake Michigan and a quick 10 minute drive down Lake Shore Drive to downtown Chicago. Highly recommended!

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Guest: Allie4 (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 03/22/10 Review Submitted: 03/22/10

If you are pondering staying in a Chicago hotel, don't. Staying in Nicole and Tom's VRBO is a much better choice. The apartment is adorable, a nice size, and thoughtfully appointed. The owner's hospitality is evident from the moment you arrive. After a long day on the road, we were greeted with hot cider and brownies. Awesome! The neighborhood was cute and has tons of restaurants within walking distance. We will definitely be staying again when we visit my sister and her beautiful baby boy again.

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

I love this place. It is lovely, peaceful, and so comfortable. Some family members stayed there over the holidays because we couldn't fit them all in our home. They'll never stay at the local motel again. Or with us either, for that matter - they prefer this apartment!

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Guest: Laura Berger (West Bloomfield, MI)
Date of Stay: 09/16/09 Review Submitted: 09/16/09

This was a great place to stay.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/16/09 Review Submitted: 09/16/09

We would like to recommend Nicole's place at Edgewater near Chicago. It's really not that far to drive downtown and see the sites. The apartment is very nice, large and comfortable. The bathroom is updated and the shower is great! The balcony is so pleasant to enjoy in the mornings for coffee and a good book. Nicole is successful at pleasing her guests. Thank you so much!

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Family reunion

Guest: E. Lea (Havertown, PA)
Date of Stay: 09/14/09 Review Submitted: 10/01/09

From the moment we walked through the front entry, we were struck by how very lovely this home is. The apartment was well laid out, very tastefully decorated and comfortable. We were able to walk to the lake and to the train easily. I have to rave about the shower. What a pleasure! The shower head was extra large and the water came out in a refreshing pressure. The towels were lush, too. A near-spa experience. Thank you Nicole and Tom.

Owner response:Thank you Lea. We are happy you enjoyed your stay and look forward to having you again! Nicole & Tom

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

Guest: Robbin Derry (Edmonton, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

We very much enjoyed our stay in this Edgewater apartment for a week in August. It provided our family of four room to spread out after days of roadside hotels, and the quiet space, comfy beds, cozy robes and slippers all felt quite luxurious. It is an easy walk to the Red Line to downtown, but is conveniently located to get up to visit friends and locations on the north shore as well. When we had questions or concerns, our neighbors and hosts, who occupy the other apartments in the building, were immediately generous and helpful. We would definitely recommend this vrbo to other travelers, and will choose to stay here again on our next trip through Chicago. Thank you Nicole and Tom!

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Guest: Janet53 (Asheville NC)
Date of Stay: 08/12/09 Review Submitted: 08/12/09

I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Nicole anticipated all our needs. The shower head was fantastic, the towels nice and fluffy, and the beds were so comfy. I also appreciated her room designs and decor. The location is perfect. I love being able to walk to places, and it was perfect for that. Downtown is just a short drive away. Having a parking space was much apprecitated as well. Thank you Nicole for helping make our stay so wonderful.

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Guest: Julie Congi (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/09/09 Review Submitted: 06/09/09

The best VRBO that I have stayed in so far! I love the theory of VRBO's and this one tops the scale! This would be a five star in my book on every level. If you are looking for a place away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago but still want to be close to downtown stay here. My missed opportunity was not having a car because parking is plentiful! Since we did not have a car we walked and that was fine too. It is close to the El Red Line by 4 blocks. The neighborhood in the Spring/Summer is beautiful and a photographers delight! Everyone is into flowers, such beautiful gardens. Inside the condo all the amenities you could need. #1 thing that we noticed, the beds are heaven! They are a perfect blend of comfort, not too hard not too soft. Once you hit the pillow you are out! Did I mention that the owner is a certified masseuse? We took full advantage of the fact that she will come in and do professional massages. Heated massage tables, soft sounds of rushing water, breathing in lavender while Nicole works her magic. I have been to many spas in California and she really surpasses them all! Ate at the restaurant Uncommon Grounds (which is right around the corner) twice, need I say more. I am so glad that we stayed here, very relaxing and I can't wait until my daughter's lease is up...she is moving to Edgewater and hopefully on N. Wayne Street so I can stay here again!

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Guest: Left my Heart in SF (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/09 Review Submitted: 05/27/09

This is a very roomy, clean and comfortable condo in a convenient location. The owner (Nicole), was very accomodating and attentive to our needs. The train is a short walk from the condo, and can take you north to Evanston/Northwestern or downtown. The neighborhood itself is about 4 blocks from the lake, with a nice running path through Loyola University, and plenty of stores, restaurants and a church one block away. I would definitely recommend this condo for your stay in Chicago, and will stay again on our next visit!

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