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Only Urban Beach House in Chicago

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1131 W Morse
Located just steps from Lake Michigan
Wide porch with swing and seating area.
Wide porch with swing and seating area.
Warm foyer with staircase up to upper level

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Chicago, IL
  • Loyola University Chicago
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Wrigley Field
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Northwestern University
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Boat Room

1 Queen Bed

Commodore Room

1 King Bed

Lake Room

2 Single Beds

Rogers Room

1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms

First Floor Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Lower Level Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Second Floor Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Only Urban Beach House in Chicago

Chicago’s ONLY Urban Beach House combines the best of beach life and urban life! Perfect for couples, students, faculty, families, and vacationers who want to experience the beach house lifestyle while enjoying all of the amenities, conveniences and excitement of an urban location.

Virtual tour link: https://www.smartfloorplan.com/p/t/shell5.php?id=v450743

1131 W. Morse Ave. is uniquely located just steps from Lake Michigan, Loyola Park and the sandy shores of Loyola, Leone and Albion Beaches. Enjoy convenient access to the CTA Sheridan Bus, the CTA Morse Ave. “El” train station and the Metra train station at Morse Ave. Bicycle enthusiasts can rent a Divvy bicycle within a short distance of the property and explore Chicago’s premiere Lakefront path and bicycle routes.

Loyola, DePaul and Northwestern Universities will find this property conveniently located to their campuses. Loyola is in walking distance and DePaul and Northwestern are a short CTA stop away. The house is surrounded by dozens of restaurants and bars, retail and a movie theater all within steps of the house. The City of Evanston, the home of Northwestern University, is a short commute and is considered the Northshore’s capital for restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

Loyola Park offers wide open sandy beaches perfect for exploring. The park is a haven for the sports enthusiast with four tennis courts, basketball courts, three baseball diamonds, sports fields, volleyball courts on the sand and land, a field house, a playground, a fitness circuit course, a nearly 2/3-mile walking trail along the beaches of Lake Michigan, and more.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW:
1131 W Morse is loaded with features, including:

• a large bedroom with 1 King sized bed that converts to 2 Twins (sleeps 2)
• a 2nd bedroom with 1 King sized bed that converts to 2 Twins (sleeps 2)
• a 3rd bedroom with 1 Queen sized bed (sleeps 1-2)
• a 4th bedroom with 1 Twin sized bed (sleeps 1)
• a lower level Family Room with a couch convertible to a Full bed (sleeps 1-2)
• The house sleeps 8-9 people
• Bedrooms can also be offices
• 3 full bathrooms with newly rehabbed oversized showers
• a newer chefs kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, plenty
of cookware and appliances
• a large living room with decorative fireplace
• a family room with bar and French doors leading to a deck
• an office/game room
• a fitness room with workout equipment, weights, ball and yoga mats
• WIFI
• two tv’s and cable (Netflix, Amazon Video, etc.)
• washer/dryer with laundry supplies, ironing board and iron
• front porch and 2 rear decks
• complete patio furniture set
• an outdoor fire pit and new 6-burner gas grill for cooking
• large rear yard with yard games
• direct access to the park and beach
• 2 indoor garage parking spaces for an additional fee (Free street parking or two
garage spaces for $15/night per space)
• air conditioning
• 100% smoke free
• 100% pet free


Bedroom Descriptions
Commodore Room: King bed can be converted to two Twin XL beds

Lake Room: Twin XL beds can be converted to a King bed.

Boat Room: Boat themed room with Queen bed. (sleeps 1-2)

Rogers Room: Rogers Park, Chicago themed room with Twin bed and balcony

Cabin Room: couch convertible to a Full bed (sleeps 1-2)

Property manager

Keith
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
Additional fees and rules apply. Please inquire.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No using the indoor fireplace.
No feminine products, baby wipes or other non-septic items in the toilets.
No loud noises between 10:30pm-9am.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Additional fees and rules apply. Please inquire.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
Property Registration Number 60626, R20000058489

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Chicago

Located on a lake, this holiday home is in Rogers Park, a neighbourhood in Chicago. Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Merchandise Mart and Cloud Gate. Travelling with kids? Don't miss Lincoln Park Zoo and Field Museum of Natural History. Looking to get your feet wet? Power boating, fishing and swimming adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Chicago, IL

What's nearby

  • Loyola University Chicago - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • North Shore Beach Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Aragon Ballroom - 5 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Wrigley Field - 7 min drive - 8.1 km
  • Northwestern University - 7 min drive - 7.0 km

Getting around

  • Morse Station - 6 min walk
  • Chicago Rogers Park Station - 16 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪J B Alberto's Pizza - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Only Urban Beach House in Chicago pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Only Urban Beach House in Chicago?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Only Urban Beach House in Chicago?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Only Urban Beach House in Chicago located?

This family-friendly Chicago holiday home is located on a lake, within a 10-minute walk of Lake Michigan and Loyola University Chicago. Lincoln Park and Aragon Ballroom are also within 3 miles (5 km). Morse Station is 6 minutes by foot and Loyola Station is 11 minutes.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 42 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 52 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Scot M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Fun but expensive

The property was fine but there were extra fees added on
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lakeside family fun

Gina and Keith are excellent hosts who respond quickly to any and all last-minute questions and obviously work hard to provide every amenity, small and large, to accommodate their guests. Our extended family, including adult children, their spouses, and four grandkids, enjoyed our stay and created some wonderful lifelong memories at the beach—made comfortable with plenty of beach towels, chairs, and an umbrella—and in the city, which is readily accessible by car or train. (They provide street parking permit but I’d recommend you rent a space or two in the garage for the most convenient access to the house.) Thank you, Gina and Kieth. We definitely hope to be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location

The location is just steps away from the beach and Lake Michigan! The house is large and spacious. There was everything we needed right in the home. Definitely would stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rogers Park home

Six adults spent the weekend and it was terrific. Great beach, parks and art. The owners are very responsive and parking was good- we rented the garage and parking passes were provided for the street. Even on the weekend we managed to park the 3rd car easily. We loved the area and short walk to the beach, we enjoyed the parade of beach goers from the front porch swing. We had everything we needed in the kitchen and the beds are comfy. 😎
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Peter C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious Home, Perfectly Located

Pros • Perfect access to the lakeside, beaches, and a system of walking paths • Close to L transit, buses, and a bike station 1.5 blocks up • Grocery options a short bike or transit ride away • Ample dishware and flatware, dishwasher – pods provided • Well stocked kitchen with decent quality gear • Good Wi-Fi and Xfinity TV service • Good outdoor layout – large deck with bench seating, dining table • Large propane NexGrill in good working condition • Large lawn; great space for kids to run around • Basement level with open room and exercise equipment • Laundry room has large W/D on the basement level, and 3rd bathroom with shower Cons • Lower deck has some rot; there are exposed screw heads creating a safety hazard • Fridge water dispenser was not working properly; mgmt. said, “there is no replacement filter available.” • House has not had a recent deep cleaning e.g. dried grapes under the FR coffee table • Every room’s corners have spiderwebs and accumulated dirt. Dust and grime present on many surfaces and walls • Bedroom windows have no screens - no good way to flush room with fresh air • Ergometer not in working order • Other maint. items: broken seat chair, missing kitchen cabinet knobs, kitchen garbage slide-out has issue with left slide, missing front panel on fridge drawer, one stove burner does not light Overall we enjoyed our stay at this home and can recommend for people who need a lot of space, close to Lake Michigan, and enjoy great indoor / outdoor living.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Terrific location!

Keith & Gina were wonderful hosts! Location was perfect. Easy walk to Red Line for access to all we wanted to do. Beach & Lake Michigan were steps away.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

robert f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding Weekend

Very comfortable house. We had 7 adults stay at the house for 3 nights. We enjoyed the deck & backyard in the evenings. Between the park/beach and the neighborhood, there was a lot to explore.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

p c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ideal beach location

We were here to visit my son and celebrate his 30th birthday so the location was chosen because he lives two blocks away but when the weather was sunny it was an idyllic location a half block from the park and beach where we could go for a dip, take morning walks and runs. On Sunday we walked a few blocks to the farmers market and in the evening went to Roger’s Park Social, a great local bar. Also very close to the red line. The rooms were clean and spacious and the beds were comfortable. Beach towels and chairs were also provided.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Geni A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

We came for a family event and this house met all our needs and the hosts were very prompt and helpful
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place

This was a perfect house for my family and I to celebrate the holidays. So much room, plenty of comfortable places to sleep and relax. It isn't just a beach house and can be used anytime of year. Parking was super easy. Amenities were just what we needed. Gina and Keith were really good to us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

DANA B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rodger's Park Beach House

Well appointed and nicely laid out house. Quiet neighborhood, grocery stores and restaurants nearby. Beach is a 1 minute walk from front door. Beds very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sunil M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving week

Excellent communication with Gina, property was very clean. The house had everything we need for our party of 8. The location is as specified in the online listing. We also took the Red line (5 min walk from the house) train downtown one evening. All in all, would highly recommend this place. Plenty of good eating options closeby as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Group Accommodation

Fully equipped and comfortable for our group of eight. Situated on block from beach and four blocks from the red line. The host was very prompt and attentive. Great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

2/10 Terrible

Jamila L., Chicago

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Great location, BUT....

My family had a similar experience to one of the last reviews in Aug 2023. Let me break it down. Pros: -Great location, steps away from the beach and a park nearby. -Street parking available, and they provide permits, and there's also a garage you can rent -Worked w/ me to get me close to my budget Cons: -No central air: they're a/c units, however, they didn't seem to be cooling properly. One of the units clearly had mold. When I brought it up to Gina, it was essentially dismissed and said they'd been checked and there was no mold. Only when my brother in law took photos and sent them directly to her, was when action was taken. The unit ended up getting replaced a couple of days later. Please keep in mind, this was a safety/health issue. We had elderly folks, kids, and family members with asthma -Fire alarm went off several times, we presumed due to the heat in the home, as no one used the oven or did any cooking that day -My family saw a mouse in the kitchen; it was spotted twice -The door knobs were loose- had issue getting in the home. Gina was available to remedy and maintenance came out the next day to fix issue -Home was dirty: massive cobwebs and dirt/dust in many spots. -Kitchen sink literally coming apart from the counter -Unacceptable to rent a home in these conditions! Overall, the experience was not good. While there was *some* resolution, there was never even an apology for the inconveniences/conditions of the home. I have photos, unfort no way to attach.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Dianne S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Chicago trip

The park and the beach were lovely. That was the best part of the trip! I'm so glad we rented the garage as parking on the street would have been impossible-it’s jam packed with cars most of the time. First impression was terrible as we encountered a homeless person in the alley on the way to the garage. (The next day, he & his belongings were thankfully gone.) The house is old but charming. The cleaning crew missed some things. As soon as we arrived, we had to sweep the upstairs due to sand. I checked out my bed sheets with a quick swipe of my hand - sand…I stripped the sheets and washed them immediately. The next morning my daughter said her sheets had sand as well & she threw them in the wash as well. The other beds were fine. Some of the doorknobs were loose. My husband shut one of the bedroom doors and when he tried to open it the doorknob came off in his hand. He’s a fixer upper type & fixed the problem knobs. The kitchen was well equipped but the sink appeared to not have any support other than the drain pipe. There was a gap between the top of the sink and the counter. For the amount of money we paid for the house, I expected better. But I’m totally unfamiliar with Chicago and guess that everything is pricey.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Frances M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Vacation Location

Me and my family had a wonderful stay in this beautiful home filled with character and perfect spaces for fun and comfort! Its literally steps away from loyola park and beach. The neighborhood is bustling with beach goers; there's everything you need within walking distance: stores, shops, restaurants, bars. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tamra P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful home away

Five picky women enjoyed every inch of this lovely home. The home is one house away from the park and Lake Michigan beach. The kitchen and bathrooms were well provisioned - everything we needed, including a spare toothbrush. Comfy beds and fluffy towels. There are 3 bathrooms, which was fabulous for a bunch of gals. We used the deck and the propane fire pit - and we purchased the 2 extra garage parking spots to ensure parking (although if you time it right, you can park right in front of the house). Gina was incredibly responsive. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful house

Beautiful house in perfect location!!! Well equipped… hosts were wonderful to work with…. Loved strolling to lake and sitting on front porch!!! My grandchildren said, “can we come back here?” Just a wonderful experience!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Outstanding. House was very nice and location was amazing
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Val V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach house

The house is ideal for gatherings. We could visit in formal and casual living areas as well as on the deck and dining room. The basement also provided extra space and would be great for kids. Our gathering was 9 adults and there was plenty of space. We were surprised that the house was just one house away from the beach and provided beach chairs, umbrellas and toys. The house was clean, well furnished and nicely decorated. I was again pleasantly surprised by all the kitchen supplies and appliances. For example, is has both drip and Keurig style coffee pots as well a French press. The beds, linens and towels were top notch. Due to the close proximity to the beach the extra cost for garage parking for definitely WORTH it. At times there are no parking spaces on the street for a few blocks. The owners quickly answered any questions we had. This house is a gem in this part of Chicago and was full of pleasant surprises.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

hilary h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach house

Great location and property for family gathering. Walk to beach. Recommend getting parking option as street fills up on busy days. Easy comms with owners. Would rent again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason S., Los Angeles, California

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent house with ample space and great location

The house was perfect for our group of 8 guests. We had plenty of space to hang out & relax. The house has almost everything you need (just bring your own soap & shampoo). We especially loved the backyard and lawn games. And the location can't be beat! I walked down to the lake with my cup of coffee in the morning...beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joy E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house, great location!

This is the second year we’ve booked the Urban Beach House for Memorial Day weekend. Just a quick walk to the beach, spacious backyard, and a roomy deck and front porch provide lots of outdoor opportunities. Kitchen is well appointed and a large dining room, bar seating, and deck seating are great. Our hosts were responsive and accommodating.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Jeanne H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Fabulous location and amenities.

While there were hiccups upon arrival, the home, deck, porch, yard and location were all fabulous for our needs. Gina was friendly, helpful and accommodating in working through the hiccups. She and Keith thoughtfully have created a yard and home that works well for a number of people.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

leslie c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A comfortable Reunion Spot

We recently had a four night stay at the “Urban Beach House”. Our group was eight women who were college roommates “a while ago”. The location was excellent for activities in the northern suburbs, as well as an easy commute to downtown. The park and beach at the end of the street are steps from the house and are an enjoyable extension to the house. Parking is a little challenging late at night, but Gina was helpful in finding solutions. The house has plenty of comfortable spaces to gather and a well equipped kitchen made preparing meals easy. I would recommend this house for your next visit to the Chicago area.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Keith

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests