Urban Oases

Got visitors? Put them up in one of these neighborhood hotels for a taste of real city life.

(page 5 of 5)

Wicker Park
THE WICKER PARK INN
1329 N. Wicker Park Ave.; 773-486-2743, wickerparkinn.com

Five rooms, all but one with en suite bathrooms; two apartments. Rooms from $129; apartments from $169. Ample street parking.

The Wicker Park Inn sits on a quiet street a few blocks from the action in this trendy neighborhood known for boutique shopping and hipster bars. The Blue Line el train runs directly behind the inn, with a stop three blocks away; you can get downtown in about 20 minutes. Unlike operators of many bed-and-breakfasts, the owners welcome families with young children and offer a portable crib. Rooms are a decent size and nicely furnished, but one does face the 24-hour train track (the owners say they've only rarely received complaints about vibration). The two apartments, across the street, feature full kitchens and could be an ideal option for a group of friends who want to bunk together and cook their own meals. Breakfast is self-serve continental. Keep in mind that if you book the Provence room, its bathroom is right next to the breakfast area.

NICE EXTRA A small side yard with a sitting area and lights makes a pleasant spot to unwind in the evening.

Photography: (Image 1) Mike Schwartz; (Image 2) Dan Martin

This article appears in the May 2008 issue of Chicago Magazine.

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