Chicago Boutique Hotels: Wicker Park Inn
When I began this platform, I knew that the Wicker Park Inn was a hidden gem that I needed to work with. Wicker Park Inn is woman-owned and partners almost exclusively with local Wicker Park businesses to provide their guests with exceptional add-on experiences.
While accommodations and add-on packages were provided by the Wicker Park Inn, all opinions are my own.
About
Nestled along Wicker Park Ave. in Chicago’s colorful Wicker Park neighborhood, it’s easy to miss the Wicker Park Inn. This 9-room boutique inn sits perfectly within the friendly, tree-lined streets. If you didn’t know better, you might take it for yet another gorgeous private home. Owner and Innkeeper Laura Yepez has lived in Wicker Park for over twenty years (she also owns the famously delicious Alliance Bakery) and is an expert in Chicago luxury.
Check-In
Laura provided thorough contactless check-in information before arrival so I knew exactly what to expect. I punched in a code on the front door and headed up the stairs to look for my room: The Concord. In true local fashion, Wicker Park Inn has named each of their individualistic rooms after a different street in Chicago, and they are marked with a traditional Chicago street sign. This local touch tickled me!
Room + Experience
Our room was absolutely gorgeous – I felt like royalty. Beautiful decor and modern touches, with huge windows. The natural light poured through the room, and I felt like I was on vacation just blocks from my own home.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with a delightful charcuterie board and wine from the local shop All Together Now in our room. This is just one of many add-on experiences you can choose from upon booking. Package options include pints from Jeni’s Ice Cream, an in-room massage, birthday packages, and more. The charcuterie board was elegant and provided information on what we were eating and from where. The package came with a bottle of both red and white wine. Sitting on our king-sized bed enjoying two bottles of wine and treats was – well – the staycation I know we’ve all needed after this last year. I felt like a queen.
Kitchen + Common Area
After loading up on our carbs and grown-up juice, it was time to explore. We headed into the retro-looking kitchen and common area. In normal times, a lavish breakfast is served to guests in this room. Until then, it serves as a common area and Instagram eye candy. Whether lounging in some comfy chairs or sitting at the counter you can watch the Blue Line trains zoom past. Watching the trains come and go through the kitchen window brought me a sentimental and cozy feeling. There is something about the view of the train and street sign -lined hallway, an ode to Chicago, that Wicker Park Inn can’t help but make you nostalgic for your favorite city.
This particular evening, the Inn was quiet, so we felt as if we had a mansion to ourselves. After hanging out in the kitchen we headed back to the Concord to binge some Netflix and munch on the rest of our charcuterie board – and drink more wine.
Breakfast in Bed + Mimosas
If you’re anything like me, then you know breakfast is the best meal of the day. At 8:30 AM came a knock on our door, and there was innkeeper Laura, bright-eyed and smiling, holding a huge tray of coffee and mimosas. She returned moments later with another tray filled with our breakfast in bed goodies. We selected our meal about a week before arrival and enjoyed sweet pancakes, fruit, turkey sausage, eggs, and more. This isn’t your average hotel breakfast. Your meal is made just steps from your room and carries that “home-cooked” feel that is hard to replicate. I haven’t had that much food for breakfast in a long time.
Check-Out
We finished up breakfast and gathered our things. Check-out wasn’t until 11:00 AM so we soaked up every moment in our room. I poured myself another cup of coffee to sit on the window sill and look over Wicker Park Ave.
Time went too fast here. For just a moment, all was well in the world. While I only walked about five minutes from home, I felt like I had left all my worries behind. Wicker Park Inn is absolutely delightful, intimate, and a true treat.
If you’re visiting Chicago, the location is perfect. In non-covid times the Inn is steps away from transportation (while not being too loud) and bustling Milwaukee Ave. Many times when visiting Chicago travelers like to stay “downtown”. If you want an authentic Chicago experience, Wicker Park Inn is for you. Its atmosphere is a love song to Chicago, and its location puts you alongside locals while still having access to the classic Chicago sights.
If you’re a Chicago local looking for a staycation – this experience is tops.
Wicker Park Inn is a true hidden gem.
Quick Highlights:
Location: Live like a local while being close to the sights
Atmosphere: Intimate, luxurious
Local: Wicker Park Inn supports fellow local businesses by using them for their add-on experiences
Woman-owned
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