My husband and I prefer small inns and B&Bs to large, generic hotels, so we were happy to find Magnolia Studios as we were researching accommodations in Chicago for our five day stay. We were impressed with the lovely photos of the studios and small garden and pleasantly surprised to see the price per night.

Well, as it turns out, Magnolia Studios is exactly what we expected from our online research. The studio was homey, beautifully maintained, neat and tidy. It was also well-equipped, with a flat screen TV, fridge, oven and stovetop. There’s also a washer and dryer available. We were only there for four nights, but one could definitely stay there very comfortably for much longer. What we found very useful was the laptop with Internet connection. It made last minute planning a real cinch, to check opening times for museums, ticket costs etc. And the shower in the bathroom was super luxurious. Also, we really appreciated all of the drawers and cupboards to store our stuff. It kept us feeling organized throughout our stay.

In a nutshell, we couldn’t have been happier with and highly recommend Magnolia Studios. The owners are super sweet and helpful and definitely available should you need them. But you also feel totally free to come and go as you please, and to do your own thing, as the studios are separate from the main house. So, you get a lot more warm and fuzzy than a hotel, but more freedom and independence than at some B&Bs. It’s a perfect middle ground.

You should definitely check the place out. And while you’re in the neighborhood, may we also recommend Moody’s Pub for a beer. The place is dark and relaxed and a bit off beat. The burgers smelled great too! It’s just around the corner from the studios. Have fun in Chicago!

Where to begin? I cannot tell you in enough good words how wonderful this place is. Kate and Ashley have put together a superb lodging option for anyone, no matter the purpose. Everything is top-of-the-line from the mini-stove to the luxurious shower--honestly, I would have gladly paid money just to use that alone! Everything you could ask for is provided: mini-toiletries, a cold bottle of water and soda waiting in your fridge, coffee maker--even free laundry facilities with high-efficiency appliances should you need them.

As for the owners, Kate and Ashley couldn't be more lovely. Anyone who would allow me into their home at night to chat (and I can be chatty) are worthy of high praise. Now if only they would allow us the use of their fantastic kitchen...I would whip up desserts to keep them happy for days to come!

Great neighborhood; not too far from the L and is certainly accessible to many of the popular Northern 'burb areas such as Andersonville, Edgewater and Boystown. Many restaurants from which to choose and, of course, recommendations from the happy couple are just a simple request away.

Overall, amazing value for an amazing accommodation; a diamond in the rough polished ten times over. When there are places like this around (and certainly, it seems there are few) why bother spending a ridiculous amount of money on an over-priced hotel that cannot come close to this kind of service? Thank you Kate and Ashley for a fantastic and memorable experience! I will be back!

Kate and Ashley are wonderful, friendly hosts that we enjoyed , and would have loved more time with them. They want to continue to improve an already excellent accomodation. Nice street, quiet neighborhood, with several good restaurants, the EL , and the Lake very close. Stayed 11 days in studio apt. It was small, but all we needed.

We stayed at Magnolia shortly after they first opened. Kate and Ashley were wonderful hosts -- warm, friendly and helpful.

The studios are in a guest house behind Kate and Ashley's own home, so you have total freedom to come and go as you like. You're a 2 minute walk from a subway station, as well as an awesome bakery (Flourish). You're also a reasonable walk / bus ride away from a bunch of other hip neighbourhoods in the northern part of the city, like Andersonville.

The studio itself is lovely. You have a well-appointed kitchenette, a small breakfast table, a laptop with internet, a nice TV, and a very modern bathroom. The bed is extremely comfortable. Downstairs from the two studios is a washer/dryer that's free to use.

We've been recommending this place to everyone we know who might want to go to Chicago! Honestly, why stay in an impersonal hotel when you could stay at a place like this, with such charm (AND a kitchen!), for less money? I couldn't recommend this place more highly.