Vacation Rentals by Owner

Charming place wtih lots of character.

Guest: WisCountryBumpkin1017 (Central Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 03/03/12 Review Submitted: 03/28/12

I did't know what to expect since this was my first time renting from an owner versus booking a hotel. I am so glad that I did because it was perfect. Everything was provided: linens, towels, vlankets, pillows, soaps, cookware, plates, cups, etc. The owner met us on the first day of check-in and showed us around the condo and gave us tons of info on the building, nearby shops/restaurants, and bus routes. Communication with the owner is very good, answered any questions in a timely manner. Parking tickets to park on the streets were provided at no charge. If you've ever been to Chicago, parking can get very expensive. Even if parking tickets are not available, there is a parking lot across the building that only charges $8 per day and $20 per night (that's cheap for downtown) and you get in/out privileged which most parking lots/garages do not have. Most places, once you leave, you have pay again to get in and park. The sofa bed is a bit thin, so if you will be using the extra sofa bed and are more sensitive, do bring an extra blanket for more cushion. My husband and I slept fine even without the extra cushion. The other bed was fine and comfortable for my co-worker. We had a great weekend at Bill's place and will definitley return again. Thanks Bill!

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

Excellent !

Guest: Mike (Strasbourg, France)
Date of Stay: 11/27/11 Review Submitted: 12/14/11

We stayed for a week in this very pretty studio, nicely decorated and carefully equiped with everything necessary. We were 3 adults and it was very comfortable, having a lot more space than in any hotel room. The building is nice, and location is excellent, in The Loop, within walking distance of State St, Millenium park and Michigan Av. Bill is a very gentle owner, and made everything (reservation arrival, stay) go smoothly. We were very happy of our stay here and would definitely come back. Thanks Bill !!

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

What a fabulous location

Guest: Mary (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/27/11 Review Submitted: 09/11/11

My husband and I enjoyed our two-week stay in Bill's River City condo in the historic Printers Row neighborhood of the South Loop. The condo is well equipped with a large dresser and clothes closet, modern furniture, fixtures and appliances, lots of dishes and cooking equipment, a flat-screen television and balcony overlooking the river. We were close to both the red and blue subway lines and the #22 bus but also within walking distance of many attractions. There are a number of neighborhood bars and restaurants, and two new grocery stores opened during the second week of our stay--Urban Pantry at Polk and Clark and Trader Joe's on Wabash at Roosevelt. The location couldn't be better. Bill met us on our arrival, gave us a building tour, and answered all of our questions. The River City shuttle is no longer running, but the transit system is very inexpensive and easy to navigate. Go to the Chicago Cultural Center at Michigan & Randolph to buy transit cards and pick up free maps and brochures. Walgreens and the CVA Pharnacies also sell the one, three or seven-day passes or you can just pay cash at any of the subway stations if you don't want a prepaid pass. Our favorite activity was taking the river cruise and walking tours offered by the Chicago Architectural Foundation, They offer 85 different tours, but we only managed to do about six of them, and they were all fantastic. I'm already planning a return trip in 2012. Thanks Bill for a wonderful stay in Chicago.

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

Much much better than staying at a hotel!!!

Guest: Sandy N. (Columbia, SC)
Date of Stay: 06/13/11 Review Submitted: 06/20/11

Wow!! What a wonderful time we had at Bill's Printers Row condo and our trip to Chicago. Where to begin about the condo....it is outfitted with everything you need (or want), complete with full kitchen, comfy bed, great TV with lots of movie channels, super building with a roof top deck with a glorious view of the city...great location, we could walk everywhere. We frequented the restaurants in the area and there were lots to choose from. We especially liked Hackney's that has world class burgers. And Blackie's, a neighborhood bar. Would have to say our favorite thing was sitting on Bill's balcony, playing gin rummy with my sweet husband and watching all the boats go by. The Wendella's, the water taxi's....it is just so neat to sit on the balcony.... (we did take the architectural tour on the Wendella and loved it...took many pictures) Thanks to Bill and Karla....we loved every minute of our stay!!! Thank you! Thank you!

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

Well managed condo in an architecturally significant building

Guest: Chris (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 05/22/11 Review Submitted: 08/24/11

While it took me awhile to write this review, Bill's hospitality and the amenities provided are still fresh. The kitchen has what you need to prepare full meals and adequate space. Both beds were fine, but you need to be willing to convert the living space to sleeping space each night. The location is convenient to transit and the Loop, but not in the center of a nightlife or retail district. As for the building itself, It is a very interesting architectural experiment by Bertrand Goldberg, whose work is gaining increasing prominence. The management of the building itself seemed to be in turmoil the week I was there (some kind of labor dispute) which made for some inconvenience at the security desk, but I assume that has been resolved. Overall a very good stay, and I'm planning on returning.

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

Great place to stay!!

Guest: Amy and Joe (CT)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 05/12/11

We stayed at Bill's place for 5 nights for our son's graduation. It was very convenient for the trains and buses. The unit was fully furnished with nice towels, toiletries and great kitchen set up. LOTS of dishes, glasses and cups. The view was lovely and the complex is on the architectural river tour.( a must do) The free shuttle was very handy for getting downtown and to Millennium Park. We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. Bill was a joy to deal with and the rental went without a hitch. Thank You Bill. We hope to return in the near future

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Couldn't be happier!

Guest: GM (Phoenix, AZ)
Date of Stay: 03/21/11 Review Submitted: 03/23/11

We rented this condo while attending a conference at the McCormick Place in March 2011. I prefer renting through VRBO over a hotel because I believe these are better values and overall a better experience. This one proved to be no different. Bill was terrific to work with - accommodating, understanding and always willing to help. The location was terrific - we took the L train from O'Hare and walked from the station to the condo (10 minutes). The streets were safe and clean. The condo was clean and the complex well kept. We are two adults traveling for business, and there was plenty of space, definitely way more than a hotel with two beds. We walked to shuttles, and then walked back from the conference to the Miracle Mile and back to the condo. If you stay here - everything is within walking distance. If you don't want to walk, the trains are very close and can take you anywhere. I would highly recommend this condo as an alternative to any hotel in the area if you are attending a conference at McCormick Place, or if you are just visiting Chicago. The location couldn't be better, and the value is unbeatable!

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

Great condo!

Guest: Bev (Peoria, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/14/10 Review Submitted: 04/28/11

I stayed in Bill's condo with a friend for a long weekend in October and it was great! So nice to have a kitchen and to sit outside on the balcony watching the activity on the river below! Bill is a wonderful host and explained everything to us on arrival. Very clean and so accessible to everything in downtown Chicago. I would definitely stay here again!!

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

Guest: Debbie (Missoula MT)
Date of Stay: 05/21/08 Review Submitted: 05/21/08

We spent a week in Bill's condo in May. It is in a great location and it is very easy to walk to all the attractions in the area. Bill was a pleasure to work with!

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Guest: Pamela5 (Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 03/20/08 Review Submitted: 03/20/08

My husband and I stayed here for Labor Day Weekend in September 2006. We loved the location and we thought Bill was wonderful. Everything was modern and clean. We also had the pleasure of meeting Muhammad Ali who was visiting a friend in the building. We would definitely stay here again !

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/18/08 Review Submitted: 01/18/08

I stayed in condo early September 2007. The condo far exceeded my expectations. Condo was comfortable, clean and had a great view. Owner (Bill)was a pleasure to deal with, a true professional. Would not hesitate to stay again. Everything ran smoothly. Cathy

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Guest: Marlys (Lapeer, MI)
Date of Stay: 12/27/07 Review Submitted: 12/27/07

What a dollhouse of a studio! Clean as a whistle with a nice view. Everything was ready to move in. The furniture was comfortable; the appliances new. I only have 2 complaints - 1st, that I did not get to spend enough time enjoying the condo (too busy shopping) and 2nd, I missed having a full-length mirror (that one drove me crazy). I hope to be able to stay again. Thanks for the great weekend, Bill.

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

We stayed in the unit in Sept. 07 and it is wonderful. The complex is in a great spot. The shuttle makes getting around a breeze. We would stay here again.

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Guest: Bonnie Stuart (Bend, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 10/20/06 Review Submitted: 10/20/06

Wonderful environment for a convention!! It gave us a quite retreat after the long days of education sessions and trade show floor! Better than average appliances Water was never cold Balcony had great views Super Target 1 block away 24 hour security in building Almost immediate taxi service Location convenient for almost anything

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