How can you book a hotel in advance, regardless of reviews, if they refuse to take reservations? This may be a great deal, but it's reduced to an as-available basis on the day you want to stay there. How stupid is that?

Walked in with friends from out of town. We were met by a real friendly desk clerk and the manager of the hotel . Within minutes it felt like we had known these two forever. The manager Pat a very nice "mother type" lady knew all the things and places we should visit. She obviously loves her job and they went out of the way to make us feel welcome. The rooms are older but very clean and they actually smelled better than some of the upperclass hotels I have been in. Transportation a few feet away and we even got a map of the city!!!. For $50 a night you get more than you think you might. The warmth and kindness were worth more. Definately a great hidden treasure!!

My room was freshly decorated and clean. The staff was helpful and attentive. I would definately stay there again. BTW, there is a bus that stops in front of the hotel and takes you to the lake and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

I can't believe the two other Tripadvisor reviews. Were they staying at the same place? Folks, this could be described as an inexpensive urban hotel, in other words--a flophouse. This is a place that doesn't take reservations or credit cards. You pay your cash to a guy sitting in an enclosed booth in the lobby, and you slip it to him under the window.

The room was pathetic. Everything was old, soiled, and run down. The bedspread was filled with cigarette burns. There was air conditioning, but the cigarette smell coming from the vents was very strong. I will give it a little credit, even though the furniture was a disaster, it was not overtly dirty, the bedsheets were clean--I think. You get two hand towels and a sliver of soap--no bath towels.

Yep--$38.00 a night over the 4th Of July weekend in Chicago. At least they're not overcharging--but you get what you pay for.