Margarita European Inn - Evanston

This B&B is loaded with old-world charm. The continental breakfast was elegant and robust --boiled eggs, fresh fruit, strong coffee, in addition to the delicious freshly-baked goods and juice. Internet was available for free in the lobby, salon, and library. My scheduled wake-up call never happened which is a real problem on a business trip. There a […] lots of cafes, shops, etc. in walking distance and the university is within a good walk as well. I'm so glad I chose this delightful lodging over a corporate hotel. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A much better choice than a typical chain hotel. The Margarita was clean and classy, though the age of the building does show in a few spots. Nice decorations, very helpful and friendly staff, modest but well-appointed rooms, and a continental breakfast with good coffee, all centrally located in Evanston.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The first morning we had without heat due to the radiators shutting off in the night. The second evening we had without hot water. While the hotel staff offered to allow us to shower in another room, we had hot water the first night (minus shower knob which fell off in my hand). Then, unbeknownst to us, someone trying to fix it, broke it further... […] so when we said no to showering on a lower floor, we had no idea we were saying no to hot water! The room and the hotel have not had a single new furnishing in 25 years. It is threadbare. If this were in fact a European pensione, it would have been $100 less per night, which would have made it fine. Breakfast was nice enough, however, for $25 more a night, I would have enjoyed all the first world charms of the Hilton. Service people were nice. Location was great. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We very much enjoyed our stay here. It's not modern or fancy, but it is tidy and comfortable, and old-fashioned in a fun way. Each morning you are greeted with a nice selection of pastries, hard-boiled eggs, juice and hot beverages in a sunny parlor. The ladies who run the hotel are very solicitous - there is nothing they won't look up or print out […] or find out for you. They will even call a sedan service for you, so you won't have to get an airport cab. Even the cleaning staff is helpful. The hotel is VERY nicely located, about 2 blocks from a CTA/Metra stop, so it's so easy to get to/from downtown Chicago. It's also a short walk from Northwestern's main campus, and about a mile to the lake. We would stay here again. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Loved the historic feel, comfortable room, nice in room bathroom. Flowering plants in the sunny gathering room was a welcome touch.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

It's a very charming hotel with a lot of character. However, it is old and lacks many of the modern conveniences available at other hotels. Overall I think most people will enjoy the charm and overlook the lack of some modern amenities. A few million dollars could probably rectify many of the shortcomings, but then it would become a luxury hotel out […] of reach for many of us. Old world charm for those on a budget. And the location is very good. It's close to shopping and dining and near Northwestern University. Evanston is a nice town. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Margarita European Inn is unique. The building is old and beautiful. The public space downstairs is large and delightful, with a real wood-burning fireplace, in which a real wood fire was crackling during the breakfast hour. Unfortunately, the weather outside was in the single digits, and fire or not, the public space was so chilly that I couldn't […] enjoy the breakfast experience (which included a decent array of baked goods, instant oatmeal, hardboiled eggs and beverages). But on a warmer day, I'd have really liked hanging out there, enjoying the gracious surroundings and taking advantage of the free wi-fi. Upstairs, the feel is more dormitory than hotel. Our room did have a private bath (many of the rooms share hallway bath facilities). The room was small and clean, with two twin beds (good mattresses). It was tomb-quiet which made for good sleeping. But it was not a bright, luxurious space, so if that's what you're looking for when you travel, this inn is not for you. We appreciated off-street parking for $8/day and the location was good, since we were in town to see a Purdue/Northwestern basketball game. The front desk staff was very helpful in recommending routes and transportation options. In sum, if you're looking for a place in Evanston and enjoy ambiance more than modernity, give it a try. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A unique experience. Stepped back in time several decades and enjoyed every minute of it. Staff was wonderful, room was clean as a pin, old time decor was really enjoyable to me. Can't wait to get back. A super bargain.

Genuine Expedia guest review

While the lobby of this hotel is absolutely beautiful, the room felt like a depressing ancient dorm and the halls were creepy like The Shining. My girlfriend was NOT happy about this hotel which cost marginally less than other hotels in the area.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very nice hotel, quaint and clean. The staff was very friendly and breakfast was good.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Courteous staff. Would appreciate some protein (meat and cheese?) for breakfast.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Nice vintage hotel. We felt ourselves there like in past

Genuine Expedia guest review

We loved it! Quaint and charming. Loved the history. The bed and breakfast aspect was something I've not done before and I would stay again in a heartbeat! Loved the fireplace at the end of the day. Wonderful.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The neighborhood and the hotel's grand parlor filled with antiques make this place feel like a trip trip back in time when visiting your great grandparents was a big adventure. Rooms weren't 100% spotlessly clean like in the big chain hotels, but they were big enough, furnished well, and comfy. GREAT VALUE. I'd do it again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I had a lovely stay – I got the most basic, shared-bath room on the 5th floor. I had the whole floor to myself so I might as well have had my own bathroom. The décor is charming. The staff is amazingly welcoming and helpful – they printed my boarding pass and reserved my taxi to O’Hare for me. Lovely. My room was very sweet, too. I highly highly recommend […] staying here if you’re visiting Northwestern U, or just hanging out in Evanston. I would go back in a heartbeat. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I found the Inn to be charming at first blush. The bones of the place are there, but maintenance is lacking. I was put off by the shabbiness of the upholstered furniture and thread bare rugs. The place was clean overall, but carpeting was so old it held a decade or more of stains. The room was extremely hot and we slept with the windows wide open to […] attain a comfy temperature. The second night was so windy the windows blew shut often jarring us awake. The screens were difficult to slide when trying to access the window locks. As for the price, I would rather pay a little more and stay somewhere else. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Nice surprise in a cookie-cutter market. Hotel staff very friendly and B&B is a nice way to meet other guests. Would stay here again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Nice place at the right price. very convenient to my workshop via Metra. Staff was exceptional.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A jewel of a spot if you like old movies, Bogart, the 30's, a European feel, quaint, charming, home-made cookies set out in the evening, classical music playing in the front drawing room (and yes I would call it a drawing room of sorts), a tasty but simple morning continental breakfast, an old elevator with a sliding "see through bars" kind of door. […] I love this stuff--not everyone would--but if you go in for this sort of thing, this is a winner all the way! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I rated this hotel/bed-breakfast 5 stars across the board. As for the condition of the hotel, it is very old. The overall feel/atmosphere of the Margarita European Inn is perfect if you are looking for something different. This isn't your typical modern hotel chain. Shared bathrooms were not a problem, individual stalls for sinks as well. Go to the […] Inn's website and look at the photos. They are very accurate. I am planning on staying there again my next trip to Chicago. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The staff was marvelous. And the ambience of the morning room and lobby are lovely EXCEPT, for the dirty carpeting. The hotel is old, but charming. However, I would think that the carpeting should be kept clean if it cannot be replaced. We enjoyed the experience but my friends paid for an upgrade so they could have a shower in their room. The shower […] never got hot water and they ended up showering in the shared bath. They asked for an adjustment and were told that they needed to let the water run for 10-15 minutes before showering. When they tried it, it still didn't work. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

One of the worst ever. The lady at the reception was very rude. Internet was not working at common areas either. There was no TV, no internet at the room. Shared bathroom was horrible.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Excellent little hotel, The decor is dated, and it lacks some of the technology of other Chicago hotels. But it has a personality and home-like feel. Located in Evanston near a METRA and EL stops, it is a reasonable alternative to the glitz and high-tech hotels. I found it comfortable & relaxing and plan on a return trip in the next months. There is […] complimentary Wi-Fi, and a breakfast buffet is included. Restaurants and cafes are nearby. Great location to walk, jog, or just wander. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I will be back for sure.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This guest did not leave a comment.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This guest did not leave a comment.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

If you are open minded, like history and quirky charm this is the place to be! Things are somewhat threadbare and you won't have every amenity but the location, staff and simple effort they put into living up to the "European" part of their name makes it a place to visit at least once.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We were told we would have 2 queen sized beds in our reserved room but they had 2 twin sized beds. The mistake was made by the person who booked the room at Hotels.com. The people at the hotel were very professional.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I stayed at the room with queen size bed with shower room (note: not all room have showers) The price makes it an attractive option in Evanston. What bothered me the most was the old AC unit which made loud noise. I had hard time sleeping because of that. I guess it will be less of a problem if the guest is not staying during the summer. The staff […] at the hotel were nice. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Everyone shares bathrooms, just a heads up!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I was disappointed with this hotel. My room had an air conditioning unit that leaked into a bucket (that we were supposed to dump in the bathroom down the hall if it gets too full). It had a TV, but no channels worked, and when I asked about it at the desk, I was told that the TVs in some rooms are not working (thanks for letting me know in advance). […] It was a good thing we had a wedding to go to that evening and were not in the hotel much. In the morning, we wanted to grab the continental breakfast before we left (around 9:30 am), but there was only crumbs left. For a continental breakfast that's supposed to last until 10:30 am, they should be replenishing the food regularly. Thus, we left hungry and disappointed. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Part of the charm of the MEI is its history as a residence for young working women in the 1920s. Reserved a twin with shared bath, which was convenient and like college. The ultra-deep and firm mattresses were terrific. Breakfast served in the Parlor was very nice. Great coffee. Manager in Reception when we arrived was most welcoming and helpful. I […] would definitely stay here again when in Evanston or nearby. Great to leave the car and walk a few blocks into central Evanston. Only two blocks from Bennison's, a bakery open since 1938. True Art Deco and fabulous macarons, a close second to Ladurée. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Charming old world style. The tv in our room didn't work which was disappointing only because we looked forward to relaxing and watching the Olympic opening night. We were offered an upgrade (for a price!) but chose to stay where we were. The inn is lovely and the location is great. It was an easy walk to dining and shopping. We would definitely stay […] again. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Located near downtown Evanston, the Margarita offers a comfortable hotel-type bed and breakfast at a resaonable price and with comfort. My room was well-appointed with a comfortable bed and private bath. In addition to airconditioning, my room had an excellent satellite TV with a number of channels. The decor harkens back to an earlier time with real […] plaster walls, decorations for an older style, and quaint fixtures in the room. The hotel includes breakfast served in a lovely Great Room with lovely furniture and windows that overlook a pleasant street. There is also free WIFI in the reception area. I selected this hotel because its location and proximity to METRA and CTA transportation. The rates were also attratcive, and i prefered to stay in an older hotel with character and distinction. I found the staff very helpful and attentive. The parking behind the hotel was convenient and reasonably priced. My only complaint is that some areas needed some cleaning and a touch of paint to give it a more pleasing appearance. The grounds are well-maintained, but the parking lot could use some more illumination at night. I would definitely return and stay at the Margarita again. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

It's a very old hotel with an interesting history, but nicely maintained. The room had a stand-alone air conditioner with a hose out the (non-opening) window. The condensation dripped into a plastic trash can that had to be emptied twice a day. The elevator has a sliding metal door on the inside and a wooden door on the outside. I kept expecting to […] meet Humphrey Bogart in it. It used to be a ladies' dormitory, and the bathrooms are down the hall. There is only one per floor, so the ladies' are on the odd floors and mens' are on the even (5th floor, which is smaller, is unisex). Wifi worked poorly, doesn't reach much of the hotel. Continental breakfast is skimpy. No A/C in hallways or common room. Sounds bad, but we loved it. A splendid experience for the adventurous. Not for business travel but great for a getaway or movie set. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This guest did not leave a comment.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

"Homey" atmosphere; enjoyable common room; good breakfast. But hotel looks a bit shabby (new rugs are a must). Front desk and maid service were excellent.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

However, the toilet seats need replacing. Common baths take a bit of getting used to.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My daughter and I had planned on staying one night at the Margarta Inn. However, after experiencing the warmth and charm of the Inn we decided to stay another night, Why? Because It felt like we were staying with family, the people who ran the Inn were so warm and welcoming. Everyone spoke softly, all of the Inn was so quiet, the lighting was warm and […] relaxing. They had a lovely parlor with a grand piano that my daughter was able to play. The breakfast was fresh and plentiful, the cofee was great. we ate breakfast in the parlor which was furnished with antique chairs, sofa, table, etc. the door to the balcony were kept open which added the ambiance. The room was cozy as well, with the same feel as the rest of the inn. If you are looking for a modern high tech hotel experience this will not be the place for you. But on the other hand, if you want a unique experience where you are taken back in time, then this Inn is for you. I will definetly stay at the Margarita Inn the next time I am in Chicago. And I plan on going more often since I have a place to stay that feels like home :) Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is a charming old place. The service was excellent. We were on the first floor and the room had quite a musty smell. Perhaps a room on another floor would be better Nonetheless it is a pretty cool place, well located and good value. A major renovation is planned. I think this will help

Genuine Expedia guest review

I enjoyed my stay at the Margarita very much. My room was clean, mattress comfortable, and the room was very quiet. It is in a great neighborhood with a variety of restaurants. The breakfast was simple but good - excellent coffee, the breads and rolls were fresh, hardboiled eggs and oatmeal were available, and fresh fruit was there for the taking also. […] Bathroom facilities were down the hall, and were very clean. Try it - you'll like it. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We stayed for a weekend so the small room (really, really small....!!!) worked for us and a non-working tv was hardly missed but it would have been nice to have a little more space and a working tv for night. That said, the room was very clean, the a/c unit worked well and the place was quiet at night. We were not aware that it was communual bathrooms […] at the time of purchase, so we were definitely surprised to find out that we would be sharing a co-ed bathroom with the rest of the floor which made showers and a "quick run" to the bathroom a little less than desired or convenient. This place isn't for everyone, but it served the purpose we needed -- a bed, a roof, good price and close to the train station. The staff were all very helpful and friendly! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

If you like a hotel with antiques and a long history then this hotel is for you! The breakfast room and library have loads of ambiance. If you are looking for a comfortable room then I suggest you stay at Garden Inn by Hilton, the Hilton Orrington or the Best Western - in that order. I have stayed at all four hotels and Garden Inn is the most comfortable. […] The Maragarita just was not comfortable starting with A/C, beds and room in general. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The staff was helpful over and above the usual. They provided more than information, they provided other things, like an umbrella when it was raining. A note to people dependent on technology. Internet is only in the lounge (a couple rooms above the lounge can get it) The building is very nice and solid which also means that cell phone service cannot […] penetrate. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Older hotel. Was there in the spring and able to open the window for fresh cool air. Good water pressure in the shower. Continental breakfast. VERY small tv but I was hardly in my room. Staff is VERY friendly. Overall, I enjoyed my stay there very much over the hotel chains in the area.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I consider my stay at this property a life experience! The historical significance of the building added value to my stay. I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast in the parlor, and felt a bit like I was enjoying a museum while I sipped my coffee. Best of all, the staff was wonderful, and made me feel like I was their personal guest. Will look forward to […] my next stay! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

the hotel was in a great place for me and a good price. But the bed was soooooo hard and uncomfortable that i could not sleep. I was quiet - that's a good thing!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Accommodating, friendly staff, conveniently located, a gem; this will always be my Evanston destination

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Lovely, old-world style inn that might not be for everyone but I loved it and would stay there anytime I'm in Chicago. Service & staff were great.

Genuine Expedia guest review

What a terrific experience -- like stepping back 100 years into a bygone era. Lovely "drawing room" with fireplace where we enjoyed shortbread cookies and hot chocolate one evening before a roaring fire. Beautiful vintage furniture...very European feeling. Loved the music from the era of the 30's- 40's which played in the background of the parlor. Staff […] extremely accommodating and friendly Location wonderful for getting around downtown Evanston on foot. Can't wait to go back... Anyone can stay at a chain hotel...this was a SPECIAL experience! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review