We spent three nights at the Gold Coast Guest House in mid-October. Had a wonderful time.
We flew into O'Hare and it was a piece of cake taking the CTA to within a block of the Gold Coast. The location is close to Michigan Ave the Lake Michigan in a quiet neighborhood with lots of personality. There was an outstanding neighborhood market on Saturday just a block away.

The Guest House is lovely and Sally Baker, the owner couldn't have been nicer or more helpful.

Our room was spotless, attractive and well appointed.

Thumbs up all the way around.

Sally told us about two restaurants that were outstanding. Our favorite was Picolo Sogno Due which is walkable ( ie 20 minutes) or reachable by cab or bus. Be sure to make a reservation...this place is popular in a good sort of way. The second restaurant is Bistro Zinc, just a few blocks from the Gold Coast. Another place where it's a good idea to make a reservation.

We live in Minneapolis and it's easy to take Chicago for granted as we plan more "exotic" trips. Chicago is a World Class city and when we return we know just where to stay!

Stayed here while visiting a friend who lives nearby. Sallie, the hostess is very nice and thoughtful and gave us good directions to locate the B&B and there is a parking garage right next door as we were driving. She provided us with a map of the area and also some restaurant suggestions. The B&B is on the Near North Side of Chicago and we were able to walk to wherever we wanted to go. Our room was immaculate, there was a sitting area and was very quiet. Definitely would stay here again.

Sally is as helpful and knowledgable as all the reviews I'd read indicated, and the B&B is beautiful. Our top floor room was pretty and comfortable. That spiral staircase is worth mentioning, if you've got luggage. We really appreciated having constant access to a computer, and the availability of refreshments all day long. The location is convenient -- around the corner from a CTA station, and a few blocks from Michigan Avenue. I was sorry the September weather was too cold and damp for us to enjoy the very appealing rear garden.

We were expecting a B&B, though, and were a little disappointed. The great thing about a B&B is the chance to meet and talk with people from all over the world -- often highlights of our trips -- and since there was no set time for breakfast, we never even saw any of the other guests. It's also fun to chat with owners of the B&Bs we stay at, but at Gold Coast Sally is only there at certain hours, so if you have questions at other times, you're on your own if you didn't think of them when you last saw her.

On my previous Chicago visit, I'd done a Gold Coast walking tour, so I had a good idea of the kind of area I'd be in. The Guest House is very near, but not quite in, the fabled Gold Coast sections.

My friend and I were visiting Chicago from NYC when Hurricane Sandy hit and we were unable to get home on our originally scheduled flight. Our itinerary was to stay at the Gold Coast Guest House for two nights, but we ended up there for five since we couldn't get home. Sally Baker, the owner, could not have been more helpful or gracious in extending our stay and helping us with ideas for things to do.

Neighborhood: Perfect location for a city visit. Everything you could want within a block or two, including terrific restaurants, shopping on Michigan Ave. & Oak Street, lakefront walks and the elegant Drake Hotel for afternoon tea. The red subway line is a block away and is only a few short stops to the Loop, where you can transfer to other subway lines. There is a CVS and a large grocery store one block away. (I would also highly recommend the Urban Oasis spa, about two blocks away. Great massage therapists and reasonable prices.)

The inn: Charming, modern and very comfortable, with artwork of local architecture hanging on the walls and classical music quietly playing in the livingroom. Gorgeous backyard garden which makes the house feel like an oasis in such an urban environment. The spiral staircase (leading to the upper floors and dining area) may prevent some from staying above the ground floor, but it adds to the charm of the very vertical house. Our second-floor twin room had a pretty view of the tree-lined street, incredibly comfortable mattresses and a roomy bathroom with full-sized bath amenities and plush towels. The room also had a small television and carefully chosen furniture and home accessories to make the room feel more charming and homey.
The inn has free wifi, a shared computer and 24/7 access to the kitchen, which was stocked with healthy snack foods, chocolates, a variety of tea and a Keurig coffee machine.
The breakfast table is shared with other guests, so be prepared for a bit of socializing. Breakfast each morning included healthy cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, oatmeal, bagels & on our last day, a pear and cranberry pie from a nearby bakery. There is no food made to order here or a cook. But that frees you up to have breakfast exactly when and how you like, with no specific mealtimes or menus.

Sally is the ideal inn proprieter: helpful and friendly without being hovery or intrusive. She offered us the use of her laundry room when she discovered that we were unable to get home and one evening she brought a bottle of champagne for us to share with another couple that had just arrived.

After five nights at the inn, I felt very much at home and looked forward to returning our comfortable room in the evenings to relax and have a cup of tea or a glass of wine. I travel for business a great deal and often hotel rooms feel impersonal and designed for looks rather than comfort. This experience was just the opposite. It felt as though I was staying in my own home. I highly recommend the Gold Coast Guest House to anyone who wants a more personal experience in a fantastic Chicago neighborhood!