Centennial Houses of Lincoln Park


  • Inn Details

    Choose from downtown's most spacious furnished private apartments or individual guest rooms, both in grand 19th century homes. The Aster House offers three apts which may be combined for groups up to 13. The Hansen House Mansion, just blocks away, sleeps 8 -10 in its four guestrooms. Both downtown inns are convenient to many city attractions as well as major expressways and public transportation for easy access to both airports or downtown. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a gala family event, a quiet business stay or a special meeting, we can offer the perfect setting. For your convenience, we are open year-round. Please note that the buildings are strictly nonsmoking. We look forward to welcoming you as our guest!


    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeepers Description:

    We're both extensive world travelers. Fran is an opera and ballet supernumerary ; Quincy is a guitarist with a rock band.

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English

    • Spanish



    Features

    Type:

    • Other

    • Historic Inn

    Property Noted For:

    • Fantastic location!

    • Helpful host

    • Historic building

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Family Travel

    • Gay / Lesbian Travel

    • Gourmet food

    • Group events

    • Honeymoons

    • Luxury

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape


    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Amenities Basket

    • Bath robes

    • Board games

    • CD player

    • Ceiling fans

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • DVD Player

    • In-room internet

    • Desk

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Library

    • Microwave

    • Private entrance

    • Radio

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Telephone

    • Turndown Service

    • VCR

    • Videos

    • Wi-Fi

    On Site:

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Fireplace

    • Washer/dryer

    • Wedding Facilities

    Other Amenities:

    • Cooking classes by director of cooking school

    • Victorian weekend - psychic,magician,singalong etc

    • In-room professional massage

    • Professional chef-prepared meals

    • Girls Getaways

    • Tour by architecture & history docent

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    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 4pm    Check out: 11am

    • Minimum stay: Depends -- please ask

    • Deposit amount required: We require a 50% deposit to hold a booking; nothing is held without this. The balance is due upon arrival. Stays of two months or longer require a one-month deposit.

    • Cancellations: When we make a reciprocal agreement that you will stay with us, it would inconvenience both parties if either changed their plans. Therefore we do not accept cancellations. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances could arise, and should this arise we will work with you to our mutual satisfaction.

    • Open all year round: Y


    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: Limited

    • Guest pets allowed: No

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Drinking description: Your option

    • Drinks available: N

    • Children allowed: Varies by inn -- please ask

    • Suitable for children: Limited

    • Childcare provided: No : Outside childcare service available


    Discount type

    • Monthly - percentage varies
      Days required: 30

    • Weekly -- 7 nights or more
      Percent off: 10% Days required: 7

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Biscotti, coffee, decaf, tea

    • Time Served: Your choice

    • Serving location: Chef-prepared meals in house!, Dozens of nearby restaurants - 15 on the block!, Breakfast Room, Breakfast/dining area, Dining Room, Guest room


    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

    • Exotic cooking class

    • Victorian brunches

  • Location Type

    • City

    • Downtown

    • Lakeside


    City

    • Chicago

    • Distance to city: 0 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Aster House: One mile from Routes 90, 94 and Lakeshore Drive Hansen House: 1.5 miles from Routes 90 and 94, and one block from Lakeshore Drive


    Airport

    • Chicago, IL (CHI-All Airports) 10 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Aster House: Ten miles from O'Hare, 11 miles from Midway Hansen House: Eleven miles from O'Hare, 10 miles from Midway


    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Aquarium

    • Art Galleries

    • Beach

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Lake

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • Nature area

    • Many a few doors away!

    • All major city attractions

    • Outlet Stores

    • Performing Theater

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Zoo

    • Bicycle rental

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Bicycles

    • Billiards

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Canoeing

    • Cross-country ski trails

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Horseback riding

    • Hunting

    • Kayaking

    • Museums

    • Theatre -- live and film

    • Music venues

    • Everything in a major city!

    • Biweekly Farmers markets

    • Day spas

    • Sailing

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Swimming

    • Swimming pool

    • Tennis courts

    • Video Arcade

    • Water sports

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Write a review

    A Wonderful Weekend

    About the reviewer

    • Between 26-35 years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    We were welcomed warmly by Fran and Quincy. They provided us with a free nearby parking spot as promised, and were very helpful in finding nearby locations and attraction. The Hansen House Mansion was beautiful and carefully decorated to match the age and architecture. The history in the house itself was amazing. We truly enjoyed our stay and look forward to returning.


    Weekend Getaway w/friend

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    We stayed at Elizabeth's Place (one of the apts at Centennial House). It was very nice -- large living room, dining room, and kitchen with all of the modern amenities. It had three bedrooms and one bathroom. A friend and I met in Chicago for a long weekend. Two other girlfriends were suppose to meet us, but ended up cancelling at the last minute. Fran was most helpful and accommodating. I emailed her frequently before the stay as I had not stayed at an apt before. She was most responsive. Her emails were very detailed regarding which trains each of us needed to be on and where to transfer to get to Lincoln Park. Fran asked us what we were planning on doing. She had several suggestions and explained the train system well. One of her recommendations was a play at the Apollo Theatre (about two blocks away). The Million Dollar Quartet was being shown. Fran told us how to get tickets at half price...THANKS BTW. It was an excellent performance. She told us that she was available should we have any questions during our stay -- whether we were at the apt or out and about the City. She even loaned us a map and showed us how to get to certain destinations. The apt was clean and neat. It's a Victorian theme with antiques and period pieces. The bedrooms were comfortable. It is two blocks from the train and grocery store. Only a 10-minute ride to The Loop (less if going to Magnificent Mile shops). So much to see and do. We definitely are coming back and staying here.


    Girls Weekend

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    The convenient location and personal service were beyond all expectations. This place is an excellent value. I will definitely refer to others and go back if I get the chance.


    Birthday Celebration at Aster House

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for an event


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    A group of ladies recently stayed at the Aster House of the Centennial Houses of Lincoln Park for a birthday celebration. We enjoyed our stay as the location was excellent, close to Apollo Theater and many restaurants. Fran and Quincy were both very nice and hospitable. Our accomadations were quaint, lovely as you would expect in a bed and breakfast. We didn't experience any dining at the house, so I can't rate that, but the overall value was very great.


    Another Wonderful Stay for 2nd Time Around!!

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    I can't say enough good things about this B&B (The Hansen Mansion - one of the Centennial Houses). Fran and Quincy (owners) were wonderful , once again! We stayed here 2 years ago and enjoyed it just as much. This was our 2nd trip to Chicago and we (a group of 6 women) loved staying here and had the whole house to enjoy for the weekend! The decor is beautiful decorated with antique furniture and many pieces of history relating to the house. There is a nice kitchen where all 6 of us were able to either cook or eat. Plenty of info provided on the kitchen wall of what to do's, where to eat, entertainment, maps, etc. There is also a beautiful dining room that seats 10+ people. The 2nd story has two bedrooms, and two bathrooms - one of them being in the larger of the two bedrooms. Both decorate with antiques - beds very comfortable too! The third story provides two additional bedrooms and bathroom. There is also a sitting area on the third story, with tv, coffee maker, microwave and additional sink. There is a balcony with two tables and plenty of chairs to have 6-8 people sit outside. The home is wonderfully located near Lincoln Park Zoo and North Ave. Beach (walk there in 10 min.). Grocery store across the street. Plenty of wonderful restaurants - one recommended to us by Fran that was great! I highly recommend staying here!


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