At Home Inn Chicago

dealt with a guy name Carson — seemed like a nice guy at first. He told me the place I found on VRBO was unavailable for the times I wanted (even though the system said it was), but then he told me about a different option they had available. He rented me a place for over twice the cost, took my card number and then emails the next day saying the property is no longer available and that my card had not been charged. What did he do with my card for 24 hours? Is this company on the up and up? I feel quite uncomfortable.

Beware At Home Inn Chicago — Bait and Switch
I dealt with a guy name Carson — seemed like a nice guy at first. He told me the place I found on VRBO was unavailable for the times I wanted (even though the system said it was), but then he told me about a different option they had available. I asked him to send me info. He said I’d have it in 5 minutes. An hour later I still didn’t have it. So I called back — he said oops that the email was ready to go and said I would receive it in 5 minutes. Half an hour later I still didn’t have it, so I called back a third time. No answer, but then I got an email a few minutes later with the info. I wrote him back quickly and said we wanted the new place and wanted to finalize the deal. I got no response until the next morning when I got an email saying the new place was no longer available but they had a different much more expensive property available. I called to ask what happened and asked whether he would honor a deal closer to the original terms for this new-​new place. He said that someone had reserved the old-​new place online overnight and that no they wouldn’t go any lower on the new-​new place. While not a direct quote, he basically said «you snooze — you lose». I reminded him that the only person snoozing was him, and that I would have agreed to the deal the day before if he had just sent the information when he said he would — either time. Even with his failures, I had almost undoubtedly sent my email saying I wanted the place before anyone reserved the place. They should have honored this agreement. But none of this mattered to them, and I was out of luck. I tried to talk to the manager, but he would only email me and he didn’t bother to respond when I explained to him what happened. Looking at the availability of the original place on VRBO it shows that the only time it is unavailable for the next 5 months (which is as far as it shows) are the days I wanted it — seems pretty suspicious, especially with the rest of their bait and switch actions. I would not do business with this shady company.

Our other rental cancelled on us a little over a week from our weekend trip. The staff at At Home Inn came to the rescue. We loved the location near Clark and Diversey with wonderful access to great bars and restaurants and especially the lakefront! There were plenty of towels and the use of codes vs keys is genius! We were a group coming at all different times and it was great to have the freedom. Hopefully I’ll get to use this rental company again!

I cannot say enough good things about At Home Inn Chicago. They saved our vacation! Thursday night of Memorial Day weekend our previous rental fell through and I suddenly needed to find a space to accommodate seven adults (five beds) for five nights. We started looking at 6pm, and needed to be in an apartment that night.
When we called At Home Inn Chicago their offices were closed, but I took a chance and called their emergency number. The woman couldn’t have been more helpful. She found us two apartments in the same building, in our desired location (Lincoln Park), with two parking spaces for our vehicles. We were able to book and get the access information for the building immediately. When we had questions, she was incredibly responsive.
The apartments were wonderful — newly renovated, we were the first people to stay in them post renovation. There were plenty of towels, blankets, and pillows for our large group and the kitchen was well appointed. The neighborhood was fabulous, we were within walking distance of a number of great restaurants, bars, and shops, and public transportation to downtown was easy. I would definitely use them again.

Highest recommendation. I had a few friends coming into town and couldn’t fit everyone in my condo. Then after looking at ads on Craigslist, I almost fell for a vacation rental scam. As the date drew near I started to really stress but then I found At Home Inn Chicago. Tessa was a great help and very professional. The place she recommended for my group was PERFECT. Very clean, fantastic location and well outfitted with everything we could possibly need during our stay. She met me at the residence and walked us through how to use everything and was available ²⁴⁄₇ during our stay in case we had any problems. The next time I have a group of friends or family visiting, this will be the first call I make.

I absolutely enjoyed my stay at the Rush St Suites. It was my first time in Chicago. The location and amenities made my 3 weeks stay feel like a vacation rather than a work trip. I am definitely booking with them next time I’m in Chicago.

My family was planning a reunion in Chicago and couldn’t find any affordable hotel arrangements in Lincoln Park. I found At Home Inn online and couldn’t have been happier with the result. We were able to find a huge five bedroom house that gave us a wonderful gathering place for the family and was less expensive than individual hotel rooms would have been. It was also wonderful to be able to make breakfast together in the mornings — both for the experience of being together and because it allowed us to save money on our trip. I would definitely use At Home Inn again if I was planning a trip to Chicago — and would use this type of service in other places as a refreshing alternative to hotels.

After receiving a phone message the day before I was set to arrive in Chicago with the news that the brownstone I had arranged to rent was no longer available due to problems with the facility, I was primed to write a poor review of the company. However, Francine assured me that they had a property available for me that was within a block of my original booking and that it was an upgrade. It turned out that she was certainly right. Instead of the of the Studio that I had originally booked, I was shown to a beautifully appointed one bedroom unit in the same part of town that I had arranged for originally.
Kudos, At Home Chicago, for turning lemons into lemonade. I’ll definitely be in contact the next time I’m working or playing in Chicago!

We have used At Home Inn Chicago for the past two years to house out of town performers for the Windy City Burlesque Fest and highly recommend their service and properties. The apartments we have used are well maintained and clean with modern furniture and great amenities. Our performers love staying at the apartments and find them to be a relaxing home away from home. We will definitely continue to use At Home Inn Chicago in the years to come.

My friend owned a property that he rented through At Home Inn for about a year. They worked with him to coordinate short-​term rentals with third parties. Most often it was for people in Chicago for a few weeks on business. Renters were able to get a beautiful furnished apartment in Greektown with THE MOST incredible view of downtown. All for a far more reasonable price than an extended-​stay hotel, within walking distance of the Loop!
Since then, I have gotten to know a lot more about the business and the couple who run it (the Biddles) who totally rock. They are extremely conscientious and truly love what they do. I have recommended their service to a lot of friends, family, and even coworkers in town from other offices. They have condos and apartments all over the city, that can pretty much satisfy anyone’s needs.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Chicago for two days, or even for 20 weeks, Bob and Liz can definitely accommodate you. Check out the website.

My dad thinks I’m Wonder Woman.
No, really. I’m not joking… here’s the request I got from him a few weeks ago:
«We’d like a hotel room in Chicago, over the weekend, with a nice view for about $ 125 a night. I am sure you can figure it out since you are so resourceful.»
Riiiiight. Ok then. I almost spat back «well, you can stay at the Red Roof Inn O’Hare with a lovely view of the Cumberland el stop for about $ 150.»
But no. I am a dutiful daughter.
So, I went to work. I scoured the internet… as I often do when I don’t know what I am doing. I stumbled upon At Home Inn Chicago, a service that rents out private residences in a variety of neighborhoods in Chicago.
We booked him a room in an Edgewater high-​rise, he compromised with me and we got it for $ 185. FAR CHEAPER than anything downtown, IF we could even find anything…
This option requires a bit more legwork than a hotel booking. First of all, DON’T plan on canceling. I mean really, this isn’t for the faint at heart or those with a propensity to bail last minute. If you cancel within 10 days you pay TWICE the nightly rate… be forewarned!
Ok, besides that. You make the reservation after selecting the property and then within a day or so they let you know that it’s A-​OK and booked for you. (pay with credit card, it’s charged 2 days before arrival). They email you a guest lease and you must sign and fax/​email back to them within 24 hours (i told ya, legwork… but worth it, trust me). Then you contact the private owner to make check in/​out arrangements…
The owner I had the pleasure of working with was lovely, friendly and hospitable. It could not have been any smoother… I’m sure this varies by owner, but they are pre-​screened…
Ok, so moment of judgment: is this place going to be a hellhole?
No. It was actually on a very high floor in the Park Tower on Sheridan Road with a 360 degree view of downtown and the lake. Beautiful one bedroom condo with full kitchen, dining area, LCD plasma TV, AC… my GOD, the view. I almost made them stay at my house and took the thing for myself for the weekend!
A steal for $ 185 on a summer weekend. I will be using them again and again as I have people coming through. I highly recommend.
I only docked one star for the strict cancellation policy, though I understand the need for it…
Seriously, screw the overpriced downtown hotels and rent a private condo in some of Chicago’s nicest ‘hoods. (downtown, Old Town, LP, LV, etc etc)
Visit web site for properties…