The building is two dwellings, the innkeepers on one side and the patrons on the other. The wall between is very thin; so while hanging out on vacation in the dwelling that you have rented, you can hear the people in the other unit talking, sometimes about you. Also, granted some patrons of B and B's might enjoy this, the door separating the two units is used by the owners to come and go through the rental house while you are occupying it.
For example, suddenly a person will appear who is not a member of your party and will announce they need something from the rental unit. Well trained, they announce their presence curtly and sternly, like commands given during dog training. Like dogs learning to obey the harsh hand of a new master, surprise is immediate and obedience follows. Any question of their authority brings more harsh words and kicks up the level of tension permeating the "solid, self-contained 3,500 square feet with four bedrooms and private entrance."

It is astonishing to find the same complaints about this place being made in 2007 as those that we experienced in 2011. The unmistakable smell of smoke that daily drenches the third floor, and is then present on any floor where the owner spontaneously has appeared. The combative, inquisition manner of responding to concerns. The denial over the degree to which the train running directly behind the house can be heard in the house. To clarify, "directly behind" means that from the living room you can see the faces and features of people riding the trains.

I hesitate to write this review because I don’t want to subject Trip Advisor readers to the defensive and vituperous remarks these comments will surely generate from the owners of the Old Town B and B. Just look at their responses to other negative reviews and you will have gleaned an accurate picture of their style.

We shared our grievances with the owners at the beginning of the stay. These were met with confrontation and aggression. After this, we had no interest in further communication with them, but we’d like to share our thoughts with other potential guests.

Here are our recommendations to Trip Advisor readers:

Stay here if you like intrusive and meddling owners with officious attitudes who appear in the area you’ve rented without a phone call, doorbell ring, or any method of advance notice. If you like your privacy disrespected, stay here.

Stay here if you like living for a week where
- the owners never once clean;
- the towels or sheets are never refreshed or washed (except by you, the guest);
- the kitchen trash is emptied only upon your request and the bedroom trash, never;
- the bedrooms smell like cigarette smoke (as does one of the owners);
- the toilets run constantly;
- the beds have troughs;
- the noise of the L rattling by your bedroom wakes you at 6 am every day;
- the bathroom sinks bleed rust onto the counter because caulking is non-existent;
- the wireless router performs only in limited areas of the house.

Stay here if you like owners who show no interest when informed numerous times that a guest has slipped on their slick bathroom floor tiles and a simple request for a rubber backed bathmat goes unheeded.

Our trip advice? Stay elsewhere.

Our family of ten met in Chicago over the July 4th weekend. There were 4 bedrooms so everyone had their own bathroom. The house is extremely nice and furnished very tastefully and top of the line. We enjoyed the deck in the evening and certainly enjoyed having a nice family room in addition to the bedrooms. The laundry facilities were also very convenient. The location was perfect. It was in a neat area that seemed very safe. Everything we needed was nearby. The Zoo and the Beach were relatively close There are a large number of restaurants nearby within walking distance as well as a supermarket. The El was within a couple of blocks so from that location you could go almost anywhere in Chicago that we wanted to. It also allowed our family to go back and forth to Midway and O'Hare very inexpensively. The owners were very helpful but also allowed us our privacy. Below are some comments made by individuals in our group.

I thought the house and location was perfect, there was much to do for everyone, and people could do what they wanted.

The city was nice mainly because the house we stayed in was so accommodating for our group size.

What a a great time! So much to do and the house was perfect.

Great location and availability of different activities for everyone. It allowed flexibility in making daily plans. The evening dinners together were a real treat.

Having things to do close by seemed to work really well-rather than having to commit for a whole day's outing.

My friends and I just spent 5 wonderful "girlfriend" days at Old Town Chicago Guest House. This beautifully appointed home is exactly as described. The living room is warm and inviting creating a great space for gathering and talking which girlfriends need. The well stocked kitchen makes the morning so pleasurable and is such a great perk. The beds are comfy,cozy and although you want to stay tucked in.......... the city of Chicago is calling. Location, location, location! You are within walking distance to the "L" train which will take you downtown or all the way north to Wilmette. You can also walk to "Old Town" where there is a plethera of restaurants and night spots. And then there is the Lincoln Park Zoo!!
Michael and Liz are gentle, caring hosts and their attention to detail like maps and restaurant suggestions is invaluable and this makes the unfamiliar comfortable and stress free. I would highly recommend staying at Old Town Chicago and will definately return.