This breathtaking Lincoln Park Victorian mansion, built in 1886, is the pet project of civic-enthusiasts Andy and Mary Shaw. The Shaws regularly offer up Ann Sather cinnamon buns for breakfast, keep plenty of Goose Island Beer on hand and make sure that blues music lingers in the air. The cozy Hemingway common room even displays an extensive Chicago library.

The Inn's reverence for the city shows in the names of the rooms here, all paying tribute to Chicago writers. Guests can choose from among the Paretsky, Royko and Sandburg rooms, each eclectically decorated and sublimely comfortable. For those that prefer to splurge, the "Algren and de Beauvoir" suite includes a king-size bed, French doors, jetted tub and skylight. To accommodate those staying in Chi-town for the longer haul, Windy City Inn rents three lovely apartments ("Studs Terkel," "Saul Bellow" and "Bill Zehme") in the coach house behind the mansion. Regardless of which part of the property you settle into, you're sure to wander into the dining area each morning for a deluxe continental breakfast.

In a city dominated by indistinguishable hotels, this charming bed and breakfast is a complete oddity. The central location makes it ideal for any out-of-town visitor, and the Shaws are experts at hosting business meetings. Regardless of what brings you to Chicago, it's the Windy City Inn that will make you want to stay.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe