The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast

The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast on North May Street, you immediately get why this place has such a stellar reputation. The building itself tells a story — it’s this beautifully restored historic structure that actually feels like someone’s elegant home rather than a typical hotel. I mean, the name gives it away, but there’s something genuinely literary about the whole atmosphere that makes you want to settle in with a good book.

Location & Neighborhood

The West Loop location is honestly perfect if you want to experience Chicago like a local. You’re walking distance from some of the city’s best restaurants — and I’m talking about the places where Chicagoans actually eat, not just tourist traps. The four-star property sits in this sweet spot where you can easily hop on the L to get downtown, but you’re also surrounded by the kind of neighborhood cafes and boutiques that make you feel like you’ve discovered something special. Couples seem to really get this vibe — they consistently rate the location around 9.0, which honestly doesn’t surprise me at all.

The Room Experience

What struck me most about my room was how thoughtfully everything was designed. Each space feels unique — you know, like actual guest rooms in a well-appointed home rather than cookie-cutter hotel accommodations. The beds are incredibly comfortable (which matters more than people think), and there’s this attention to detail in the furnishings that reflects the literary theme without being overly cutesy about it. The bathrooms are modern and well-appointed, though the historic nature of the building means each one has its own character.

Breakfast & Hospitality

The breakfast situation here is where The Publishing House really shines. It’s not just continental fare thrown on a buffet table — we’re talking about thoughtfully prepared meals that change based on what’s seasonal and available. The hosts clearly take pride in this part of the experience, and you can tell they actually enjoy chatting with guests about the neighborhood or recommending their favorite local spots. There’s something refreshing about staying somewhere where the people running it genuinely care about your experience rather than just checking boxes.

Why Guests Love It

With a 9.6 rating, this place obviously does something right, and after staying here, I get it. It’s that rare combination of professional service and personal touches that makes you feel like you’re staying with friends who happen to have impeccable taste. The West Loop location means you’re perfectly positioned to explore Chicago’s food scene, the historic building has genuine character, and the hosts create an atmosphere that’s both relaxing and engaging. If you’re looking for a place that feels authentically Chicago without the corporate hotel experience, this is exactly what you want.

To book a hotel in Chicago during winter lights, visitors plan ahead to balance Magnificent Mile shopping with ice-skating at Millennium Park.

The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast Accommodations

Reviews of The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast

• Sophie from United Kingdom (10/10)

  Great location, beautiful hotel. Booking in process was easy, the hotel felt safe and secure, and it looked very stylish. Bedroom and bathroom were both clean and a good size, and the bed was very comfy. I also loved the reading nook windowsill on the second floor landing, and made the most of it one cold afternoon to read my book in the sun.
  Staff were absolutely lovely, willing to make amendments to the breakfast menu (which was delicious) to accommodate my hatred of goat's cheese, and kind enough to look after my bags on my last day before flying home so I could spend the last few hours exploring the city.
  Highly recommend The Publishing House B&B to anyone visiting Chicago. If I make it back to Chicago I will definitely be back!

• Martina from Czech Republic (10/10)

  Awesome stay!!

• Gerald from United States (9/10)

  It was spacious and beautiful. The communcal space was both modern and cozy and large enough to accomodate all the guests comfortably. We also liked that it was within walking distance (25 minutes) to the United Center. The staff were also helpful and friendly. We only stayed one night, but it was great.

• Robert from United States (10/10)

• Josie from United States (10/10)

  Decor design, comfortable clean.

• Michaela from United States (9/10)

  clean, gorgeous, delicious breakfast and ideal location

• Anastasia from United States (10/10)

  It was so comfortable, felt so homely!

• Udagawa from Paraguay (10/10)

  We love the interior design, all the details and that it felt as being at home. We loved the dogs and the breakfast. Teh fiere place and that it had fire!!!! We loved the products at the bathroom. We loved the tea and coffee self serve and that we even had banana fresh bread. It was super clean that for us was also definetly the best experience.

• Elsa from United States (9/10)

  It was a wonderful and relaxing getaway with many choices of restaurants, shops and bars within walking distance. The breakfast was amazing!

• Charles from United States (9/10)

  Really clean, great look and feel, the communal spaces was new and interesting for me but I like it.

Facilities