I was called to a meeting in Evanston, IL and spent all of 24 hours there. I did not spend much time in my room except to sleep. The price was right, the location seemed just fine, the tv set was a left-over from the 70's, but it worked. This is not a fancy place, and no doubt it has seen better days. If you are a traveler who demands high gloss, this is not the place for you. But it is comfortable, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and I had a good nights sleep. The breakfast was just fine as well. All in all, what more could a person ask for? I would certainly go back.

I stayed here for a week over the summer. Good value for money. My room was charming but a little worn - that added to the character. It is an older building and the elevator is slow but acceptable. It is homey and charming. It is within walking distance to many eateries and shops and of course, the university and public transportation. The staff were moderately helpful (sometimes a bit aloof and indifferent) and the breakfast buffet was barely acceptable - in addition they tried taking the food away before the establiched time and seemed to be anxious to shoo us out - noth the best service. I had to sleep with earplugs and the windor conditioner was extremely noisy - but I always take ear plugs when I travel becasuse of such situations. The restaurant is exceptional. The location is fabulous.There were some things I didn't particularly care for about the hotel. That said, I enjoyed my stay and would book here again if in Evanston - it was generally a nice experience.

Recently stayed a weekend at the Homestead, and came away quite contented. As others have mentioned, the place is old, and some of the details such as sink handles, doorknobs etc. show it. To my way of thinking, that is an advantage. Everything worked, and the historic feel of the surroundings made it all the more cozy. I don't care if the showerhead was made in 1930 as long as it still works. I can guarantee you anything modern installed today won't last 80 years. I prefer old school!
Our limited interaction with the staff was always professional and friendly. Again, that's all I ask.
The bed was so comfortable I told my wife I wanted to take it home. It seems to be standard these days that hotel beds are hard as granite, and this one wasn't. It was soft, but not too soft. I got two good nights sleep, which I almost never do in a hotel.
The price paid was also a great value. It was a holiday weekend, and Northwestern was also playing a home football game, but the rates hadn't been doubled like so many other hotels. Its also nice that free parking is included, though the garage is a block away. We parked right in front of the place both nights we were there, however, so it wasn't an issue.
The only reason I didn't give the place five stars instead of four was the morning breakfast. The selection was a bit limited, and I like having a choice of more than one kind (orange) of juice with my meal. The second morning we were there the selection looked a bit better, but we had previous plans to eat elsewhere so we didn't sample it. Just get me some cranberry or grapefruit juice next time and all will be forgiven!
All in all, it was a neat place to stay and centrally located to everyplace we wanted to be. We would definitely stay again!

I have had the good fortune of staying at The Homestead for over a month now. I am so impressed by the place, by every detail, and most of all by the kind and warm nature of everyone who works here. It is so important to experience that kind of attention from hotel staff; it makes being on one's own and someplace new so much easier to live with well. The rooms are spacious and clean and cheery, the place is very quiet, the location can't be beat, and best of all, the staff is tremendously helpful and efficient. They seem to love working here. So, if you are looking for a mom and pop kind of inn where the rooms and gracious and affordable, where lovely trees line the outside of your windows, where the front desk attendant will know the best bike route for you to take across town, and where you can dine in an excellent restaurant without even leaving your hotel - this is your place!
- Rebecca Joy Fletcher
Playwright and performer from New York City