Hansen House Mansion, The Centennial Houses of Lincoln Park

We personally give this place our best rating . We were so relaxed and comfortable here. I will never stay at another motel again.So many cute and interesting things we found . Nice comfortable beds, washer dryer ...., well you get the idea. The neighborhood is the nicest anywhere. Friendly people everywhere. We are definitely coming bac. Fran and Quincy were so helpful to us ,we appreciated there courtesy.

Beautiful historic town house in an excellent location for visitors exploring Chicago. Rooms are charming and there is shared access to a well appointed kitchen although there are so many great places to eat nearby. The proprietor met us on arrival and spent a good 30 mins finding out what we wanted to do and offered useful advice and additional recommendations for things to do and see - a real personal service. Parking is free with a residents pass which needs to be changed daily but you need to find a slot on the road. Within 5 mins walk are many bars and restaurants, access to bus stops and "L" station, and Lincoln Park. This was just perfect for my wife and I for a 3 day exploration of Chicago - thanks Fran.

The Hansen Mansion was perfect for our stay...plenty of room for everyone, yet lots of common areas for all of us to hang out. And the kitchen looks vintage, but is completely modern and is well stocked. The location was also very convenient, close to shops, eating, bars, the lake and easy to get cabs. Our entire group enjoyed our stay!

The house comfortably accommodated our clan of 9. The kitchen has all modern appliances with beautiful Victorian facades. The bedrooms were clean & comfortable. Fran was gracious and helpful.

What a perfect neighborhood experience and gracious hosts we had! We parked the car on the curb for the week and off we went to see Chicago. We enjoyed a show at the Apollo, museums, shopping, The Navy Pier, beach, the zoo, Willis Tower and even the Farmer's Market in Lincoln Park. It was a fabulous trip and a fabulous stay at the Hansen mansion.

Outstanding value. Outstanding bed and kitchen. Best way to visit with a group.

Six 60 year old women stayed at this property on our Wizard of Oz Chicago Tour. Fran (the owner) warmly greeted us near the parking space she had for us, showed us the house (we had reserved the entire 4 bedroom house) and helped with our luggage. She went over the formalities of the rental, gave us her card in case we needed to contact her and left us to enjoy the house on our own. While we were gone that night, she even brought over items that fit in with our Wizard of Oz theme! Even though the house is a block from Second City in Old Town Chicago it was quiet inside the house. Fran and her husband have decorated the house in period pieces that reflect the times when the house was built. There were many books and brochures about Chicago history and activities available for our reading pleasure. The beds were wonderful and we all slept like babies. The kitchen was well-equipped in case you wanted to make your own meals as we did for Sunday breakfast. On Saturday we visited the Farmers' Market a few blocks away from the house and what a treat that was! We were close to the bus lines and streets that taxis frequent so it was easy for us to get to our destinations. A bakery, grocery store and many restaurants were nearby to cater to our hunger pains. All six of us agreed we really enjoyed staying here and would not hesitate to stay here again. Thanks, Fran, for the great hospitality!

A real find in a fabulous neighborhood with a charming hostess and every imaginable comfort. We had a wonderful experience thanks to your charm and hospitality. You made our trip even better than we could have imagined! We'll definitely be back!

I loved the charm of Hansen House. Thank you for your personal touch and graciousness

You have returned The Hansen House Mansion to its original elegance while incorporating modern conveniences. Your resulting masterpiece provides your guests a unique experience of being whisked back to the 19th century in the midst of a modern metropolis

I can't decide which is better, the actual house or its location. The house can be rented out entirely like we did, or just 1 room. We were a group of 7 women who stayed for a long weekend. The property has a great website to help you make a decision. First the house. The house is 3 stories. On the first floor there is a beautiful living room, dinning room and full kitchen. The second floor has 2 bedrooms. One room has an attached bathroom and is very large. The other room is also a good size, but does not have an attached bath. There is a very large full bathroom on that floor as well. Both rooms are decorated very nice and have queen beds and their own T.V.s. The third floor has 2 bedrooms. 1 room has 2 twin beds and the other room has a queen. These rooms are not as large as the rooms on the second floor. On the third floor there is 1 bathroom {but there is a second sink outside the bathroom}. There is a very nice parlor on this floor, with a flat screen TV, mini fridge and coffee pot. This comes in handy so you don't have to run all the way down to the first floor first thing in the morning, or if you want a snack later in the evening. There is also a wonderful large deck off the third floor. All the beds were very comfortable. We mainly used the 3rd floor. This is where we hung out as a group, in the parlor and deck. It was perfect for a large group. We had enough room to visit with each other, but we all had our own space as well. If you are not looking to rent out the whole house I would also recommend the house. If you only need one room, The Architecture Room is the nicest and has its own bathroom. If you need more than 1 room, I would highly recommend getting the 2 rooms on the third floor, then you have a living area and the deck right off of your rooms. The third floor feels and lives like a 2 bedroom apartment. The location in my opinion is the best in the city. The house is located on a quite street, but just steps away from Old Town. The house is 1 block north of the intersection of Wells and North. Lincoln Park is just around the corner, and the lake is a very short walk. You can use public transportation very easily, buses or the El from this location. It is also a very easy area to find taxis. I love this location because you can experience Chicago as a tourist and get a feel of what it is like to be a local. There is lots of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Second City is maybe 1/2 block away. There is a large grocery store right there, Treasure Island. You can easily grab a few groceries or have them delivered to the house if you have too much too carry. We had lots of beverages, so we opted to have everything delivered. Every thing you could possibly need is right there. Michigan Ave is a short cab ride or bus ride. I think it is less than 2 miles away. I have walked from this area to Michigan Ave often. I also prefer the nightlife in this area over downtown, Michigan Ave or the loop. Finally the hostess, Fran, is a very nice and welcoming person. She can give you as much help and service that you want, or can also give you as much privacy as you need. She was very flexible with our large group. Fran was very good at staying in touch with me. When I would email or call her with a question, she would get back to me asap. The only downside to the house would be if you have problem with stairs. There are lots of stairs up to the 3rd floor. The other is that you have to pay 1/2 up front, and then the rest when you arrive. Neither of these things were a problem for us, just wanted to let people know of these 2 thing. We can't wait for the next trip to Chicago and The Hansen House Mansion.

My boyfriend and I were in town for a family wedding, and wanted a peaceful haven to escape the numerous family activities. We dislike impersonal hotels and stayed at Hansen Mansion as an alternative to the expensive hotel where the rest of the wedding guests were staying. Although their rooms were definitely swanky, everyone was jealous of our "Architect's Quarters". The rooms were beautiful yet comfortable and home-y. Our mattress was firm and the sheets were clean and turned down for us on our first night. I loved that there were actually books in the shelves in our room--- it appears that our hostess was quite a reader! The bathroom was spacious, and there was an extra sink outside in the main room- a nice perk for the couple who is disposed to quibbling. There was also a good sized closet with shelves and plenty of coat hangers so that guests can "move in" if they'd like. We especially liked that there was a common kitchen available to us--- a great option for those wishing to save a few dollars on dining . The owner/manager of the Hansen House, Fran Ramer, was friendly and accessible. She gave us directions to good restaurants, blues clubs (we had an AWESOME night at the place on Halsted, which I think is called Blues), and directions for the public transit. She obviously loves her job. In closing, I think that some people are "hotel" people and some people are more the "bed and breakfast" type. If you want bright bathrooms with fluorescent lighting, then, by all means, stay at that place down the street that charges $350 a night. If you'd rather have gorgeous architecture, hardwood floors, an innkeeper with personality, and an escape from the city, the Hansen Mansion is your place!

We loved Hanson House!!! My family (two adults, three teenage daughters) recently rented the top floor (two bedrooms, private bath, and our own kitchenette and deck) of this beautiful 1886 home - very reasonably priced! All the furnishings are of that era - you don't come across something like this in North America that often! so charming! The location is perfect - within walking distance to coffee shops, groceries, restaurants (check out Nookies - great food, reasonably priced) and parks/beaches. Public transportation is within easy access. Fran went out of her way to welcome us and make us feel at home. She was a wealth of information about places to see and how to get there. We made our own breakfasts in the downstairs kitchen, and could come and go as we pleased. I would highly recommend staying here!!!!

My wife and I were looking for a last minute place for us to stay for just one night. We contacted Fran about staying at Elizabeth's Place for the night and we are sure thankful that we did. Fran was prompt with her responses and helpful in every way with the last minute request. The accommodations were absolutely charming! The location was wonderful and the advice and assistance from both Fran and Quincy were invaluable. We loved the house. It was clean, comfortable, and had ample space for just the two of us. The Victorian home was antique with many modern conveniences including wifi. The location was perfect. We walked everywhere including the beach at the lake and the Second City theater. Food was abundant. The grocery store was close and nearly countless restaurants were everywhere...including many places to score good Chicago Dogs! The only downside to the whole experience was that we were only there for one night. This was way too short to fully appreciate the place and all it had to offer. We give our highest recommendations and would definitely return!

I can tell you, as a picky and very detailed traveler the Hansen House Mansion FAR exceeded our expectations. We were celebrating a major milestone with family members, friends and employees and 3 couples and my Grandmother spent the night, we spent an additional 2 nights with our parents and Fran and Quincy, the proprietors, were not only gracious hosts but very thoughtful and helpful the entire stay. The location is outstanding, for Lincoln Park it does not get much better if you want privacy and night life. Second City is only half a block away, Old Town, 1 block walk, Treasure Island and a great Irish Pub next door, 1/2 block walk, amazing. The mansion itself is warm, cozy and in excellent condition. No dust, no mold, no ratty items, this is an old establishment but based on the excellent condition, the owners must have put in exhausting time, effort and money. When we arrived they assisted with our luggage up the flights of stairs, made sure everyone had parking passes for the entire stay and gave us a history of the home. They provided overnight and emergency phone numbers and let us be and have fun the entire time. They met us 5 minutes before our check out Thanksgiving day and we assured them this property will be our first and only choice when staying in Chicago. We are originally from Chicago but anyone that needs local guides for dining, nightlife, etc. you will be quite happy with the selection. Nice coffee/tea and cookies provided, outstanding kitchen, wonderful bedding and just nice overall touches. Cannot say enough but Fran and Quincy made our celebration one to remember!

My husband and I never stayed at a B&B in Chicago before. We loved our visit to Hanson Mansion. The old mansion charm was wonderful. Such a beautiful historic building. The furnishing fit the old world charm. The mansion is so close to every thing in the city, and the hostess, Fran was wonderful. She explained all about the area, the mansion history, and local sites to visit. Parking can be a challenge for someone not used to city life, but not impossible and you get a parking pass.

We were very fortunate to have stayed at the Hansen House on our first trip to Chicago. We had transportation difficulties on the way into Chicago, which put us an hour behind our scheduled time of arrival; however, when we contacted Fran and Quincy, the proprietors, to let them know we were running late, they very graciously rearranged their plans so they could be there when we arrived. Exquisite craftsmanship, unique history, and tasteful furnishings add to its turn of the century feel. Our guestroom was large, well-appointed, and very clean, especially for an older home. The common areas were warm and inviting, and access to the fully equipped kitchen was a very nice bonus. We could not have picked a better location. The neighborhood was very pleasant, and in very close proximity to many of Chicago’s best sites. When we arrived, Fran and Quincy were kind enough to take time to explain the numerous transportation options available to us, which we were very grateful for as we were disoriented having never been to Chicago before. Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park are within a very comfortable walking distance. Being young and adventurous, we actually ended up walking to Navy Pier, the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute, to name just a few locations. For those less inclined to walk, public transportation is very close, and hailing a cab was very easy. Overall, we had a very pleasant experience at the Hansen House. The proprietors are very kind, and go out of their way to make your experience a good one. The small touches that Fran and Quincy furnished made the Hansen House feel like home. Thanks to our stay at the Hansen House, we were able to experience Chicago in a way that we would have missed by staying in a hotel, and I would recommend it to anyone.

This is a well-located, well-appointed, elegant mansion that met my needs. We held our event there at the Hansen Mansion and were quite impressed by the staff’s attention to detail. Everything I wanted was at my fingertips! They made sure to make us feel welcome! The rooms were plush and elegant – I felt proud to have my event there! The period décor was appropriate to the mansion setting. The establishment itself is so well-located and in such a fantastic area. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about experiencing the best of what Chicago had to offer… Cultural and artistic attractions right down the street: the Chicago History Museum, theater including Second City, and restaurants, all right on the edge of Lincoln Park and the lakefront. The retail area was extremely interesting and exotic – the Spice House, a specialty oil shop (yum!), galleries all within walking distance in the historic Old Town area. The owner was quite helpful in pointing out where to go and what to see – my guests didn’t miss anything! In the future, I hope to hold conferences for teachers seeking National Board Certification. We know the out-of-town teachers will love the environment and local teachers will appreciate the convenience. The owner will make sure to make it a wonderful and welcoming atmosphere.

I traveled into a bygone era by touring the elegant, historic guesthouse at 164 Eugenie, a mansion with the authentic look and feel of 1886. The roofed porch or stoop welcomes you into an inviting foyer, then a richly furnished parlour and dining room. There's a modern kitchen in back. Going up the graceful staircase you'll find two guest bedrooms on each floor. Fran Ramer, a warmly engaging woman, has a keen eye to the comfort and interests of her guests -- and to perserving the best of the past, with modern amenities. If you'd ever like to stay ... in an environment at once comfortable, charming and historic, this may be just the place."

I have traveled throughout 20 countries as well as every major city in the U.S. This has spanned 4+ decades and involved every conceivable kind of lodging. This place is without peer: friendly service, class, comfort, accessibility to the city, and so forth. I grew up in Chicago and have relatives here. Nonetheless, when I come to Chicago I make every attempt to stay here.

We have family in the neighborhood (Lincoln Park), and were looking for a place to stay with a family (6 of us, including children from 9 to 15 years old). We were in Chicago for a wedding and Aster House was perfect for us. I would suggest anyone with toddlers talk to Fran first, not sure if this would be the best place for toddlers, though we did bring our 18 month old nephew for a visit! Fran takes her job of innkeeping very seriously and we always felt cared for and looked after, especially if we had any questions. Due to various flights and the weeding itself, our schedule was "all over the place" and Fran made it easy. The neighborhood is great. You can walk to the "El", find nearly any kind of food you might desire and plenty of entertainment. This is in the heart of Lincoln Park with tons to do. We had two cars there (some drove from Michigan and I picked up a rental at O'Hare) and had to work with Chicago street parking. If we were not going to the wedding, we would have used public transit, which works well and is close by.

We had a wonderful time at Hansen Mansion, and can't thank you enough for your hospitality. We hope to visit Chicago again soon; it was really one of the best visits either of us have ever had (and it was our first trip to area together). We have so many reasons to come back, as there's so much more to experience, and I assure you that the next time we have Chicago on our mind, we will be calling to see if you have space available. Your space is lovely, and you know I think you have the best location in the whole city -- the proximity to Second City (aka Mecca) is fabulous, and the accommodations are beyond grand adding to the pleasure of our Chicago trip.

This place made my stay memorable! My college sorority sisters and I get together every year. This year it was my turn to host, so I wanted everything perfect. I live in the suburbs here and some of my buds had never been to Chicago, so I was trying to sell them on a weekend here, and found this place. What an amazing location! It's walking distance to everything I wanted to share with them -- the beach, the zoo, the Armitage shops, the Michigan Ave shops, restaurants of all kinds and even Second City which is only one block. Our hosts Fran and Quincy were very helpful in setting things up and making suggestions of places I didn't even know about and even getting us better prices on some things. Once we got there they were still helpful with luggage and pointing out things and giving us maps which they marked up with our favorite things to do. We booked their chef to cook a dinner one night and it was an experience we all agreed we'd never forget! The table was gorgeous, the food was amazing and the chef came out and explained each course to us. All this at a private table in a Victorian home -- wow! My other sisters will have a hard time beating this next year! I would definitely recommend The Hanson House Mansion to anyone who likes to be spoiled!

Our stay at the Hansen House was a joy! Fran and Quincy are delightful and very accommodating. Even when we showed up about 6 hours late, they were there to give us a tour of the property and even recommended an all night diner for us, which was a lifesaver. The home is beautiful and all you could ask for. It is in a great neighborhood with charm, wonderful restaurants and great shops. The EL in just a few blocks away and a short ride into downtown Chicago. We got great directions on how to get to the Hansen House. We visited friends there and they were amazed to find us staying in a B&B - they said in all their years of living in Chicago (over 30) they never had heard of anyone staying at one. It made our trip!

The home was elegant and rich with historical furnishings. The service was wonderful! Fran and Quincy took time to tell us about Chicago and the home's historical value. They had suggestions on things to do and places to eat. Every room in the home was beautiful. The kitchen and dining room were wonderful. I loved reading in the parlor (with the most comfortable couch I've ever sat on) after a long day of sightseeing. It was nice to have 24 hour access to the full-sized refrigerator/ freezer, microwave, stove etc. This should be everyone's first-choice when staying in Chicago.

An Oasis in the City!! a Unique experience! The ultimate in hospitality! We are frequent returners...we would think of no other place to stay in Chicago. This is a charming historic home in Old Town...near everything! We walked to museums, restaurants, pubs, shoppes and explored the beautiful architecture and charm of the area. Fran & Quincy (innkeepers/owners) were so helpful and so welcoming from the moment we arrived! Fran was up bright and early upon our arrival (having flown the redeye from SFO)! We loved settling in our beautiful room with the gorgeous furnishings...also, the most comfortable bed ever! The antique furnishings throughout the house are amazing. The kitchen was at our disposal - it is a dream! Fran has fresh ground roast coffee and biscottis for her guests too! She has thought of everything. We could have arranged for a personal Chef but didn't have time! Next time we will try that! The personal touches are everywhere. We were spoiled with such excellent hospitality & we will return soon!!! this is "home away from home". Thanks Fran & Quincy for being the ultimate hosts!

Unquestionably, Hansen House Mansion is the place to stay in Chicago, IL. The hosts have successfully created a historically charming experience in the heart of the city. The home is like a step back in time with accommodations that comfortably serve larger groups. We had room to spare and enjoyed the large kitchen, dining, and sitting areas. We were surprised to find all the modern conveniences we needed (wireless internet, modern kitchen, TVs in each room, ....) hidden in the historic decor. We were able to walk to Lincoln Park, several restaurants, and shopping areas. We appreciated the hospitality of the hosts who made sure we had everything we needed. This was a great change from the typical high-end hotels we normally stay at when traveling as a group. Stay here, you won't be sorry!

I stayed at the Hansen Mansion Guest House during an extended business trip to Chicago. The Mansion is an historic house with all of the charm and warmth of a well-kept Victorian home. The owners have taken great care to bring the house into the 21st century while retaining the unique, original and very beautiful architectural details. I chose to stay there because of its location and that I had access to a kitchen. The kitchen has been updated in a manner keeping with the house and is fully stocked with the necessary crockery and cookware. If you are looking for polished hotel type rooms you won't find them here. What you will find is a very comfortable, cozy bed with fresh flowers on the nightstand, vintage furniture, free internet access, televisions (no cable---which I preferred as somehow watching television in that environment just seemed wrong!) and beautiful, inviting common rooms. Coffee and tea are always available but full breakfast is not normally provided. But there are a couple of bakeries just around the corner that are perfect for either sit down meal or popping around to pick up hot croissants or other tasty breakfast food to enjoy in your room. There is a big grocery store around the corner as well. You really can't do better with the neighborhood with so many restaurant options within a pleasant walking distance. But here is the best part of the stay: the hosts, Fran Ramer and her husband Quincy. They do not live in the house but they are in and out daily to insure their guests are comfortable and have everything they need. I do extended trips to Chicago fairly often and will always make this very charming home my first choice for a place to stay.

I stayed in dozens of different hotels during my whole life. What I usually got was just pretty much always a nice, comfortable room with a similar standard. But is this all we are always looking for? Now I try to avoid chain hotels whenever I can and try to stay in family owned businesses. I don’t want to say that the chain hotels are bad, but the family owned businesses are the places which give an opportunity for personal contact with local people. It’s nice to sit down on a sofa or in the armchair and chat for a while rather than stand at the counter asking for information. I appreciate specious rooms with huge beds etc., but far more important than that is for me when someone offers me its attention and time. Chicago was one of the places I visited during my around the world trip and I stayed in the Hansen House Mansion in March 2011. I arrived with an open heart full of friendship and this is also what I got in return. I had a nice chat with Fran - the owner of the guest house and my whole stay was very comfortable. Fran gave me her time and attention and that’s what counted. Moreover, we exchange also a few emails after I returned home from my around the world trip and I am sure we will stay in touch.

Hansen House is a great place to stay. It is well appointed with the charm of a 1886 mansion. The Architects Room is spacious with a gorgeous jewel toned stain glass window and tall windows. The bed is comfortable with lovely linens. A soak in the humongous tub outweighs any inconvenience of no stand-up shower, there is a handheld shower. The kitchen in the house is really nice, as are the sitting rooms. It is an easy 3 block walk to the Brown Line train, buses close by, and taxis close by too. The neighborhood is wonderful with many restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, and right across from Lincoln Park. Staying at Hansen House is like staying in someone's old much loved home. We will stay here again and again in the future. Chicago is terrific.

Just returned from a lovely four night stay with Fran in her historic Old Town Victorian guest house. Given that it was off season, we were lucky enough to have the whole house to ourselves. The price was very reasonable, the neighborhood quiet, safe, and incredibly convenient to many shops, restaurants, the subway and grocery stores. Our room was the Celestial Chamber, which we chose because of the modern bathroom with large shower and dressing area. Bathroom is not attached to the room, but is literally two steps away. We were given a {thick terry robe each and a} stack of thick towels for our stay. (The Celestial Chamber has a very large private and modern bathroom with shower. The Architect's Quarters is gorgeous- with a tub. If you booked both rooms on that floor you could share the shower.) Fran (the owner) came over daily to empty trash and make sure we had everything we needed. She leaves you her cell phone so you can call any time with questions. Our room was spacious and the large, modern kitchen was at our complete disposal. We enjoyed having breakfast (not provided -- just biscotti) and delicious coffee (provided, as well as teas) at the house and were on the go for the rest of the day. The nearest grocery store is literally steps away as is a bagel shop and bakeries. You can walk to Second City, the Apollo Theater, and Lincoln Park Zoo and the lakefront bike and walking path. But the best thing about the stay is the innkeeper, Fran. We called and emailed for weeks before our trip and she gave us wonderful suggestions for all kinds of activities. Our first day she provided maps and directions to sights, transportation and restaurants. She really takes the time to get to know you and your interests. I felt that we were old friends before we even arrived. As mentioned on this website previously, she also has a friend, Diane, who works for the Chicago Architectural Foundation and will arrange private walking tours of the historic Old Town neighborhood where the Hansen House is located. Because of the affordable price, one could easily arrange a long term stay and enjoy the many sights of Chicago.

I can't give this place enough raves. First of all, it has location -- it is around the corner from The Second City theater, and a quick walk to Lincoln Park, which has a botanical garden, a zoo -- a *free* zoo! -- and easy access to the lakeshore. Restaurants, pizza places, sports bars, pubs, cupcake joints, etc. abound. The mansion itself is stunning. It just drips with Victorian splendor. It looks authentic because it is -- it was designed by architect Harald Hansen in 1886, and it was occupied by Hansen family members until Harald's youngest daughter passed away in 1960. Have you ever visited a museum house devoted to its famous former occupant, with all the original furniture, fixtures and decorations arranged as closely as possible to the original look and feel of the time period when the original owner lived in it? When we stayed in the Hansen House Mansion, it felt like that. It's just so beautiful, stuffed to the gills with Victorian furniture and decorations. It has an authentically lived-in feel to it. This is not a sterile environment, and I mean that in a good way. It feels homey and comfortable. Honestly, it seemed like there should have been ropes surrounding each room and huge "DO NOT TOUCH" signs placed everywhere. Instead, we were able to sit in the main room and chat with the hostess, and sleep in a room upstairs. "The Architect's Room" is gorgeously appointed. The room's private bathroom features a big clawfoot bathtub (no shower, just the bathtub, but it comes with a good handheld showerhead), and there's an extra sink & mirror outside of the bathroom, in the main room. Very thoughtful! So one person can doll up & primp while letting someone else use the other sink/mirror in the bathroom area. There is a common kitchen area that guests are welcome to use downstairs. I took advantage of this and set up the coffee maker for 5:15am in the morning, so I could have a cup of joe while I readied myself for our next adventure. Fran, the hostess, is just as nice as can be, and is a fellow former New Yorker, so we could tawk :). Before we even arrived, she and I had had a great chat on the phone when I first called, and then we exchanged a couple of emails. Her first email, confirming our room, was chock full of information, describing the neighborhood and its surrounding attractions. The directions via public transportation or taxi were INSANELY detailed. She knew we'd be arriving into the city via Union Station, and tailored the directions based on this. Oh, how I love an establishment run by a former New Yorker. :) She knew we were taking an Amtrak train, and asked for the details so she could track us (as Amtrak trains just sort of show up when they want to, instead of when scheduled). She took the time to ask us if we needed advice, and gave us great suggestions for places that were easy for us to get to. We would definitely stay here again, and would feel very lucky to do so!

Hansen Mansion {is} in prestigious Lincoln Park, a short walk to Old Town, attractive restaurants and shops. In this four-story house built 1886, it's easy to meet other guests thanks to a common kitchen stocked with coffee, teas and biscotti, and a Victorian living room that invites conversation. Innkeeper Fran Ramer, who has an affinity for antiques, clearly enjoys playing hostess. Pouring coffee, she talked about the history of Hansen House and its many antiques including the original Steuben glass lights. Norwegian architect Harald Hansen built the house for his family; today, he and his relatives stare at strangers through gilded framed photos hung over the velvet sofa and along the stairway

This is so quaint, just what we were looking for. It was the perfect size for our group. Very comfortable! We're so glad you suggested the girls getaway package because that really added something memorable to our sorority reunion. We hope to come back with our families for a different kind of visit but still at the same great place with the same great hosts. I visit Chicago maybe three of four times a year on business and I ALWAYS stay at the Hansen House. I've visited many different parts of the world and quickly developed a distaste for impersonal, cookie cutter hotel rooms. B&Bs are a great way to get the feel of a city, and while the Hansen House can certainly boast a stellar location, its attractions lie in the charming decor and incredibly helpful hosts. I was wowed by the house itself; it's full of beautiful antiques not only in common rooms but also (to my surprise) in the guest rooms themselves. My room had a marble sink in the room, a fireplace, a giant bathroom/ dressing area and a stained glass window, and it was clean and seems well-maintained. The location IS fabulous--the lake, Second City, the country's only free zoo, and many shops and restaurants are all within block or two. What really sold me on this B&B above others though is the proprietors. I wouldn't have known about half the attractions in the area let alone in the city itself if the innkeepers hadn't been so warm and attentive. They helped me plot my route, suggested different attractions, and were great answering all my traveler-in-a-strange-city questions on how to spend my leisure time. I will be visiting again in the spring and look forward to my stay!

What a safe haven! A quiet repose! A home away from home! What a wonderful retreat following a busy day! Exactly what we needed. We showed photos and described the inn to our fellow Conventioneers stuck in *The Big Hotel* and they were jealous!!!! We are totally refreshed even though it has been a *busy* time. All the *creature* comforts and so tastefully complemented are in your home and our home for a few days. gracious, yet professional, reception on our arrival. We will certainly remember this for our next trip

I had never stayed at a B&B but my wife wanted something romantic for our anniversary. I must've asked the innkeeper a million questions over the phone but she was very patient and so warm and helpful that I felt really good about taking this big step for such an important occasion and I booked the room she suggested. Well, it was amazing. I haven't seen such a beautiful place since Versailles! The photos on the website do nothing to give you the feeling of the place. We felt like royalty just being allowed to stay there! We hired the chef for a private dinner in the dining room and it was more opulent than anything one could get in a top restaurant. I can't say enough good things about the house, the food and our hosts. Needless to say, our anniversary was a huge succes and one we will remeber for many years.

My wife and I usually stay at hotels but couldnt find one this busy weekend so "SETTLED" for a B&B. Boy was I glad! This place is near EVERYTHING and our charming hosts helped us to find our way around THE BIG CITY, even sending us to some of their favorite spots which were all excellent. Our room was enormous and the bed was one of the most comfortable. Eferything is antiques and obviously carefully chosen as we thought they were original to the house. WE enjoyed evertyhing and will definitely be back next year!