A cozy 1886 B&B; in the Windy City

“MY husband and I detest cold, ultramodern hotels and always search out the oldest, coziest establishments we can find. We are extremely fortunate to discover that even a huge city such as Chicago has some delightful B&Bs.;

Last October, we stayed in an 1886 row house called the Hansen House Mansion. It is two blocks from Old Town, one block from Lincoln Park and one block from Chicago’s famed comedy club, Second City. There are at least a dozen excellent restaurants within walking distance as well as a large gourmet market. The latter was very handy because the Hansen House was what we came to refer to as a B&K; (bed and kitchen); in other words, they don’t provide breakfast, but guests have the full run of the modern and well-equipped kitchen.

The house itself maintains the flavor of the 1880s without being kitschy, and the owner, Fran Ramer, lives in the basement apartment. She’s a lovely, welcoming presence and certainly knows her city.”

Rooms for two from $125 per night.

Hansen House Mansion, 164 W. Eugenie St., Chicago, IL 60614; (773) 871-6020, www.members.aol.com/centennialhouses.

KRISTENE WALLIS BURR

Valley Village