Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
5.0
#1 of 14 B&Bs in Chicago
Location
4.7
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.9
Value
4.7
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
A unique B&B in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, Ray's welcomes groups and individuals in town for work or play. Modeled after small European hotels, the B&B has eleven bedrooms with private baths, high speed internet (WIFI) in each room as well as community areas. Other amenities include a steam room, sauna, HDTV, a full use kitchen, and free unrestricted street parking. Breakfast is cooked-to-order and we provide free coffee/tea and snacks! This is not your parents' bed & breakfast!
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast garners high praise for its exceptional service, with staff receiving accolades for their dedication to personalized care. The hotel's breakfast variety and round-the-clock snacks are particularly popular among guests, as are its uniquely decorated rooms and common areas.
Many reviewers appreciate the cleanliness likened to a museum, and the value is seen as fair, considering the location's convenience to attractions minus the bustling crowds. The inviting atmosphere and eclectic decor consistently leave a memorable impression on travelers.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Eclectic
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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If you like staying in a place with personality, and especially if you like meeting people at breakfast, this is your Chicago home.
Very comfortable room and beds, ample and varied breakfast options, safe parking in alleyway garage or on the street, a neighbourhood that struck the right balance between peace&quiet and lively streets, and above all such friendly, attentive staff. The decor is beyond words. There were pleasant spaces and bottomless cups of tea for entertaining visitors. Their neighbourhood guidebook was a treasure.
About a 20 minute ride to downtown on the Blue Line (10 minute walk to Western) and about the same by bus to Old Town /River North.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ray Reiss, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded Jan 1, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to review our business! We are so happy you enjoyed your stay at Ray's and we look forward to hosting you the next time you visit Chicago. Happy New Year!!! -Ashlee, Kat & the Crew
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What a fun, eccentric, relaxing, cozy place. When you walk in, the employees immediately make you feel at home. Creatively curated art films the walls, and it has a community similar to a hostel, but with the privacy of cute rooms. If you’re expecting grand, luxurious rooms, this isn’t your place, but don’t come in with misplaced expectations! They accommodated us with our car, and although their parking spots were full they generously freed one up for us due to the strange circumstance we were in concerning our car. And breakfast... one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. I still reminisce it. Get the B&B pancakes. Ray is great, and you will have a great time!
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ray Reiss, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded Aug 1, 2021
Thank you Tori for the kind words! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to hosting you again next time you visit Chicago. Take care and stay safe! -Ashlee, Ray & the crew
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First of all, this is absolutely the best BnB we have EVER stayed at. Ray’s was recommended by a local who we we’re going to be working with while in Chicago. We were part of a large group booking several rooms and were incredibly happy with the stay. Ray’s BnB feels as comfortable as a home. Our group stayed up many nights (in our pajamas) laughing and talking in the communal kitchen space which would never have happened at a hotel. The breakfast was better than any restaurant menu, offering both healthy and indulgent options. Ray is an incredible cook. This not only saved us time, but also money knowing we could rely on the breakfast to keep us full and energized for a long day of work. Katrina and Ashley were also incredibly hospitable and even helped us moving luggage, remembering what we liked to eat for breakfast and helping us do laundry when our trip got extended. Lastly we just have to recommend the Skylight room. It’s a little more expensive than some of the other rooms, but the jacuzzi tub is insanely relaxing, it’s perfect after a long day of work or sightseeing.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ray Reiss, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded Apr 16, 2021
Thank you Sarah for your wonderful review! I agree that tub is very easy to relax in. We are thrilled you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to seeing you again when you visit Chicago... you all were such a fun group! Stay safe, Ray, Ashlee and the crew
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Ray’s Bucktown Bed & Breakfast is amazing. The rooms are sparkling clean and the bed is very comfortable. We reserved the Chickadee room with an attached bathroom. The water pressure for the shower was good and the soap they had smelled great. They offer great amenities: use of the washer and dryer, water, snacks and cooked to order breakfast in the morning that is absolutely delicious. Ray’s Bucktown bed & breakfast is walking distance to multiple restaurants and bars. It’s a safe neighborhood with cute brownstones on tree lined streets. There is plenty of street parking near the B&B. Everyone is friendly. We will definitely return.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Plenty of parking on the street. They meet you at check in and provide you a code and key to...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ray Reiss, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded Aug 6, 2021
Thank you so much for the kind words! Every review helps spread the good word of our small business. We look forward to hosting you again next time you visit Chicago. Be well and stay safe! Ashlee, Ray, & the crew
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Our daughter lives in Bucktown so we were looking for a closer hotel than the one we had stayed in previously in downtown Chicago. I happened upon Ray’s while searching for an alternative. I was immediately captured by the reviews of an eclectic bed and breakfast that seemed right up our alley. We stayed in the Room with a View for 3 nights. It was very comfortable with an awesome air conditioner, cozy beds and a great shower. We had arrived early so the rooms were still being cleaned but we didn’t mind as we enjoyed looking at all of the tchotchkes around the B and B. I’m sure I didn’t see everything! Ray has quite the collection of anything!
We were concerned about eating with others for breakfast so we ate in the rooftop garden. What a wonderful place! Sitting with a cup of coffee and tea with our made to order breakfasts made us happy to be alive. The patio is filled with plants growing hot peppers, okra, and nasturtium. It felt like we had entered a secret garden!
The breakfasts were delicious! We had the French toast, pancakes and omelets. The kitchen was also open to the guests to snack on cookies and other naughty treats.
We can’t say enough about the manager, Ashley. She was very gracious and accommodating and seemed to run a tight ship. We briefly saw Ray a few times but did not get a chance to talk with him.
We will definitely being staying here again when we visit our daughter. I would like to try out some of the other rooms. The great thing about their website is that they are very honest about which rooms may not be good for light sleepers. I appreciate that!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ray Reiss, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded Nov 18, 2022
Thank you so much for the kind words! And I am so happy you were able to experience our rooftop patio. We all have a little bit of a green thumb so all the staff has their hands in it. We look forward to your next visit and give us a shout if you have any questions about other rooms you'd like to experience. Be well and stay safe! -Ashlee, Ray, & the Crew
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My wife and I stayed at Ray’s while visiting our adult kids who live in the Bucktown neighborhood so it was Very convenient. Four thumbs up for the breakfast! Staff was very friendly and attentive. We dug the funky decor. Our room and bed were comfortable and quiet. We will be back!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from the_renaissance_man, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded Feb 1, 2020
Thanks for the great review - we hope to have you back soon!
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Ray’s Bucktown B&B is unique. Where to start? A welcoming proprietor and staff. The rooms are each different; ours was quite comfortable and temperatures are adjustable within the room. Fixtures in each room are different. The common areas are fully of interesting artwork, posters, and collectables. Breakfasts were delicious, individually prepared and customizable, with plenty of choices. Convenient location that has plenty of interesting businesses and restaurants close by, and an elevated train station within walking distance. Highly recommended for an in the city experience.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:At least when we were there parking was provided if needed.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ray Reiss, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded Jun 25, 2022
Thank you Bob for your kind words. We are so happy you had a nice stay at Ray's and look forward to hosting you again next time you're in Chicago! Take care and stay safe. -Ashlee, Ray & the Crew
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We have stayed with Ray at least 5 times over the past 15 years. It has always been a treat, and will always be our first choice in Chicago. Ray and his staff are friendly, flexible, accommodating. Breakfasts are outstanding - the menu varies every day and you can mix and match items at will. There is always fresh fruit and pastry available to keep you stuffed until your order is prepared. Snacks and juices are available at all hours. We always gain weight on these trips. The hallways and common rooms are museums of Ray's collections over the years - old cameras, blenders, pottery, books, shoe trees, etc. etc., as well as creative original artwork. The recent addition of 4 garage parking places was a nice convenience, but we have never had trouble finding a close, safe parking place on the street. Ray's is in a great walking neighborhood, and is a few blocks north of the elevated Bloomingdale walking/running/bike trail.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ray Reiss, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded Oct 7, 2021
Thanks John for the kind words. We are so glad you find our BnB vibe like home away from home, we pride ourselves on our hospitality. We look forward to hosting you again next time you're in the city. Take care and stay safe! -Ashlee, Ray, and the Crew
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Ray's B&B will be perfect for travelers like myself. Easy, delicious, clean, comfortable, attentive, helpful, interesting, well located, tactful, friendly, and very personal service. How nice it is to return anytime of day and feel as if you can truly relax and put your feet up, reminisce about the day and meet other interesting travelers. Or you might just burrow into your comfortable and thoughtful room for private peacetime.
I had a few personal requests - all attended to effectively and confidentially. How nice.
Ray has thrifting and hospitality passions. He's the perfect B&B host with the experience to hire the best associates. Ray handles all the unimaginary pressures of running a B&B with aplomb and humor while keeping his guests as refreshed and rested as possible. He's so relaxed, he could pose as one of his own guests.
After my first night of two at Ray's B&B, I came down for the aromas and taste of breakfast: bacon, cinnamon raisin toast, coffee, fresh fruit, and other grand flavors wafted from the kitchen. You can help yourself, Continental style, or order from the menu and customize pancakes, waffles, omelettes, cereals, or ... just ask.
With just a cup of coffee a glass of primo OJ in hand, I placed my breakfast order and declared, most sincerely, "This is the best accommodation I have ever been a guest at."
You very well may agree.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Special needs, questions about service/availability will be answered by telephone/email by the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ray Reiss, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded Oct 7, 2021
Your review put a giant smile on my face!!! This is why we do what we do.. thank you for such a rave review. And yes Rays BnB runs on two things... bacon and coffee. We are so happy you had such a nice stay and we look forward to hosting you again next time you're in Chicago. Take care and thanks again for taking the time to highlight our BNB. -Ashlee, Ray, & the Crew
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The helpful staff at Ray's make everyone feel welcome ,and after 6 or 7 stays it's home away from home in Chicago. The rooms are clean and comfortable and Ray's even has some surprising amenities, like a sauna, steam room and one of the guest rooms has a whirlpool bathroom. The breakfasts are great with many items to choose from and cooked and served to order.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ray Reiss, Owner at Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Responded May 27, 2021
Thank you for your wonderful review! We appreciate you taking the time to write about your stay. We are glad to hear we are your home away from home. We look forward to your next visit! Stay safe. -Ashlee, Ray and the crew
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This is one of those questions that is hard to answer, as everyone's standards of "firm" are different, but the Room with a View has probably the firmest mattress in the house. Hope that helps!
There are more places to choose from in the Chicago area.
PRICE RANGE
$219 - $299 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
ray`s bucktown hotel chicago, ray`s bucktown b&b
LOCATION
United StatesIllinoisChicagoNorth Side / Bucktown
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Are there any historical sites close to Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Garfield Park Conservatory (3.0 miles), The Rookery Building (3.9 miles), and Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (1.3 miles).
