Chicago Vacation Rental on the Magnificent Mile

by Ed Forteau /
Ed Forteau's picture
May 02, 2009 / 5 comments

Chicago Vacation Rental on the Magnificent Mile

One of the most difficult aspects of travel is finding suitable ccommodations, especially if you're traveling with kids. One such way to circumvent standard hotel rooms is to look at vacation rentals, i.w., a condo or house, fully furnished, in a neighborhood (possibly with a yard!).  We recently spent a week in Chicago and searched high and low for a great rental in a good neighborhood or with a view. Luckily, we found www.chicagotopvacationhomes.com! They have three locations in Chicago - a rental condo on the Magnificent Mile, and family-friendly houses in Locan Square and the Diversey area.

 

Chicago Vacation Rental - Dinning Room

Chicago Vacation Rental - Kitchen

 

 

 

Downtown Chicago Vacation Rental

We were lucky enough to stay at the downtown Chicago location, and truly enjoyed the great benefits of being right in the thick of things, within walking distance of museums, parks, shopping, theatre, trains, the river, Lake Michigan, and more.  Located at 160 E. Illinois Street, the condo is adjacent to the Intercontinental Hotel on Michigan Avenue (also known as the Magnificent Mile), and includes parking (an incredible money-saving bonus).  The luxurious contemporary rental condo is located on the 19th floor, and looks out over the heart of the city.  It is deliciously muffled with fog during rainy weather - the seagulls flying by are excellent neighbors. What a view!

 

 

Chicago Condo Rental - Living Room

 

Chicago Vacation Rental - Master Bedroom

 

Chicago Condo - Master BathroomChicago Vacation Rental - Master Bathroom

 

Shower

bedroom, chicago vacation rental condo

 

 

 

chicago vacation rental condo

 

 

One of the best aspects of this location in town is the proximity to all of the happenings - the river is a block away; the theater district, a few blocks southwest; and you're right in the middle of the action for all of the shops that line the Magnificent Mile. Who can resist shopping at all of these famous (and incredible) stores? We spent plenty of time at Disney as well as Borders books.

 

Downtown Chicago Theater

 

 

American Gothic statue - chicago public art

 

 

 

Two blocks north is the best Thai restaurant in Chicago, as well as a fantastic gelateria (I recommend the pistacio).  One can easily walk to a plethora of excellent restaurants (fine dining or inexpensive good eats) - or to Trader Joe's, and eat at home. The kitchen is fully stocked, with china, cooking equipment, a lovely coffeemaker, dishwasher, and more. There was a wide variety of tea, coffee, snacks (our 6-year old daughter loved the chocolate bowl, complete with Frangos!), and champagne.

 

chicago tribune building

 

chicago skyscrapers, including trump tower

 

 

 

The master bedroom is beautifully decorated, and boasts an extremely comfortable bed. The master bathroom is very large and has both a glassed-in shower and an extremely deep tub, complete with bath gels and more.  There were plenty of towels (and new pillows), something that vacation rentals do not often have. There was also a dining area, a large living room, a second bathroom, and plenty of closet space. The living room couch pulls out into a queen bed. There is an extremely large-screen TV, replete with dvd player, mp3 player plug ins, and more.

 

the bean, millenium park, chicago public art

 

water fountain, grant park, chicago

 

One of the best parts of this rental accommodation is the friendly doorman. There is 24/7 security at the front door, and they were very kind and able to help with directions, questions, and more. They were like our personal concierge, something I did not expect from a vacation rental.

If you're headed to Chicago and looking for a place to stay, please consider one of the three properties at www.chicagotopvacationhomes.com - you'll be sure to find something to fit your budget, family style, needs, and location.

Comments (5)

  • Dr. Jessie Voigts

    14 years 10 months ago

    ed, we SURE enjoyed staying here - great article!

     

    Jessie Voigts, PhD

    Publisher, wanderingeducators.com

  • Ed Forteau

    14 years 10 months ago

    When we go to Chicago this Summer, we will be sure to stay there again.

    Ed Forteau

    Publisher, WanderingEducators.com

  • Julie Royce

    14 years 10 months ago

    We are taking our grandchildren to Chicago this summer and finding a place to stay that is appropriate for all of us is a major concern.  Thanks for sharing www.chicagotopvacationhomes.com,  Looks like you had a great time and since my granddaughters are shoppers we should be in heaven.

    Julie Royce, Michigan Editor, Wandering Educators

  • Ed Forteau

    14 years 10 months ago

    Their two other properties have 2 bedrooms, and would be perfect for you and your grandchildren.  If it's just four of you, you can also make the downtown condo work.

    Ed Forteau

    Publisher, WanderingEducators.com

  • Jesse Miles

    14 years 10 months ago

    I was just in Chicago a couple of months ago, and wish I would have known about these condos.  I'll be sure to give them a call when I head back next Fall.

    Jesse Miles

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