We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast and Chicago?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast and Chicago each week.

  • Save House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast
  • E-mail this page
BOOK NOW! ABS:HotelCheckRates-d75769?ext=true&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_BOOKNOW

House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast: Traveler Reviews


1239 N. Greenview Ave., Chicago, IL 60622-3318
Check Rates and Availability
mm/dd/yyyy mm/dd/yyyy
Check Rates
Opens one window for each offer. Please disable pop-up blockers.
Find Cheap Flights to Chicago

Reviews you can trust

84% Recommend
4.0 of 5 stars 32 reviews
Excellent
Very good
Average
Poor
Terrible
By trip type
All (32)
[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Chicago is famous for its neighborhoods

House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
2manydogs   40 contributions
Fresno, CA
Jun 20, 2009 | Trip type: Solo travel

The House of Two Urns is in Wicker Park (or maybe Bucktown) north and west of the city core. It is not a luxury downtown hotel, nor does it wish to be. It is cute, comfortable, and definitely quirky. I loved it.

Arriving at O'Hare, you can take a two dollar mass transit ride to the Division stop and walk about two blocks total within about 45 minutes. The neighborhood is neutral. I'm an older single woman and I never felt concerned walking around the immediate neighborhood after dark.

Right now (June, 2009), there is work on the CTA tracks so you can't take the subway/el downtown on the weekends. You have to use the bus, so it is a little longer to get downtown on weekends. It wasn't terrribly distressing to me.

I stayed in the Chats room. More mainstream than it sounds. It's located at the front of the house and removed from the other second floor guest rooms by the lounge area. If you're really security conscious, you won't like the fact that the room doesn't lock because it has double french doors. But the closet is lockable and I wasn't concerned.

Like any place with a shared bath, you have to think a bit about how to arrange your "stuff", but the closet was spacious and included robes and shower slippers for trips outside the room.

The shared space for guests includes a formal dining area, an old-fashioned parlor, a kitchen, and an outdoor deck. You are free to use the space as you like. There was an incredible thunderstorm one night while I was there and I reclined on the fainting couch in the parlor and watched the lighting like some character from an old novel. Another evening, I shared leftovers in the kitchen with a delightful Canadian woman and her daughter.

Breakfast starts at 8 am for the regular schedule. If you want to go earlier, they will prepare something for you but you must plan ahead. While I was there, we were as eager to visit with the other guests as we were to enjoy Kapra's delightful hot dishes, and everyone was there right at 8. There is only one hot dish offered per day, but there is a good range of buffet items.

WiFi worked like a charm. The tv was ok.

This is a place for people on a limited budget who enjoy interaction with other travelers. It's close to Chicago downtown, but it's a place where people live. I enjoyed Pizza Metro just up Division Street so much that I ate there twice for about $5 instead of trying a fancier place because the food was so good.

Much of the pleasure of visiting a place like this lies in the relationships with other guests. The large shared spaces make that easy to enjoy without sacrificing privacy.

  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay May 2009
  • Visit was for Leisure
  • Traveled with Solo Traveler
  • Member since July 23, 2005
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Check Rates ABS:HotelCheckRates-d75769?ext=true&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Button_Reviews
Average price*: $307 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
A QUIET SANCTUARY IN CHICAGO

House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Funnyjohn   3 contributions
Vancouver
May 13, 2009 | Trip type: Family

Unique rooms, good service. The roof deck and kitchen are both a real plus. I would absolutely stay there again.

  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay May 2009
  • Visit was for Leisure
  • Traveled with Family with Teenagers
  • Member since December 15, 2008
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Check Rates ABS:HotelCheckRates-d75769?ext=true&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Button_Reviews
Average price*: $307 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
Comfortable accomodations, slow internet

House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
percious   1 contribution
Denver, CO
Apr 6, 2009 | Trip type: Business

I stayed with some colleagues at their 3br apartment. The apartment was nice, but I was surprised that the main gathering area was considered a 3rd bedroom. The kitchen and eating areas were adequate, the porch out back was nice, and the sitting room makes for a good 3rd(4th) bedroom if you bring an air mattress. The only real problem with the place was the dreadfully slow internet, which at one point stopped working entirely. This amenity could really use an update. Other than that, parking is a little wacky, as the downstairs apartment shares the same garage, but the staff gave us parking passes for the street when the garage was not available. Overall it was a reasonable place to call home for a week.

  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay March 2009
  • Visit was for Business
  • Traveled with With Colleagues
  • Member since April 06, 2009
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Check Rates ABS:HotelCheckRates-d75769?ext=true&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Button_Reviews
Average price*: $307 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
See more of Chicago than just downtown

House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
ColoradoKat23   28 contributions
Loveland, Colorado
Sep 28, 2008 | Trip type: Couples

When people think of staying in Chicago, they probably don't realize there's more to this city than downtown. House of Two Urns offers a taste of residential city life, in buildings that were at one time single family homes.
Staying in a residential neighborhood was fascinating, and this area has lots to offer - plenty of flavor and character. We walked to the Damen/Milwaukee/North intersection, where you can shop, eat & drink 24/7. We weaved up and down some side streets - found some to be totally overtaken by yuppies, others a little sketchy and borderline creepy. I would not discourage anyone from walking in the area, but during daytime hours, stick to main streets after dark, and be aware and respectful of your surroundings.
We stayed in the Blue Room which was fine except for the bed. I have never heard a noisier bed in my life. I woke up overnight because the bed creaked loudly if either of us turned over. The bed was also extremely firm. But the linens were lovely, towels were thick, soft, fluffy, and plentiful and a nice assortment of bath goodies were provided. Kapra goes above and beyond by providing a computer for guests, stacks of books, jars of candy, ice cubes in the freezer - a lot of little things that add up to something special. We were able to park our car in the garage - a huge bonus in the city. Also we enjoyed being able to use the small back yard, and enjoyed a pizza on a table outside while absorbing the scenery. Everything inside and out at House of Two Urns was sparkling clean.
The food tasted fine; the baked goods were particularly excellent. The menu is very limited - no choices involved.
The amount of information Kapra provided at check-in about the city was impressive. Also, the properties are surrounded by a fence & gates for added security. Unfortunately the security is only as good as guests make it - a couple times we returned to find the gates left unlocked.
I wholeheartedly recommend this inn to anyone looking for an adventure in the Windy City.

  • Liked — Staying in a residential Chicago neighborhood
  • Disliked — Very squeaky bed
  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
  • Date of stay September 2008
  • Visit was for Quality time with family
  • Traveled with Spouse / significant other
  • Age group 35-49
  • Member since July 08, 2006
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
  • I do not recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon
  • I selected this hotel as a top choice for Other
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Check Rates ABS:HotelCheckRates-d75769?ext=true&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Button_Reviews
Average price*: $307 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
A find in Wicker Park!

House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
AliBethT   2 contributions
AliBeth7
Mar 20, 2008 | Trip type: Couples
1/1 found this review helpful

I stayed at the House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast for three nights in November 2007. My boyfriend and I stayed in La Chambre des Chats (the cat room) and, before we arrived, felt a little trepidation at what we were letting ourselves in for. The website for the bed and breakfast does not do them justice and we felt a little like staying in a 'cat-themed' room might be a little spinster aunt for us. However, we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the House of Two Urns to find a beautiful little room and an amazing house, filled with an eclectic collection of artwork. Our room was very small (and it was not even the smallest one in the house!) but there was a large sitting room outside our door, a communal kitchen (thoughfully stocked with snacks, soft drinks, tea, coffee etc) for guests and a large, very beautiful dining room for breakfast in the morning. There was plenty of room for all the guests and it was a pleasant change from hotels to have space to relax in aside from our room. It was also a pleasure to be able to gaze upon so much unusual artwork, there is certainly nothing bland or generic about this bed and breakfast!

Not only was our room and the whole house beautiful, it was also exceptionally clean. We were sharing a bathroom with one other room and we did not even notice that there was anyone sharing it with us. Everywhere is spotless and the beds are made beautifully (lovely to come back to after a long day out sightseeing) so it was a real pleasure to return to the bed and breakfast at night. However, some people might not like that there is a set time for room cleaning (10 am) and, if you are in your room then, they will not return later on to clean it at your convenience. We wanted to spend full days out enjoying Chicago so this did not bother us but it might be a problem if you wanted to be in your room at this time.

Kapra and her staff were very helpful and polite - she has thought of so many useful amenities that are lovely extra touches, such as the guest office with computer and internet access (as well as a printer) and a video library for if you fancy a lazy night in watching a movie. You can also buy subway passes at the bed and breakfast - the subway is necessary if you do not have a car with you as the bed and breakfast is located in Wicker Park, about a 10 minute subway ride away from downtown. We enjoyed having a look around Wicker Park (lots of cute little boutiques and restaurants) but it is a little grittier than downtown so some people may not chose to spend their time doing this. However, the bed and breakfast is only a few minutes walk from the subway and we never felt unsafe doing this walk. I will mention that Kapra and her staff run this more like a small hotel than a typical bed and breakfast where you are welcomed in with open arms - everyone was very willing to offer help and advice but were a little reserved, do not visit this bed and breakfast in the hopes of befriending the hosts and staying up long into the night chatting with them. Polite and unobtrusive are the best way to describe the level of service at the House of Two Urns.

My favourite aspect of our stay at this bed and breakfast was the breakfast by a long shot. A few bed and breakfasts think that breakfast is a complimentary service they are providing, rather than an aspect of your stay that you are paying for, but Kapra and her staff do not treat it this way. Breakfast is a feast, and an extremely tasty one at that, with the option to eat as little or as much as you like. There is a fruit bowl to start, followed by a hot entree (French Toast a la Morrie is unbelievably good!) and, on top of this, there is a breakfast buffet stocked with homebaked muffins, bagels, toast, yoghurts etc. There is also fruit juice, tea and coffee so there really is no excuse for leaving for the day hungry! The communal table offers the opportunity to converse with people from all over the world and from many different aspects of life - a great chance to swap travel tips with fellow travellers. We could only have two breakfasts out of three, as we had to leave early on our last morning, and it was very disappointing to miss out on our last day there. However, we were given a breakfast-to-go (containing bagels, yoghurts, cereal bars) to keep us going throughout the morning, a welcome extra touch but not as good as the breakfast we were missing!

We will definately be returning to Chicago at some point in the future and, when we do so, I would love to return to the House of Two Urns. I still think of that breakfast several months on and can't wait to enjoy it again! It is not your typical hotel or bed and breakfast experience but for those travellers looking for something a bit more quirky and fun then we recommend that you try staying here.

  • Liked — The breakfast!
  • Disliked — Slightly reserved service
  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
  • Date of stay November 2007
  • Visit was for Other
  • Traveled with Spouse / significant other
  • Age group 18-24
  • Member since March 20, 2008
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Families with teenagers, Tourists
  • I do not recommend this hotel for Young singles, People with disabilities, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Check Rates ABS:HotelCheckRates-d75769?ext=true&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Button_Reviews
Average price*: $307 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
Check Rates and Availability
mm/dd/yyyy mm/dd/yyyy
Check Rates
Opens one window for each offer. Please disable pop-up blockers.
Write Your Own Hotel Review

Been to House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast? Share your experiences!

Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos
Travelers Who Viewed This Property Also Viewed
Location: Chicago, IL
$154*
$150*
Check Rates ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1140049?src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Location: Chicago, IL
$149*
*Average price

Do You Own House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast?

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Center
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast Address

1239 N. Greenview Ave., Chicago, IL 60622-3318