Bathrooms Our luxurious bathrooms contain either an original over-sized cast-iron clawfoot tub or roomy stall showers, one with an in-stall seat. There are also private sinks in both deluxe rooms, and a half-bath on the ground floor with its original sink. Complimentary toiletries, hair dryers, scented soaps, bathrobes and teddy-bear soft towels are provided by your host, and homemade bathsalts are also available for tub soaking.
Breakfast For your convenience, complimentary coffee, decaf, and fine herbal, green and black teas and homemade biscotti are available 24 hours/day in either the kitchen or upper parlour. If you wish more extensive morning fare, we can suggest contacting one of our chefs to prepare a three-course breakfast. Or there are ten breakfast spots within one block, including Savories coffee shop, The Breadsmith, and Chicago's only 24-hour Starbucks.
Guests' Telephone The direct number to The Hansen House Mansion is 773.675.2620; the phone is located in the reception area. Phone calls within the USA are included with your stay; overseas calls may be charged to your phone card or placed collect.
Internet Access We offer free high-speed DSL Internet access via a wireless network (802.11b/g), but you must provide your own wireless network card and be able to configure it. Your card must be able to work with WiFi Protected Access (WPA) security. If you don't have a wireless card, you may purchase one nearby or use the inn's Ethernet connection to the Internet (cable provided) available in two common areas. Even though we take reasonable security precautions with our network configuration, you would be using our network at your own risk. We recommend the use of personal firewall software and installing the latest security updates for your operating system, as well as using an up-to-date anti-virus program and turning off file-sharing capabilities.
Fax Services, Photocopies If you wish to receive faxes during your stay, the number is 773.871.0412, but please let us know in advance. Kinko's 24-hour Copy Center is at 1201 N Dearborn.
Business Events
For the business traveler, we rent our spacious dining room as a conference room. The table seats up to fourteen, with additional seating in the room for up to twenty. Additional participants may view proceedings from the adjacent sitting room.
The room already has secure wireless DSL Internet access (see above), and an Ethernet LAN. We'll also provide extra electrical outlets. The solid west wall provides a handy space for projecting images from your LCD projector. A scanner, copier and fax service are available. And we have our "Tech Butler," an IT consultant on call to help solve the technical problems of our business travelers.
Our guest rooms are discounted to conference room attendees.
Catering and Cooking Lessons For a truly memorable event, Joseph Sochor, Director of the Heat and Spice Cooking School, can arrange private dinners for up to twelve guests in our beautifully appointed 1886 dining room with its original chandelier, stained glass, woodwork, etc. You'll enjoy an exceptional three-course meal behind closed pocket doors at our 19th century table dining on fine imported English bone china, and sipping your beverage choice from Villeroy and Bosch crystal.
For a more hands-on culinary experience, ask about Chef Sochor's in-house cooking lessons for groups of two - ten guests (including friends and family) in Thai, Mexican or Indian cuisines. You'll work side-by-side with Joe in our kitchen, and enjoy your results in the formal dining room. Please contact Joe directly at .
Historic Architectural Tour When she's not acting as docent for The Chicago Line Cruise's popular boat trips or the Cathedral District walking tour, let Diane Gonzalez take you for a private walking tour of this fascinating neighborhood to explain its rich history and architecture. The ninety minute tour is $10/pp or $18/couple, with a flat fee of $60 for 8-10 guests. She has been called "witty, informative and engaging" -- come find out for yourself!
Girls' Getaway
For a minimum of two nights and four women, we'll provide a Girls' Getaway Package containing fun items like microwave popcorn, chocolates (of course), perfumes, makeup, nail polish, bottle of wine, etc. plus discounts to nearby shops and pizza deliveries and a visit by a make-up specialist to give everyone a makeover or beauty treatment. Cost: $32/four guests and $7 for each additional guest. Must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of arrival.
Pet Care Much as we love animals, we regret that we cannot allow them in The Hansen House out of respect for any future guests with allergies. So if you are in town with your furred companion, we suggest you drop them at Chicago Pet Sitting, a nearby dog and cat B&B. Your pets will be kept in a private home, and you may "check them out" for your daily walks or sightseeing excursions, and then drop them back at their loving home each night knowing that with the limited pets allowed yours will receive tons of personal attention. Rates start at $35. Contact chicagopetsitting.com.
Miscellaneous Services We hope we've thought of everything you need to feel at home. The house has central air conditioning, wireless and ethernet DSL Internet access, complimentary toiletries, hair dryers, bathrobes, an ironing board and iron, stereo with CDs and cassettes, board games, playing cards, books, televisions, and DVD players. Your host will be happy to lend CDs or DVDs from our extensive collection for your listening or viewing pleasure.
