Vacation Rentals by Owner

Weekend in Chicago

Guest: IR (Crown Point, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 10/28/11 Review Submitted: 11/10/11

My family and I very much enjoyed our weekend in Chicago staying at the Penthouse at Grand Plaza. The penthouse was comfortable and very attractive. The views from the windows and balcony were world class. The downtown location was ideal. We look forward to returning for another stay in the future.

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

Perfect!!!

Guest: Violet (Alpine, CA.)
Date of Stay: 10/20/11 Review Submitted: 10/30/11

We spent a wonderful week in this beautiful penthouse! What a view!!! We loved the fireplace. It really puts out some heat. Everett the doorman was quite helpful. We just wished he was on duty more. He was our favorite. It's perfectly located on the Red line too! We paid $28.00 each for a week CTA pass and used the heck out of it! There's a full grocery store on the street level and a Trader Joe's a couple blocks away. Restaurants galore! Our favorites were the Chop House ($$$$$$$), Pizano's ($$$) and Joe's Seafood ($$$). There are lots of restaurants that deliver too. Jeri Lou and James were very helpful and everything went off without a hitch. Great communication. We hope to visit again!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

detellen@hotmail.com

Guest: er (Miami)
Date of Stay: 09/29/11 Review Submitted: 10/04/11

Would recommend. Staff is accomodating. Views are spectacular. Carpet needs replaced. I am a nitpicker, so my rating of good would probably be excellent for most people.

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

A View To Die For

Guest: Andy and family (Toronto, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 08/30/11 Review Submitted: 09/02/11

Absolutely fantastic panoramic views from atop this 55th and 56th floor penthouse in the heart of Chicago. All aspects of our stay were tended to with the utmost of professionalism with that little something extra to know you are not just a number. Jim and Jeri-Lou outdid themselves with every little detail of this wonderfully appointed condo. Top-drawer service and accommodations at your fingertips.

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

Girls' Weekend at the Grand Plaza!

Guest: Cleaver Sisters (Erie, PA)
Date of Stay: 08/11/11 Review Submitted: 08/17/11

The Penthouse at Grand Plaza was a perfect place for 8 forty-something women to enjoy a weekend in the heart of downtown Chicago. The view from the 55th floor condo is SPECTACULAR! It is a panoramic view of city with the lake in the background. (Note that you can stand on the balcony, but there is no furniture, nor are you allowed to bring furniture out on it.) The condo provided all that we needed...a furnished kitchen, towels, linens, etc. All of the furniture is tasteful and in good condition. We took advantage of the pool on the 9th floor amenity level. The location was extremely convenient to shopping and restaurants. We walked to Millennium Park and the waterfront. There were separate elevators in the building for the upper level floors - never had to wait long for one. There is a complimentary parking space in the building parking garage as well. The listing states that there are 2.5 baths. I only found 2 full baths...one on the first level and one in the Master bedroom. I believe the owners plan to replace the carpet soon - it was a little weathered. Other than that, the photos accurately reflect the generally good condition of the rental. Lastly, the owners provide VERY detailed information for the renters...extremely helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves...highly recommend!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Grand Plaza Penthouse

Guest: Pat (Lexington, KY)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/06/11

Our stay was for 4 days. The pictures look good on the internet, however, it was taken with a very wide angled lens. The view is beautiful from the unit. After we booked the penthouse, the female owner of the unit called us several times prior to our trip and reviewed in detail the condo "rules". On one conversation, she kept us on the phone for 45 minutes reviewing the rules. She did not ask if we had 45 minutes to talk on the phone and very much interrupted our day to review what was sent to us via email. When we entered the unit, due to the intensity of the rules given to us, we thought the penthouse would be immaculate. It was not. The carpet was dirty, the shades did not work properly (which caused the penthouse to be excessively warm in the morning), and there were marks on the walls throughout the condo. In other words, with all the nagging rules and regulations that had to be reviewed both verbally and written by the owner, this was not an upscale rental unit. We felted compelled to photograph inperfections so that we would not be accused of damage. Additionally, the owner called us during our stay so that she could come to the rental unit and drop off some cleaning supplies! I found for the amount of money we spent, we could not relax. The unit was hot due to insufficient blinds. The blinds there were in very poor shape.The cords were freyed and we were afraid they would break on us and we would be responsible for them! There was a pool, however, on the weekend we stayed there, the pool was so crowded with young beautiful singles that our children or adults could not enter the pool. Even though this rental "looks" enticing, I recommend that you keep looking!!! The unit was clean but definitely not fancy. The fold out sofa bed was an air mattress and had a hole in it so it deflated over night. There were very many restaurants around. The owner was overly helpful answering questions and she invaded our privacy by coming by our rental during our stay. Chicago is a wonderful place with an excessive amount of activities to do.

Owner response:I usually do not respond to our guests reviews, however due to the comments left I feel we have been misrepresented. The people that left this review were non-paying guests of someone else. We have installed new carpet throughout this unit as of August 2011. The shades work just fine (if you know how to operate shades). The sofa bed is fully functional and works just fine. We do have a few rules (non-smoking, no pets). I guess there are some people that will never be pleased.

Recommended for:Sightseeing

The Penthouse was wonderful and the views are to die for!!

Guest: Four Amigos from Florida (Jacksonville, FL)
Date of Stay: 06/28/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

We would have liked to spend all our time just relaxing in the penthouse taking in the fabulous views. That is not possible in Chicago when there is so much to see and do, it was great to have a wonderful place to come home to after a long day though. We did spend sometime enjoying the penthouse and the view from the balcony every evening of our visit. You have a great view of Chicago fireworks from the balcony if you stay on a night the city is shooting them off on the lake, I think wed and sat nights. It was nice to have everything we needed and not have to buy little things like coffee creamer, sugar, spices, and so on. Jim and Jeri-Lou try to provide all the little things you might forget, right down to q-tips and cotton balls. The beds were comfy and the furnishings were lovely, nice decorating throughout almost makes it feel like home. I would highly recommend the penthouse at the Grand Plaza to anyone staying in Chicago. The location is the best in town, best shopping and dining, also centrally located to get anywhere you need to go in Chicago. Thank you for a wonderful stay at the penthouse Jim and JL. Next time I am in town I hope to stay again, my only regret is we could not have it for our entire trip, it was worth moving in the middle of our trip to be able to stay for the four days we could get it. The only way to stay in Chicago is the penthouse at the Grand Plaza!!! :)

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

Perfect for our stay in Chicago

Guest: Anna (Long Beach)
Date of Stay: 06/15/11 Review Submitted: 06/26/11

Our family had a great time staying downtown Chicago and enjoying a Northwestern graduation. Lots of space for our family and enjoyed the view immensely. Plenty of space for everyone-enjoyed the deck outlook and the amenities of the building. Parking was easy-and convenient. Looking forward to another visit someday.

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

John & Alice ( Connecticut)

Guest: Alice (Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 04/19/11 Review Submitted: 05/01/11

This is a stunning condo! A great location with gorgeous views makes for a wonderful experience. The condo is clean, well maintained and extremely spacious. You immediately feel at home and everything you need is provided. The owner are very helpful and ensure that you have all the information you require to have a relaxing stay. We can't wait to return!

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

Great week!

Guest: Family vacation (Syracuse, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11 Review Submitted: 05/01/11

We arrived by car on a Sunday. The check-in process was exactly as advertised. The parking garage was convenient; although it was tight we maneuvered our Chevy Suburban in and out on a daily basis. We left the following Saturday. The check-out process was equally smooth. The apartment was spectacular: spacious and comfortable inside, amazing views outside. We had plenty of room for eight people. Everybody enjoyed it immensely. The kitchen is fully equipped and the dining room table accommodated all of us. The provided linens and towels were designer-quality. The amenities of the building were great too. There is a Jewel-Osco grocery on the first floor (not to mention a Trader Joe's two blocks away). The exercise facility and the business center on the ninth floor also came in handy. The building location really is ideal. Many fine restaurants are in the immediate vicinity; we especially enjoyed Weber's Grill right across the street. Michigan Ave. is three blocks away. A CTA Red Line stop is at the foot of the building. We drove to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute without difficulty. We unreservedly recommend this property and we hope to return ourselves. In spite of some inclement April weather we had a great week!

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

Great Chicago weekend get away

Guest: Jeff (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

This place has everything you need. The location is perfect. The amenities, from the kitchen, and living space, all the way to the building's spa and workout room were immacualate. We had the best weekend here and Jim and Jeri-Lou were very welcoming and helpful. 100% recommend this plce if you are looking for a place to stay in the city and have a group of friend's or family to stay there with.

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

Great time in Chicago

Guest: Sarah (Des Moines)
Date of Stay: 04/14/11 Review Submitted: 04/20/11

I recently stayed in The Penthouse with 5 of my college girlfriends. We had a wonderful weekend, and love staying here! It looks just like the pictures - what a fantastic view of the city! Very convenient to all kinds of shopping and restaurants. The condo had everything we needed for a long weekend! I would recommend staying here to anyone that wants a memorable experience in Chicago!

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

Joe S.

Guest: Joe (Central Ohio)
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 04/19/11

One of the best places my family has stayed in. Ideal for long weekends or an extended stay in Chicago with great views, location, amenities and price. Jim and Jeri-Lou are great to work with making your stay in the condo a wonderful experience. Thank you!

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

Luxury large condo w/ all amenities, convenient location, nice owners

Guest: JK (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 04/08/11 Review Submitted: 04/15/11

The listing & photo description was very accurate regarding the condo that we choose from the owners. The Grand Penthouse was truly amazing with a ton of sq footage. The view was spectacular. The condo itself was very clean and very well maintained. There were instructions for everything from how to get into the condo to what to do within the building complex and unit. Anytime we needed help we could call the owners or email them and a quick reply was answered. The condo was filled with everything from soap for the showers to kitchen supplies. Not having to worry about the little things to purchase helped. Owners are great and very responsive. I was impressed. I would recommend this property to anyone as it is worth every penny. I am a former resident of Chicago and lived a few blocks from Grand Plaza condo. The condo is located on 4 major streets and within the complex there is a Bed Bath and Beyond, Jewel Grocery Store, Red line for the subway, Chipotle, and a bunch of other retailers and restaurants.

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

Beautiful and excellent location

Guest: Peorian (Peoria)
Date of Stay: 04/05/11 Review Submitted: 04/09/11

The property was as beautiful as the pictures. Great views. Large bedrooms. Located centrally with many restaurants close by. Grocery store in the same building. Very peaceful.

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

Stunning views

Guest: Cat (Haslett, Mi)
Date of Stay: 04/04/11 Review Submitted: 04/11/11

My family spent spring break at the Penthouse at Grand Plaza. The views were stunning as well as the amenities. It really has something for everyone. We would love to stay there in the summer to take advantage of the patio and outdoor pool. The owners seemed well organized and even talked us through the construction in front of the building. Extra kudos for Everett the doorman, he was very personable and helpful.

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

Stunning views

Guest: Cat (Haslett, Mi)
Date of Stay: 04/04/11 Review Submitted: 04/11/11

My family spent spring break at the Penthouse at Grand Plaza. The views were stunning as well as the amenities. It really has something for everyone. We would love to stay there in the summer to take advantage of the patio and outdoor pool. The owners seemed well organized and even talked us through the construction in front of the building. Extra kudos for Everett the doorman, he was very personable and helpful.

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

Wonderful!

Guest: yvette (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/14/11

We are a group of co-workers (women) from across the country who flew into a Chicago meeting a couple days early to hang out together. This place was spacious, beautiful, great views, everything we could possibly need. Great location! A grocery store on the main floor, restaurants everywhere, and a great fitness center on site. The door people were so helpful and James and Jeri Lou were great to work with. If you can stay here you must! I have rented through vrbo for years and have never stayed in a property like this. It's the true Chicago city experience! Note that there is an early check out time (10am) which was the only "downside"...even an extra hour would have helped. Trying to get a group of women out of the door that early on a Sunday is somewhat like herding cats! :)

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

Great Location, No suprises

Guest: tom (FL)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 04/04/11

Stayed 5 days in March, everything was as the pics showed. The location is perfect, A great market in the 1st floor of building. Would definitely stay again.

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

The Best Location in the City

Guest: 1031Dave (Florida)
Date of Stay: 03/18/11 Review Submitted: 03/22/11

If you are visiting from out of town, the location cannot be better than the Penthouse at Grand Plaza. Everything is close. The Penthouse is in excellent shape and great for an extended stay. I do wish the beds were bigger all kings vs two queens. The unit is super clean. Workout area is in great shape and the free coffee in the morning was nice bonus. The best part of the unit was the balcony - the view are stunning. I would stay there again.

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

Grand Plaza Penthouse is THE place to stay

Guest: Ron (Austin)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/21/11

Our stay at Grand Plaza Penthouse was incredible. The unit was clean and surpassed our expectations in size, comfort, and convenience. The property is well situated directly on the Red Line - which Chicago Transit Rocks on every level. Plus the grocery store is on the ground level, nearby restaurants everywhere to eat good food, and, the ability to have all your needs met in easy walking distance. The views of the skyline are amazing day or night. The owners are well organized and are easy to reach if anything arises (which nothing did, but I knew they were available and had all their contact information). They were in constant contact prior to the arrival and are prompt with email responses or phone conversations leading up to our stay and then immediately after our stay. Our family will be staying here for our next visit to Chicago. No question.

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

Excellent experience for girls weekend, great views, perfect for large group.

Guest: Andrea (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 03/11/11 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

I selected the Penthouse for a girls weekend for my friends from college to get together for a long weekend. I am from Chicago, as are many of the friends who joined, however we were looking for a place to spend a "girls weekend away" from spouses without going too far. A co-worker who visited the Penthouse at the Grand Plaza for a Bachelorette Party a year or so ago, gave me a recommendation that was so strong that I looked into it. Once I reviewed the site, I decided this was great place to spend "weekend away" for myself and friends from Chicago as well. Jim and Jeri-Lou are great to work with. They answered all my questions quickly (no matter how small - ex. are there wine glasses available?) . The conversation with Jeri-Lou the week before was really helpful, she walked me through arrival, the layout of the condo and checkout. Before I arrived it seemed like I had been there before. The condo itself is at a great location - walking distance from everything you need in downtown Chicago. The view - fantastic. We were able to see the River dyed green for St. Patrick's day from the condo - and keep an eye on St. Patrick's day celebrations without going out. Waking up each morning to a view of Chicago was great. The condo is clean and kitchen well stocked with dishes, silverware, pots/pans, coffee pot and serving trays. All we had to do was bring some snacks and drinks - and we were all set! I recommend the penthouse for any traveler - families, friends, reunions - You'll feel at home in the heart of Chicago and much more comfortable than any hotel.

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

Perfect Getaway

Guest: Nate and Steph (Iowa)
Date of Stay: 01/16/11 Review Submitted: 01/22/11

This was a weekend we will not forget for the rest of our lives. I surprised my girlfriend by telling her we were staying at a comfort inn, and instead pulled up in front of the Grand Plaza. When we opened the door to the penthouse, her jaw dropped and she asked me if I was kidding. The view is one of kind, we were practically glued to the windows looking out. The place was top notch. Everything we needed was there. Luxury from floor to ceiling. Check in and out was a breeze. The doormen were very personable and friendly. The location was perfect, right in the heart of Chicago. The beds are very comfortable, the whole place was extremely clean, and she was very impressed. We sat with the fireplace on, looking out at the lights at night, it was very romantic. The penthouse was like a scene from a movie, and we felt like celebrities. I ended up proposing to her this weekend, and she said yes! Thanks again!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Location! Location! Location!

Guest: Darin (Piedmont, SD)
Date of Stay: 01/14/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

We met friends in Chicago for a birthday celebration and stayed at The Penthouse. It was a lovely home with incredible views from every living space. It was well maintained and very comfortable. The home provided much more ability for our group to spend time together than a hotel ever could and for the same cost. The Penthouse at Grand Plaza is in an amazing location with walking access to great shopping, eating, and all Chicago has to offer. If you are planning a trip you should consider this great condo.

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

Wonderful NYE Weekend in Chicago

Guest: Sara (Mount Prospect, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 12/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

We had an absolutely wonderful stay at the two penthouse condos. Gathered friends for a NYE Celebration-location is primo, within walking distance to great food, shopping and art. Jim and Jeri Lou go above and beyond to make your stay wonderful-and the quality and cleanliness of the units is terrific. This was our second rental...and we anticipate many more to come! Thanks -Dave and Sara Terry

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

Penthouse at Grand Plaza #1

Guest: Suz & Jack (Ohio)
Date of Stay: 12/10/10 Review Submitted: 12/16/10

This was our second visit to Chicago & we were so pleased with our accommodations at the Grand Plaza & with the service from Jim & Jeri Lou. The condo was more than we expected & we did not want for anything. The condo baths are fully equipped with shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, blow dryers, etc. The kitchen had all the necessary amenities as well. We had a party of 6 & we were very comfortable. The condo possesses awesome views of the city skyline & with a western view, you enjoy spectacular sunsets. We will definitely stay here again for our next visit to Chicago & would not hesitate recommending it to our friends & family!

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

great time

Guest: kyf (illinois)
Date of Stay: 12/10/10 Review Submitted: 12/14/10

Condo is clean and beautiful! What a view! Great location for access to the best shopping and restaurants.

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

Just Perfect

Guest: Chuck & Lynne (Hastings, NE)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 12/07/10

This unit is exactly as advertised. Beautiful view, beautifully furnished, spotlessly clean. Absolutely worth the price. Jim and Jeri-Lou handle the arrangements very professionally and are very helpful. Check in/out was flawless. The location is ideal for downtown Chicago shopping and events, and a CTA station is just outside the front door. We would highly recommend this property, and hope to return.

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

Great place for our family celebration

Guest: Jeanne (Medina, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 12/05/10

Fantastic accomodation, conveniently located. There's a grocery store in the building. Extraordinary doormen. Kids loved the fitness/basketball hoop. We were here for a multigenerational Thanksgiving celebration- brought all our favorite recipes (and cookware just in case). Our two adult children and spouse live in Chicago, but this penthouse was our staging area. The kitchen is serviceable- adequate for what we needed, very well equipped. Jeri is the kind of housekeeper I am, in that there are stacks of coasters everywhere, placemats, etc. I did bring my own knives and specialty cookware, but could easily have made do. As to location it's one block off Michigan Ave. by Nordstroms, and we had spectacular weather to spend our time up and down shopping. We ended up eating in (thanks to great carryout from area restaurants and pizzerias- all in all, perfect. In fact, check out is 10 am and we wanted to leave our car in the garage and just pay the extra money- the woman who we would have paid insisted we go back to try to get the key card to leave so she wouldn't have to charge us- unbelievable- New Yorkers could take a lesson from the service industry in Chicago (and I love NYC). Will definitely stay here again- absolutely beautifully furnished (toiletries, lots of towels, etc.)

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

Top of Chicago

Guest: Larry (Denver)
Date of Stay: 11/13/10 Review Submitted: 11/18/10

Four of us recently stayed here during a professional meeting in Chicago, rather than doing the usual hotel room. It was terrific. The views are absolutely amazing. Great penthouse. Owners really easy to work with. We will do again.

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

Our stay at The Penthouse

Guest: Jo (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/07/10 Review Submitted: 11/15/10

My wife and I stayed at the Penthouse from Nov.7th till the 13th. We celebrated our 37th Anniversary there, as well as my birthday. Jim & Jeri-Lou were "very accomodating," especially with my last minute effort to find a nice place to stay at. Let me begin by stating this was more than a very nice place, "it was beautiful", everything about it, the kitchen, the living/dining room areas, the bedrooms, more than enough room, including closet space. It was very clean and well decorated. Plenty of everything, from towels to cooking utensils (and my wife is a cook). The Fitness Room and sauna were very nice. Jim & Jeri-Lou answered all our questions promptly and provided us with a wealth of information, i.e; directions to & from airports, local diners, bars, main attractons, etc. Grocery stores such as Jewels, (downstaris), Trader Joe's & Whole Foods, just one - two blocks away. Michigan Ave. (The Magnificant Mile) is just a few short blocks away for you shoppers. Even though we are both originally from Chicago, we have never seen Chicago like this. The morning as well as the evening views from the balcony are spectacular! You could spend the whole day just hanging out inside the Penthouse and enjoying the view over dinner and a nice glass of wine. Each room has it's own special view. There all so many attractions nearby that you can pick and choose from, to include all the local museums. You can also spend an enitre day just walking around and photographing the many beautiful buildings and sights in the area so make sure to bring your camera. Everything is so close from this location that you can go out, come back and rest and head back out for some more fun. This was truly a very nice romantic get away for the both us. We highly recommed a stay at the Grand PLaza Penthouse, it's well worth it, it's better than a hotel.

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

Breathtaking Views From The Penthouse At Grand Plaza

Guest: Allen and Nancy P. (Atlanta GA)
Date of Stay: 10/31/10 Review Submitted: 11/05/10

There was a full 90 degree view from the condo through the 2-story floor to ceiling windows as well as the wrap around balcony, from the north around to the east! The condo was well appointed with all of the comforts of home. There was even a fireplace, which was appreciated after long walks in the cool, windy conditions. I would definitely recommend this condo for anyone wanting a lasting memory of their trip to Chicago!

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

Fun Place for a City Weekend!

Guest: jennifer (Boise, ID)
Date of Stay: 10/21/10 Review Submitted: 10/29/10

Grand Plaza Penthouse was a fantastic find on VRBO and we will be staying there again. The location in the River North area is fantastic and many top ranked restaurants are within walking distance. The views are phenomomal and we loved the wrap around balcony and fantastic views from every bedroom. The kitchen was well stocked and the customer service from the Freidkins amazing (and I have rented a lot of VRBO rentals). The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the carpets needing cleaning and the walls & doors being scuffed - but unfortunately its not due to owner negligence (they carpet clean & repaint every 4 months!) but renters not adhering to their request to take upstairs luggage to the upper rooms via the elevator and some people who never learned to take their shoes off at the door of a guests home - WHICH THIS IS! So A NOTE TO FUTURE RENTERS > you are renting someone's beautiful home, please treat it that way! But we will be back for sure.

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

Creating wonderful memories with three days and three nights in a Chicago Penthouse

Guest: The Coolidge Gang (Highland, IL )
Date of Stay: 10/13/10 Review Submitted: 10/22/10

Our family of six were very comfortable in your property. The view was spectacular. The amenities of the grocery store and everything in the property made our vacation perfect. Like we were still in a home not a "hotel room". Having a doorman/doorwoman was a new experience and appreciated ( They were all great). We were worn out sight seeing every day and it was nice having a place to go and rest for a couple of hours before we went out for the evening meals. There were many eating places in the area that looked great and as evidenced by the number of people at every restaurant. Gino's East Pizza was great ( I so wished I had brought my Mr. Clean Eraser to clean off a tile to sign our names on the wall). The American Girl was fun too. The Red Bud Steak House food was great but make sure you are not in a hurry! Very exciting area for a vacation.

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

Awesome stay @ the Grand Plaza!

Guest: Katie (CT)
Date of Stay: 09/30/10 Review Submitted: 10/12/10

Grand Plaza is as good in person as it looks in the pictures! Stay was fantastic - everything from pre-arrival phone calls with the owners to check-out went extremely smoothly. Owners very helpful - blind broke in one of the bedrooms and within an hour of us telling them about it they had responded (even though it was 8pm at night). Building itself is in a great location with ample shops, restaurants, supermarkets etc on its doorstep. Would definitely stay here again and have no qualms about recommending it!

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

Irish Girls

Guest: Dublin Girls (Dublin, Ireland)
Date of Stay: 09/30/10 Review Submitted: 10/07/10

The apartment was perfect for the 6 of us. Very spacious and clean with everything there for us.We were so impressed with the building and everything it had to offer, not to mention the proximity to shops, bars, restaurants etc. Great stay all round and we would recommend to anyone for a stay in Chicago

Recommended for:Girls getaway

Penthouse stay

Guest: Lisa (Midlothian, VA)
Date of Stay: 09/22/10 Review Submitted: 09/28/10

We had a great time staying at the Penthouse at Grand Plaza. The accomodations were awesome and very relaxing. It was nice to cook breakfast in and run down to the store on the bottom floor whenever we needed. Jim and Jeri Lou were very nice and wanted to make sure we had a good time. Everything was wonderful.

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

Stunning views. Beautiful property.

Guest: Kitty (Huntingdon, PA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/10 Review Submitted: 09/23/10

What a great way to spend time enjoying Chicago! The accomodations were spacious and beautiful. All three couples had plenty of space. Plus the location is close to shopping, sight seeing, and great restaurants. The views are absolutely stunning too...from every room. I highly recommend staying here.

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

Property exceeds expectations

Guest: MojoHD (Fayetteville, AR)
Date of Stay: 09/15/10 Review Submitted: 09/20/10

This place is as advertised. Great views, condo was clean and has everything we needed. Location of condo could not be any better. Owners were very good to work with. We will stay here again in the future.

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

Fabulous Family Reunion!

Guest: Jerry (West Des Moines, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 09/29/10

Our family from West Des Moines, Iowa and Redondo Beach, California arrived at The Grand Plaza on 9/11/2010. We were nicely received by the lady at the front desk and were very pleasantly surprised when we opened the front door on the 53rd Floor! Every-thing was sparkling clean and appeared just like the pictures on line! The preliminary in-formation Jim and Jeri Lou had sent us made us feel very welcome and allowed us to plan for our four day retreat. The views were so breathtaking that we decided to spend our first night preparing a meal (supplies purchased downstairs at the Jewel) in the well equiped kitchen and enjoyed in the beautiful dining room! The rest of our stay went too fast but the convenience of great restaurants and shopping all within a few blocks made this trip the best ever! I have sent information to friends who visit Chicago and hope they also stay at this property.

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

One of a kind!

Guest: Nick (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 09/10/10 Review Submitted: 09/19/10

Our stay at the Penthouse was fantastic. It's truly and one of a kind condo with view. The owner's hospitality was very courteous and thorough. I highly recommend staying here!

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

Enjoyable Weekend

Guest: Eric (Elmhurst, IL)
Date of Stay: 08/27/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

We planned a nice weekend in Chicago to take in some events in town this weekend. The condo was large enough to accomodate several people and allow a private gathering place as opposed to trying to get adjoining hotel rooms, etc. The lake front view was excellent and we even experienced Navy Pier fireworks from the terrace. Location was excellent with plenty of dining options nearby. Jeri-Lou was helpful and I would definitely do this again. This was our first time renting a condo in Chicago, the experience was great.

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

Amazing luxury skyline getaway!

Guest: Viaggiatore (Washington DC )
Date of Stay: 08/16/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

Our corporate group rented both properties while in town for a trade show -- the exceptional space and fantastic location was perfect! Everett and the team of doormen at the desk downstairs can make ANY need a reality. It was an easy walk to Navy Pier in the mornings and a great place for lunch meetings and inviting clients in for a VIP cocktail... with wonderful restaurants in the area for dinners, either dine in or carry out. The property is first class in every regard, and Jim & JeriLou have gone to great lengths to make sure your stay will be a success. In the end, we spent less than we would have on a hotel and our team had a far superior experience... and we look forward to returning next year. This place is a real gem, you will not be disappointed. You *do* get what you pay for, and then some!

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

Wonderful time In Chicago!

Guest: Divalocs (Hollywood Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/20/10

My Compliments to the owners of this beautiful condo we stayed in this past week~ They thought of everything to make their guest more comfortable and we were! The view was great, with balcony access from multiple areas, the condo was clean, refreshing and spacious and we had a nice size family gathering sleeping there!..I would recommend these accommodations to anyone wanting a safe, relaxing spacious and scenic view of Chicago~ We had beautiful city with water views and easy access to local stores and tourist sites!

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

Excellent Stay

Guest: Barbara (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

The condo was just like the photos and description. The location was great and we truly enjoyed the views from the deck. We would defintely rent this condo again.

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

August In The Penthouse

Guest: Linda S. (Sonoma County, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/15/10

My family and I had a great time staying at the penthouse. The views from every room were magnificent. We were in the heart of the city action. The facility is well kept, safe and inviting. The owners were super kind and supportive. We can't wait to have a reason to return to Chicago and stay there again.

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

Great Time

Guest: unbleevable (Mount Laurel, NJ)
Date of Stay: 07/29/10 Review Submitted: 08/08/10

Great time was had by everyone. The Friedkins had great correspondence, they were nice, and I'd def recommend this place for groups to stay. The views are outstanding, and the stay was great. We rented both of their 3 bedroom penthouses. The place was clean, nicely appointed, and quiet. The sound proofing in the apartments are quite good, and the location is great - middle of everything! Everything needed is right there. Highly recommended!

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

Stunning condo at an incredible address...

Guest: Renee (Florida)
Date of Stay: 07/22/10 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

What a truly enjoyable stay we recently had at this beautiful condo! We had a party of 8 and were in town for 4 days to celebrate a birthday. The condo is even more lovely and spacious than dipicted in the online photographs. The property staff was pleasant and helpful and the location ideal! I would recommend this property to both friends and business associates and, when back in Chicago, we will, without a doubt, plan on staying here again.

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

Chicago in July

Guest: RSWP (UK)
Date of Stay: 07/21/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

We stayed at Grand Plaza for eight nights in July 2010. We all had a great time. Everything in the apartment worked perfectly: the reception was welcoming, the apartment was large, airy and comfortable with superb views and the location could hardly be bettered. The pre-arrival instructions were a model of clarity. All in all a great experience, and so much more flexible and convenient than a hotel. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone staying in Chicago.

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

WOW!!!!!!!

Guest: Denise (Audubon NJ)
Date of Stay: 07/15/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

We were seven girlfriends spending a long weekend in Chicago. There are not enough superlatives to describe our stay at Jeri-Lou and Jim's penthouse! It was all that and a bag of chips. The property is conveniently located within walking distance to everything, and was equipped to meet our every need from bath towels to kitchen supplies. The views are spectacular, the unit is beautifully furnished, the beds comfy, climate controls in every room, and the Grand Plaza front desk staff could not have been more gracious. Jeri-Lou and Jim are totally awesome to work with, and my friends and I are already taking about a return trip to their place at some point. I based my choice of this property on previous reviews and believe me when I tell you they are all true. You won't be disappointed.

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