~ Guest Comments ~

Here's what some of our guests have said about The Hansen House Mansion:

Big-City B&Bs

Hansen Mansion {is} in prestigious Lincoln Park, a short walk to Old Town, attractive restaurants and shops. In this four-story house built 1886, it's easy to meet other guests thanks to a common kitchen stocked with coffee, teas and biscotti, and a Victorian living room that invites conversation. Innkeeper Fran Ramer, who has an affinity for antiques, clearly enjoys playing hostess. Pouring coffee, she talked about the history of Hansen House and its many antiques including the original Steuben glass lights. Norwegian architect Harald Hansen built the house for his family; today, he and his relatives stare at strangers through gilded framed photos hung over the velvet sofa and along the stairway.

Source: Conde Nast, Nov. 2008

A cozy 1886 B&B in the Windy City

"My husband and I detest cold, ultramodern hotels and always search out the oldest, coziest establishments we can find. We are extremely fortunate to discover that even a huge city such as Chicago has some delightful B&Bs.

Last October, we stayed in an 1886 row house called the Hansen House Mansion. It is two blocks from Old Town, one block from Lincoln Park and one block from Chicago's famed comedy club, Second City. There are at least a dozen excellent restaurants within walking distance as well as a large gourmet market. The latter was very handy because the Hansen House was what we came to refer to as a B&K (bed and kitchen); in other words, they don't provide breakfast, but guests have the full run of the modern and well-equipped kitchen.

The house itself maintains the flavor of the 1880s without being kitschy, and the owner, Fran Ramer, lives in the basement apartment. She's a lovely, welcoming presence and certainly knows her city."

Source: The Los Angeles Times, March 5, 2006

A Trip into the Past

"I traveled into a bygone era by touring the elegant, historic guesthouse at 164 Eugenie, a mansion with the authentic look and feel of 1886. The roofed porch or stoop welcomes you into an inviting foyer, then a richly furnished parlour and dining room. There's a modern kitchen in back. Going up the graceful staircase you'll find two guest bedrooms on each floor.

Fran Ramer, a warmly engaging woman, has a keen eye to the comfort and interests of her guests -- and to perserving the best of the past, with modern amenities.

If you'd ever like to stay ... in an environment at once comfortable, charming and historic, 164 Eugenie may be just the place."

Source: Dick Cody, for The Chicago History Museum

"My boyfriend and I stayed at Hansen Mansion as an alternative to the expensive hotel where the rest of the wedding guests were staying. Although their rooms were definately swanky, everyone was jealous of our Architect's Quarters.

The rooms were beautiful yet comfortable and home-y. Our mattress was firm and the sheets were clean and turned down for us on our first night. I loved that there were actually books in the shelves in our roomit appears that our hostess was quite a reader! The bathroom was spacious, and there was an extra sink in the main room -- a nice perk. There was also a good sized closet with shelves and plenty of coat hangers so that guests can "move in" if they'd like.

We especially liked that there was a common kitchen available to us -- a great option for those wishing to save a few dollars on dining.

The owner/manager of the Hansen House, Fran Ramer, was friendly and accessable. She gave us directions to good restaurants, blues clubs and directions for the public transit. She obviously loves her job.

I think that some people are "hotel" people {but} If you'd rather have gorgeous architecture, hardwood floors, an innkeeper with personality, and an escape from the city, the Hansen Mansion is your place!" - M.F., Ohio

"Thank you for such warm friendliness in sharing your house with us. In the 30 years we have been staying at inns and bed and breakfasts in the U.S., we have never encountered a more friendly innkeeper. We had a terrific time and loved Chicago." - Tom, Delaware

"The five of us have been meeting somewhere every year for about twelve years and I think we all agree that this year is definitely one of the highlights of all our trips. This is due, in large part, to meeting you and staying in your incredible house. We loved hearing about its history, the location so near everything, and the very special arrangements you helped us make, especially Joe's wonderful dinner on Sunday. I think we all felt like we were visiting a dear friend. Thanks again for everything you did to make our weekend so memorable." - C.T., California

"A perfect place." - D. & A.J., Indiana

"You have returned The Hansen House Mansion to its original elegance while incorporating modern conveniences. Your resulting masterpiece provides your guests a unique experience of being whisked back to the 19th century in the midst of a modern metropolis." - L. & G.P., Michigan

"I loved the charm of Hansen House. Thank you for your personal touch and graciousness." - J.T., Illinois

"What a great place to relax from all the hustle and bustle. Thank you!" - D.L., California

"Impeccable comfort." - M.K., Toronto

"A real find in a fabulous neighborhood with a charming hostess and every imaginable comfort. We'll definitely be back!" - J.B., Oklahoma

"We had a wonderful experience thanks to your charm and hospitality." - A.B. & D.G., Barcelona

"You made our trip even better than we could have imagined!" - R. & H.T., Tennessee

"Ahhh - what a wonderful place! My time here refreshed my soul." - D. & K.K., Illinois

"Wonderful, wonderful - both the house and you - we'll be back for sure." - C. & J.T., Louisiana

"We loved the Architect's Room - it was so gorgeous and peaceful, as the rest of the house. I never wanted to leave! A perfect getaway in the city. Thank you for allowing us to stay in your lovely home." - A. & M., New Mexico

"We have yet to find a spot in Chicago that we enjoy more, and our charming hostess only made our experience better!" - B. & S. P., Florida

"Thank you so much for allowing me the pleasure of staying in your beautiful home and for being such a great host, your hospitality was second to none and you helped me so much in finding things to do and places to go. You will no doubt hear from me in the future, i.e., next month." - I.M., London

"Memorable stay indeed!" - L. & M., Singapore

"Thanks again, I always enjoy staying here! See you next year - you're great!" - C.R., California

"It's nice to know there is Southern hospitality outside of the South! Thank you so much - super weekend." - S.W., South Carolina

"Although our stay was short, it will be a wonderful memory for us. At Hansen House we were able to spend quality time - we've fallen in love all over again! Thank you for giving us a happy home in Chicago!" - C. & D.G., Bermuda

"Thanks for the special touches and fabulous breakfast! You have created a wonderful celebration place!" - T.S. & Y.C., Colorado

"I had a wonderful time, very relaxing. I loved the room and the bed was very comfortable during my convention." - D.K., Ohio

"We will definitely remember our stay here with fondness and recommend it for anyone looking to stay in downtown Chicago." - A.D. & J.H. & S.L., Vermont

"Thank you for a lovely stay, comfortable and lovely neighborhood." - M.D., Ireland

"It has been a treat to stay here the last two weeks. You have been accommodating and I enjoyed your neighborhood so very much. I hope I get to come back." - C.L.

"It's great to be in your fabulous space We really loved all of the architectural details in our comfy room. Your suggestions for local restaurants were great! This was a wonderful weekend thanks to your hospitality. See you soon." - C. & G., Michigan

"We would like to thank you for a wonderful memorable stay. You have been so helpful ever since we wrote to enquire about the place." - J. & J.O., Hong Kong

"The architecture and setting are spectacular; the accommodations and service excellent." - P.D. & C.M., Germany

"This is THEE best place to stay in Chicago!" - H. & K. B., Alaska

"Thank you for a warm welcome on a cold October afternoon. We are so blessed to have spent it in your home. Cannot wait to come back!" - T. & M. P., Georgia

"Every visit just gets better!" - P. & H.S., Quebec

"We had a fun birthday celebration - a great place to have a small party - and such a convenient location." - R. & J. J., Pennsylvania

"As always, we thoroughly enjoyed Fran's wonderful hospitality." - P. & K.K., Malaysia

"We talked all the way home about what an extraordinary time we had on this particular reunion trip, and it was in no small part due to your incredible home (it was so perfect for us!) and all the wonderful "helpful hints," suggestions, and resources you found for us. We very much appreciate your efforts and also enjoyed having the opportunity to spend some time with you during our visit." - B.M., Georgia

"We all talked about how comfortable the beds were. Can you tell me what kind of mattress was in the Architect’s Quarters?" - S.E.