Overall a perfectly pleasant place to stay, and for the location a great value. But could not rate 5 because of the $5 "energy surcharge" not included in the quoted rate. It's not a lot, but this sort of deceptive practice leaves a bad taste. Also, no computer/printer for boarding passes etc, which seems pretty much mandatory these days.

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The hosts were very accommodating, and the room was better furnished than I expected. The bed was comfortable, the room was clean, and the atmosphere was relaxing. The furniture and hallways reminded me of walking into a very nice, well established home, and, most importantly to me, the neighborhood and Inn were quiet at night so I could get some sleep. If you are a person who is more impressed by the newest, big television, you might want to stay somewhere else. Otherwise, I would highly suggest definitely staying here instead!

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This is a fine place for the price. My room was exceedingly warm and the desk clerk said nothing could be done about it but to open my windows which I did but it made for an uncomfortable night of sleep. The TV was difficult to watch without looking at it through the bed frame at the end of the bed.

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I took a chance on this hotel and chose it over staying at the Hotel Orrington. If you like staying at cozy, one-of-a-kind places, this is your dream come true! The room was lovely, warm, and inviting. The common areas were just as intimate and friendly. As a trained pianist, I GREATLY appreciated that there was a baby grand in the parlor. (Definitely a main factor for me to return!) I loved the library and spent some wonderful hours there reading, writing, and thinking.

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After a glitch with hotels.com, Katherine found us a room...she was very accommodating. Less accommodating was a night clerk, but upon my complaint the next morning, the inn was very apologetic. Service other than that was outstanding. Charming hotel, close to Chicago, transportation and restaurants. I plan to stay there whenever I'm visiting my two Northwestern U. students.

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I always stay at the Margarita when I visit Chicago. Much more charming than any Hilton, close to restaurants and public transportation.

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We stayed two nights at the inn. The room was very nice and very comfortable. The service was very good. The inn is convenient to public transportation and a number of shops. I highly recommend the Margarita Inn and will return some day.

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Spent a weekend (2 nights) in Evanston in early October. Great place to stay and great location. Very comfortable lounge area. Room was old and "quaint", but all we wanted or needed. Restaurant in the place is very good and worth a visit for dinner. Service was nice.

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As new Northwestern parents, we wanted a place to feel at home while helping our son move into the school. This will now be our regular place to stay. The rooms are lovely, Katherine, the hostess, is a gem, and when we had a problem with the shower, someone was there right away to fix it. The breakfast is okay, not fabulous, but other than that, we enjoyed it thoroughly.

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The Margarita European Inn was a delightful old hotel with an old world ambience. The staff was extremely helpful, especially Joan and Margaret at the front desk. The breakfast was very delicious, with wonderful pastries and excellent coffee. Very good location for walking or shopping. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Chicago and Evanston areas.

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We really enjoyed staying where we could walk to or take public transportation to anything we wanted to see while visiting our old place of residence. The "continental breakfast" was very good. H&M Adams, Maine

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The Margarita Inn is an oasis of calm for busy visiting Northwestern parents. Their European style rooms make weekend visits affordable and convenient. Hostess - Katherine is a gem. Be sure to get aquainted, she is accommodating and cordial to a degree you will be hard pressed to find anywhere. I look forward to my daughter's four years at NU knowing I'll be able to utilize my new "home away from home"

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This b&b was very charming. It was very convenient to for a short walk to the "L' train and the hosts very very helpful and accommodating. We thought the rooms were a bit small, but they served our needs. It is located on a quiet street, but you were close to many restaurants.

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Stayed here in July to attend a wedding. Returned from wedding after midnight, air conditioner was inoperative, called room service after some discussion was given another room. Was told the next morning a fuse blew out. The restaurant Va Peniesro was outstanding in fact it exceeded my expectations in both service and food. I was told it was expensive which I didn't find to be true.

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My stay at this unique was unlike any other hotel. When I walked into this restored hotel I instantly had a feeling of warmthness and comfort. I was excellently greeted at the front desk. The room was so wonderful. My whole time sleeping was like sleeping in a vast sea of comfort. They had a wonderful breakfast filled with baked goods. The staff was probably the best part of this whole stay! They keep the hotel very clean and fresh. They also had a wonderful lobby area were you could sit with family and have a nice breakfast and conversation. I would definitely recommend this astonishing hotel!

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What a lovely inn - so close to the trains and walking distance around Evanston. The service is friendly and very helpful. It reminded us of many stays throughout Europe. It is aptly named.

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The history of this building alone is worth a stay here. But additionally, the continental breakfast is one of the best I've ever seen in the U.S. and the coffee is definitely the best. If you like strong coffee, stay here! The staff is extraordinarily helpful with any question you may have. The rooms are small but clean and inviting. Great location to explore Evanston and downtown Chicago.

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My wife and I are 72, have lived abroad for prolonged periods and have done a lot of traveling on the cheap, which means shared baths are no mystery. But the Margarita is in a class by itself. It certainly has a European flair, but it was more like stepping into a “Way Back” machine and finding ourselves transported to the 1930s (give or take a decade). It was wonderful, as long as you don’t spend a lot of time in your room. With the Margarita, this is the last place to be. There is a very large and sunny parlor with 14-foot high ceilings, a grand piano, fireplace and lots of early American and European decorations. Nearby is a classic, snug library that would have suited any whaler captain during long New England winters. The desk staff is very helpful. The two women we dealt with looked as if they had been hired after an audition to see who best matched the ambience of the place. One unusual aspect of this hotel: It draws patrons between ages 20-35 and 60-80. We’ve never seen such a happily incongruous mix. We could have stayed in one of the Margarita’s 22 rooms with bath (which, from what we could tell, were several notches nicer than ours). Since we didn’t, it’s worth noting that our room, which was farthest from the bathrooms, was 18 and 12 paces from the men’s and women’s facilities. Not a problem, especially since the Margarita supplies very nice bathrobes. We thought our share-the-bath double was a real bargain at $79 per night, plus taxes and energy surcharge. This brought the price to $94.67. Add $6 for parking and the final tally was a very reasonable $101.67, including breakfast. Minor, but nice touches: The hallways were wide with ceilings high enough to avoid that “rat-corridor” feeling that goes with many newer hotels. And a real effort has been made to decorate the halls, especially with paintings of the pre-impressionist French style and framed photos and newspaper articles from the days when the Margarita was a home for working girls.

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How I wish there were a Margarita in San Francisco, New York, and Washington D.C.! When we recently stayed at the Margarita for several days for a family wedding, we were so grateful for the hospitality of the staff, who went out of their way to accomodate our every need, and even our every whim! The elegant yet comfortable grand parlor was the perfect place, not only for the daily complimentary breakfast, but for afternoon tea or wine, with our many relatives, with the breezes from the treelined streets wafting through the large parlor doors, over and through our conversations. Any scholar would enjoy this place, with its awesome library for individual repose or study. And any frugal person would so enjoy the rates for the rooms without the private baths. The only slight, very small, criticism is that by late Saturday morning, the hot water wasn't as hot as it might have been. I would recommend this place to all but the most fussy, but I don't want them to stay with me anyway.

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My sister hosted her wedding at the Margarita Inn! Every one from the bride's side had to travel and most stayed at the Margarita Inn. The reception was wonderful and the food was great. The service at the front desk was helpful and friendly. It was amazing all that they did to make this a home away from home for a very meaningful family event. Great find!

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We came in by Metra from Wisconsin, walked from the Metra line to the Margarita Inn (a small inn, or bed and breakfast). . Saturday morning Hit the red line el, a few blocks away. Took the red line to Belmont for cinnamon rolls at Ann Sathers. Then the red line downtown (exit at Lake). Red line to Chinatown. Red line North/Clyborn stop for sangria swirls at Uncle Julios and CB2 Red line to Belmost stop for Halsted Market Days. At Belmont el stop, took the BROWN line for an elevated ride around downtown Chicago. Sunday, walked to the Celtic Knot for an Irish breakfast . Shopping at Pier 1, Borders, Uncle Dan's, Urban Outfitters, Whole Foods. The Margarita Inn is a restored bed and breakfast in downtown Evanston, charming and affordable. There is also parking available, but for us, it was much easier for my husband and I to take the Metra in from Wisconsin (Kenosha) and walk the two blocks to the Margarita Inn. We plan to come back with other Wisconsin friends for a weekend getaway to Chicago. For anyone from Wisconsin this is a great getaway. Just get on the Metra and stop off in Evanston (a friendly college town just a bit north of Chicago proper). Stay at this lovely bed and breakfast, the Margarita Inn, and take the red line el wherever you want to go. The red line el can take you into Chicago's downtown, and you can transfer to the elevated brown line if you'd like to loop the city and site see. Every stop along the red line has something amazing. Great theater, great food, neighborhood festivals, great shopping. At the end of your day, take the red line back to Evanston David Street stop...hit a jazz bar or wine bar on your way back, or the eclectic and delicious Cozy Noodle...and go explore the Margarita Inn's charm. Or--explore the award winning Zagat rated restaurant on the first level of the Margarita Inn. Have a glass of wine at an outside table and fall in love again with your partner--and Chicago.

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We always stay at the Margarita European Inn when in the Chicago area. The location is quiet and convenient to downtown Evanston and to the "L" if you're going to Chicago. It's also just two blocks from the Rose Garden, and a nice stroll to Lake Michigan. The free breakfast includes English muffins, bagels, hard-boiled eggs, coffee cake and fruit. Beautiful and interesting building, lobby and library. And don't miss the roof garden, especially at night! Rooms are small, but I'd rather be in a small room in a historic and friendly inn than in a big room at one of those anonymous motels. The last time we were there we were towing a boat, and were concerned about parking. The woman at the front dest was very helpful with suggestions about where to park, and we were glad to be able to leave our car and boat in the hotel's lot. When we got to our room I could not find the hand soap. (Of course, it was right there on top of the towel, but I overlooked it.) I found the maid right outside our room and asked her for soap, and she dropped what she was doing and got a bar immediately.

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A friend and I were in Chicago last week to take in the Cards-Cubs series and we stayed at the Margarita. It was a pleasant, quiet atmosphere right in the heart of Evanston. This Inn has great charm and outstanding service. It is close to everything and the L is only a few blocks away. There is a rose garden park just a block away and you are within walking distance of NWU and a beautiful walking path along the lake. Will definitely stay again.

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Beautiful classic lobby, exceptional service, attention to detail and complementary breakfast that will knock your socks off. Incredible value in the heart of Evanston and 30 minutes from Chicago loop via L. Highly Recommend this one!

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My daughter and I were in town for the start of Northwestern summer program. We opted for a shared bath room, which was perfectly fine. Where there are so many shower /private sinks & toilets there was never any wait. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the breakfast was just right, breads, bagels, coffee, tea juice, fruit etc. The large parlor filled with antiques was a comfortable setting. I liked the location, walkable to great restaurants, though quiet. We walked to Northwestern to check out the campus and stumbled around an arts fair on Church st. We are going back when I visit again soon-You can't beat the price! Maryann

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We found the Margarita when our son was 7th grade and returned as he visited Northwestern Univ. He selected NU so we visited frequently. We will try to go back again even after his recent graduation. The Margarita is Historic, Calming, Unique. It is a touch of Europe near Chicago. Don't miss the roof garden with a nice view of downtown. The library is tucked off the stairway to 3rd floor. Breakfast encourages conversation with other guests. In the winter there is a fire to enjoy. The Margarita is oriented to Northwestern and Evanston but there is easy access to the "L" and downtown is 45 min. We just found the resturant down stairs on our last visit. It is great Italian.

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The Margarita has provided us with a series of lovely experiences over the 4 year period of our son's college career. Oozing charm with the gorgeous parlor and homy rooms. The BEST part is Catherine at the front desk. Above and beyond! Finding an auto mechanic in an emergency or securing an impossible dinner reservation on Commencment night.

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My husband and I first discovered The Margarita European Inn last summer when looking for a place to stay within relatively close driving to our son who was a student at DePaul Univ in Lincoln Park. We were delighted by the quaint and homey feel we got from the room and the staff. The room was small but very clean as was the bathroom. This past weekend when our son graduated from college, we again chose to stay at the Margarita, although we opted for a larger room with a king size bed and a sofa. It was a comfortable size and the bath was more than adequate. The hot water was very slow coming, but eventually did arrive. Breakfast is served in a VERY large parlor that is filled with many sitting areas that encourage one to make the aquaintence of fellow travelers. We have often heard many different languages being spoken here. To be honest, the breakfast is not spectacular, but well stocked and adequate. We plan to continue staying here in the future. The staff has always gone out of their way to answer any questions both in person and online. It truely gives one the feeling you are in Europe.

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Even though the hustle of Chicagoland is nearby, you would never know it while you're inside the Margarita Inn. I sometimes wish that I had lived in the more elegant 1930s, and staying at Margarita Inn gives me that chance. The rooms are small and a little spare; nonetheless, they are comfortable. Both shared and private baths are always clean. It is the public areas that sets Margarita above other inns. Breakfast is served in a large elegant sunroom; it's such a beautiful space that I always feel underdressed there (maybe I should go put on a tie?). The staff is friendly and accommodating. On my last stay, I requested a $79 room but had to reserve the only reamining available room for a higher price. When I checked in, though, I was told that a less expensive room had opened up if i wanted it still. I really appreciated their effort to save me about $60, probably at their expense. I have stayed at Margarita a deozen times or so during the years and never had a bad experience. BTW, Chicago mass transportation (both Metra and CTA) is a few blocks away, and many of Evanston's restaurants, tea shops, and bakeries are a short walk away.

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My wife and I first stayed at the inn when a relative was very ill at a nearby hospital. The staff were caring and compassionate. Later we stayed when our son graduated from Northwestern University. And later still we stayed when we visit another son and his family. Each time we've enjoyed the "old world" ambiance ant quiet comfort. New improvement make a fine inn even better. It's close to public transit to Chicago and to really fine restaurants in Evanston.

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Stayed here May 2009 for 7 nights. Very convenient to Evanston and CTA or METRA to Chicago. CTA To Loop took 40-60 minutes. Helpful and friendly front desk. Small, pleasant room. Shared bath clean and always available. Breakfast was varied and plentiful but could use an upgrade.

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There is nothing to dislike about this inn. Comfortable,friendly,historic,and perfectly located the Margarita is home away from home for me!

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My 4 days visit to Chicago were brighten up with the consideration of the host at The Margarita European Inn. In this historical Evanston Institution, clean and well kept, I felt very comfortable upon my arrival and I appreciated very much the proximity of its location from Downtown Chicago. Mon voyage de 4 jours à Chicago a été agrémenté par mon séjour au Margarita European Inn à Evanston, à proximité du centre-ville de Chicago. L'immeuble historique qui abrite cet hôtel est bien entretenu et l'accueil y est attentif et courtois.

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The Margarita European Inn is absolutely gorgeous and was perfect for my visit to Northwestern. The service is top notch and the staff is friendly, welcoming and helpful. I highly recommend the Margarita for prospective NU students and visiting parents. Beautiful architecture, comfortable and charming all around. Great breakfast and phenomenal coffee in the morning. Fantastic Italian restaurant downstairs. Five stars.

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The Inn is lovely and very interesting. A long time ago it was a home for working women. The large reception room is very, very pretty. It is furnished with antiques and oriental rugs. The breakfast was coffee, tea, juice, fruit and yummy pastries. The staff was very welcoming and helpful. the Inn is within walking distance of downtown Evanston and Northwestern University. I would definitely stay there again.

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A group of six friends met for a reunion at the Margarita Inn. We ate at Va Pensiero in the basement, which was excellent. I was very pleased with the helpful service we received in making the booking. The hotel is convenient to a variety of restaurants, shops, and the Metra station. We'll be back!

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Very charming inn with nice sized rooms. Shower head did not work too well and breakfast was a little sparse. Otherwise the inn is extremely nice and the people working at the inn are anxious to please your every need. Among the more interesting places in Evanston to stay.

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This is a charming, European style hotel, with an elegant reception area. The parlor is delightful and filled with many beautiful antiques. The rooms are comfortable and adequately furnished; shower did not function too well. We missed not having a coffee/tea maker. Many Europeans love their early morning tea. Having stayed at many bed and breakfast places which pride themselves on their delicious cooked breakfast, and rightly so, we were disppointed by the continental breakfast. The selection was very small, barely reaching the standard of the inns that dot our freeways. I thought a listing in the bed and breakfast guide promised something better.

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I have the opportunity to be in Evanston once or twice a year- and twice now I have opted for the Margarita Inn over several area hotels. The Inn is charming--its in the perfect location, close to el and bus station, and just blocks away from Northwestern --where I have meetings. I love that its so close to downtown restaurants and shopping-- and has casual as well as fun places just a short walk away. The best part of the Margarita Inn is the personal service. The staff is so great- accommodating in every way- from initial reservations, finding certain places in town-- to getting transportation to the airport. They even confirmed my flight for me-- This is a quaint, simple place- history abounds on the walls, and if you are someone who needs a place to stay that is moderately priced, clean and hassle free- I think this is it- I know, I'll be back.

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The Margarita Inn has become the only we place we stay in our frequent visits to Chicago. The spacious and well appointed parlor, quaint rooms, quiet neighborhood,and charming library are all big attractions for those tired of routine lodging when traveling. But most of all, the outstanding and personal level of service we receive sets it apart from all others. The Italian Restaurant downstairs (Va Pensiero) is excellent. Downtown Evanston is only a block away and features several other fine restaurants and easy shopping. A 10 minute drive to Old Orchard Mall.

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What a delightful find! If you like elegant, old-world European ambiance you'll love this hotel. 1940's tunes play softly in the exquisitely decorated front parlor. Floor to ceiling windows let in lots of light to read by while you sip your coffee or tea. Shared bathrooms--ladies and gentlemen are separate--are spacious and spotlessly clean. The staff went out of their way to welcome me. They were so kind, warm, and genuine, it was like meeting up with three old friends! Parking is inexpensive, and it's walking distance to everything! The room is small but who cares, when you have that beautiful antique parlor and the quaint old library? It is a one of a kind. Nothing in the area compares.

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having lived and worked in the Chicago area as a kid and a grownup, my impression of evanston was always a spot that differed from the hustle and shove of Chicago, and the majority of the rest of my travels. this hotel is just that. the folks that run it know their community, and their buisness. our family lives all over the country, and last summer, we met here, walked, took the train and rode bikes to wilmette, the beach,and into chicago. great food options in the hotel and walking distance from it if need be. great roof garden. i fell asleep in the sun, and woke up with my family all looking round at the city, at 9 at nite!

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An unusual place: its origin as a long-term residence for “business girls and women” really shows, for they have refurbished the place rather than remodeled or rearranged it. A very old-fashioned, but extremely well-maintained, feel. Very clean, spotless linen, lots of dark panelling in both rooms and the public areas, including a very pretty, cozy library. The fixtures in our private bath were quite new. (We did not look into the shared baths.) The continental breakfast is OK, but the room it’s in is very impressive. The location is excellent, right at the residential edge of downtown Evanston near the L. The off-street parking, while we were there, is cheap and adequate. This is perfect for parents with kids visiting NU or business travellers who want a quiet atmosphere and a place to sit and confer.

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If you love all things "euro" you will love the Margarita. From the period parlor, to the quaint library, to the vintage rooms, the ambience is anything but ordinary and the staff provides that one-on-one service that you just don't get at chains! We've been staying there for three years while our son is in college in Evanston and every visit is a delight! It's also within walking distance of the heart of the community and has a fabulous Italian restaurant within the Inn. We LOVE the Margarita!

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