Best Bed And Breakfasts 2022
Silversmith Hotel
The Silversmith Hotel offers “boutique accommodations in the heart” of Chicago. Hotel rooms blend “contemporary design elements with historic architecture” and feature 12-foot ceilings and perks like complimentary WiFi and valet parking. Customers who book online 21 days in advance or more will receive up to 10% off on any room rate. The company offers specialty packages, such as the “Chicago Romantic Getaway,” the “Chicago Tourist Attraction Package,” and the “AAA Special,” which affords AAA cardholders an additional 10% discount.
City Scene Bed & Breakfast
City Scene Bed & Breakfast in Chicago is located on the “garden level of a Victorian four-flat, constructed shortly after the 1871 Chicago Fire.” The establishment sits on a quiet, residential street in Lincoln Park. Private suites with one and two bedrooms, sitting room, and private bathroom are available. A full kitchen allows guests to conveniently prepare breakfast. Rates range from $125 to $300 depending on number of guests, length of stay, and season. Reservations require a nonrefundable deposit equal to one night’s stay. The facility is not recommended for guests younger than 18, and smoking and pets are not allowed.
Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Ray’s Bucktown Bed and Breakfast in Chicago “welcomes everyone, whether in town for work or play.” The facility is modeled after European hotels and spas and features 11 guest rooms with private bathrooms. Room rates include amenities such as cooked-to-order breakfast, WiFi, central heat and air conditioning, a steam room and sauna, free unrestricted parking, and free bottled water, coffee, and tea. Rates vary seasonally and single night stays are accepted.
Villa D'Citta
Villa D’Citta is Chicago’s “old world style luxury guest house,” featuring amenities such as an outdoor patio with jacuzzi, a gourmet kitchen, elevator service, large private suites, a private grotto, and high-speed WiFi. The bed and breakfast is a member of BedandBreakfast.com’s “Diamond Collection” and received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2016. The hotel’s building was constructed in 1887 as a family cottage, and has since been converted to represent a “romantic ambiance with luxurious amenities.”
The Old Chicago Inn
The Old Chicago Inn is a bed and breakfast located four blocks from Wrigley Field and conveniently close to the Downtown Loop and Michigan Avenue. Amenities include continental breakfast, a complimentary dinner at Trader Todd’s restaurant, WiFi, guest parking permits, plush robes, DirecTV television, and maid service by request.
House 5863 Bed & Breakfast
House 5863 Bed & Breakfast is an “urban, hip place to stay in the heart of Chicago’s north side.” The establishment is a member of the Chicago Bed & Breakfast Association, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, and the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Five guest rooms with private bathrooms feature king-sized beds, flat panel televisions, and high-speed wireless internet access. Rates vary seasonally and range between $99 and $189 per night.
The Villa Toscana Bed & Breakfast
The Villa Toscana Bed & Breakfast is located in “one of Chicago’s most exciting and diverse entertainment districts.” The Victorian guesthouse was built in 1892 and features two levels with four rooms each. Rates are seasonal and range between $99 and $149 plus tax per night. The facility does not allow indoor smoking, pets or service animals, or guests under the age of 18.
The Sono Chicago
The Sono Chicago is a “newly built boutique bed and breakfast located in the heart of the historic Old Town District of Chicago.” The hotel offers “intimate, charming, and cozy accommodations” with amenities like a rooftop deck with a firepit and a “top of the line kitchen.” Most rooms feature deluxe linens, Smart LCD televisions, private en-suite bathrooms, private balconies, and complimentary WiFi.
Harvey House Bed and Breakfast
Harvey House Bed and Breakfast in Oak Park is a place for “relaxation and comfort with an attention to luxurious detail.” All guest rooms include breakfast, wireless internet, central air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom. Additional amenities include blow dryers, CD players, full-length mirrors, and Aveda bath products. Penthouse and bed and breakfast suites are available, with rates ranging between $185 and $300.
Bishops Hall
Bishops Hall is an Oak Park bed and breakfast built in 1916 in the Georgian revival style. The establishment received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2014 and is a member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The Coral and Blue Room, the Tartan Room, and the Yellow Room are all equipped with robes, toiletries, hair dryers, fresh flowers, and chocolates. Room rates also include a full service breakfast, which is served on the terrace or balcony during summer months. Rates are determined seasonally and typically range between $175 and $265 per night.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- Introduction
- What is a bed and breakfast?
- How do you start a bed and breakfast?
- How is a bed and breakfast different from a hotel?
- How much does insurance cost for a bed and breakfast?
- How do you run a bed and breakfast?
- What is an Airbnb?
- What is it like to run a bed and breakfast?
- Do you tip at a bed and breakfast?
- What to expect when you stay at a bed and breakfast?
- How many rooms does a bed and breakfast have?
- How much do bed and breakfast owners make?
- How do you operate a successful bed and breakfast?
- What is a bed and breakfast called in France?
- How many bed and breakfasts are there in the United States?
- Do bed and breakfasts have private bathrooms?
- Do you need a license to operate a bed and breakfast?
- Was the Lizzie Borden house really turned into a bed and breakfast?
- Q: Introduction
- A: Traveling and lodging often go hand in hand, and many travelers today opt to stay at bed and breakfasts as opposed to traditional hotels. While a common misconception is that hotels and bed and breakfasts are the same thing, the two lodging options have several differences.Bed and breakfasts are a great option for travelers who prefer a more intimate lodging experience, as many establishments are operated by the owners and offer a homelike ambiance. Most provide guests with more personalized amenities, such as a home-cooked breakfast each morning, fresh-baked treats at night, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings. Bed and breakfasts can be found in cities across the United States, as well as in historic districts, smaller towns, and more rural areas.
- Q: What is a bed and breakfast?
- A: A bed and breakfast is an establishment in which travelers receive room and board on a short-term basis. B&Bs are generally located in residential homes with up to 11 available rooms for lodging. While specific amenities can vary, bed and breakfast hosts typically provide daily breakfast, fresh bedding and towels, private or common bathrooms, and access to internet or Wi-Fi.
- Q: How do you start a bed and breakfast?
- A: To start a bed and breakfast, you must renovate your current residence or purchase a property to specifically house multiple guests, obtain a business license, and purchase general liability insurance. Once the initial business matters are handled, you'll need to market the establishment to bring in clientele.
- Q: How is a bed and breakfast different from a hotel?
- A: Bed and breakfasts are generally smaller in size than hotels, with between four and 11 guest rooms. Amenities are typically included in the room price, and breakfast is provided every morning at no additional cost. Bed and breakfasts are usually located in private homes, and many don't have dedicated reception areas or a concierge on staff.
- Q: How much does insurance cost for a bed and breakfast?
- A: Bed and breakfast owners must carry general liability insurance, which ranges in cost from $350 to $700 annually for $1,000,000 in coverage. Workers compensation' insurance is also essential for B&Bs with employees, which costs from $29 to $100 or more per month.
- Q: How do you run a bed and breakfast?
- A: There are many aspects to running a bed and breakfast, which include obtaining a business license, purchasing a property, and marketing the establishment to the public. A host must hire kitchen and housekeeping staff, handle employee payroll, assist with guest check-ins and departures, and ensure that assistance is available to guests at all times.
- Q: What is an Airbnb?
- A: Airbnb is an online platform that lists short-term residential property rentals for travelers. The phrase "staying at an Airbnb" refers to a guest who stays at one of the rentals they booked on the Airbnb site. Airbnb allows hosts to set prices and post property photos on the site, and guests can use the site to book rooms and make payments.
- Q: What is it like to run a bed and breakfast?
- A: Bed and breakfast owners work long hours, as they must ensure that guests are checked in and out, provided with breakfast every morning, and that their daily needs are met. However, hosts enjoy the freedom of being independent business owners, and the overall experience tends to be positive.
- Q: Do you tip at a bed and breakfast?
- A: It's not a requirement to tip at most bed and breakfasts, but certain establishments may request a tip for staff members, or guests may simply wish to leave a tip. If you plan to leave a tip, a good rule of thumb is to leave 15-20% of the total room cost.
- Q: What to expect when you stay at a bed and breakfast?
- A: While offerings may vary between bed and breakfasts, a few things to expect include a freshly prepared breakfast each morning, clean rooms and fresh bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a television in each room. Additionally, some bed and breakfasts feature private bathrooms, on-site evening dining and personalized sightseeing services.
- Q: How many rooms does a bed and breakfast have?
- A: The number of rooms in bed and breakfasts can vary depending on the specific establishment and local and state regulations, but they typically offer between four and 11 private bedrooms for rent. Additionally, bed and breakfasts usually have one kitchen and one to two common area rooms.
- Q: How much do bed and breakfast owners make?
- A: On average, bed and breakfast owners make between $68,000 and $136,000 per year, however, multiple factors can affect these earnings. The rates charged can vary greatly depending on the geographic location and type of accommodations, and a B&B's income can be impacted by overhead costs and overall occupancy in a given year.
- Q: How do you operate a successful bed and breakfast?
- A: Aspects that go into running a successful bed and breakfast include understanding and following local and state business regulations, obtaining a business license, and implementing marketing strategies that draw in customers. A knack for working with the public is also essential, as bed and breakfasts offer a more personalized type of service.
- Q: What is a bed and breakfast called in France?
- A: In France, a bed and breakfast is called a "chambre d'hote," and is sometimes referred to as a "pension." A French bed and breakfast that also offers guests an evening meal is called a "table d'hote."
- Q: How many bed and breakfasts are there in the United States?
- A: As of 2021, there are approximately 17,000 licensed bed and breakfasts throughout the United States. This number can vary due to new openings and business closures, and there may be B&Bs that haven't registered as a business or are operating without a license.
- Q: Do bed and breakfasts have private bathrooms?
- A: Some bed and breakfasts offer private bathrooms attached to the bedrooms, while others have bathrooms that are shared between rooms. Some B&Bs have a mixture of both types of accommodations. Prior to booking your stay at a bed and breakfast, it's always a good idea to verify whether the rooms have private or shared bathrooms.
- Q: Do you need a license to operate a bed and breakfast?
- A: Licenses are required to operate bed and breakfast establishments. Specific requirements may vary by state, but all operators must obtain a general business license to meet local government regulations. Additional types of permits may be required, such as federal and state tax ID numbers, food service certifications, and a liquor license, among others.
- Q: Was the Lizzie Borden house really turned into a bed and breakfast?
- A: The Lizzie Borden house was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1996. It offers house tour, ghost hunt, and ghost tour packages, and guests can choose from Lizzie and Emma Borden's bedroom, the Morse murder room, or the Andrew and Abby Borden suite for overnight stays. The bed and breakfast also offers day tours.