Before booking my stay, I was a litte bit concerned because of the previous reviews about this place, but I took the risk, and I have to say that based on my experience, none of the bad reviews -mostly back to 2003-makes justice to The House of the Two Urns. That is why I decided to take my time to write this review: to provide the same good opportunity to other travelers.

It is a beautifully decorated place and comfortable rooms, with very nice and welcoming people, excellent location for public trasportation (by train or bus), and most of all, the atmosphere and people that stays there really enhance your travel experience. We stayed for 11 nights, where we had the opportunity to met very nice local people and from around the world as well. The owner provided us with " off the beaten path" books, maps, ethnic food guides, a lot of useful information to get to know the city beyond the touristic landmarks, and wonderful breakfasts each morning.

I strongly recommend The House of the Two Urns.

This is a very nice B&B and frequented by many people who are artists or interested in the arts. The owner supplies wonderful breakfasts and the partially restored historic building is charming. We stayed in the annex, a house across the street, and had the place to ourselves. We were very comfortable, and I was able to use the laundry facilities in the basement which was a bonus! Compared to the prices for other B&Bs in Chicago this is great value for money.

We only had 2 concerns:

1. We arrived at this hotel the morning after return from a trip to the Caribbean. We had come in late the previous night, slept a few hours in an airport hotel, and checked out from it early to be at the Two Urns B&B for our pre-arranged 11 a.m. check-in. We wanted to see Chicago for a few days before returning home to Canada, and had planned a full 3 days of museums and sightseeing. But there was no answer when we rang the bell at the B&B at 11 a.m. We tried phoning but there was no answer. We waited about 25 minutes, and tried knocking, etc. before a cleaning staff person finally appeared.

2. Wicker Park is a somewhat dirty neighbourhood with "payday" money lenders and tattoo parlours. Windows have metal grill protection. The convenience store clerk was enclosed in a bullet-proof glass enclosure. When walking back to the B&B from the bus after returning from the opera one night we were stopped by a scruffy man who followed us and begged. Rather than going out to eat and walking the streets at night, we decided to order in pizza and chinese food.

We would stay there again, but now understand the area and would know to be careful at night.

We stayed in the apartment for one week. However, what was odd was the reservation and deposit system. When you make your reservation, you have to put down a $300 deposit. Then, 90 days from your scheduled stay, the remaining amount of money is charged to your credit card. At this point, it is non-refundable. Therefore, if you had a family emergency, you would be out the entire cost of your stay at the House of Two Urns.

Also, an odd thing about the owner is the stinginess of little things. Since we ended up only staying for 6 of the 7 nights, they added on a $9 charge per night because we weren't staying the entire week.
Adding on to the stinginess was asking for a small amount of syrup for pancakes that we had made in the apartment that morning, and the owner saying, "There is a store down the street where you can buy syrup."
The accommodations were terrific, but the experience of staying at a B&B should be one where you are made to feel par t of the household, not fearful of being nickeled and dimed to death.

On a recent stay in Chicago to meet with my brother and to see the Tut exhibit at the Field we found a gem in Wicker Park. Since five of us would need a place to stay we decided to look into a B&B. This apartment is located in the Annex of the House of Two Urns. Obviously the owners have been at this for some time because they thought of everything! Snacks and sodas, slippers, handmade soaps, waffle robes, a computer room , 3 tv's, 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen, a binder filled with local restaurant menus, a back deck, a lovely garden, a garage for your car are just a few of the wonderful things included. And, it was sparkling clean!
The area was quiet and felt very safe. We drove downtown each morning and were in the loop in 10 to 15 minutes. Taking the local roads allows you to breeze downtown without sitting in traffic.
Be sure to enjoy the lovely backyard.
We can't wait to go back!