Margarita European Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

Not a good time to visit My husband and I planned a weekend getaway to this historic hotel but only stayed for one night. The gentleman on duty at the front desk was very friendly and helpful when we checked in to the hotel. The historic areas of the building were closed due to COVID-19 and there was no delicious breakfast as described by other patrons. The bed and tub were clean, but there was no soap in the soap dish or bath room rug, and the washcloth was literally in shreds. The shower current was stained and there was a hole in the ceiling. The air conditioner did not work. When the maid started to vacuum my husband developed an allergic reaction which led to us checking out a day early. I suspect a good carpet cleaning and vacuum cleaner bag change is in order. When we checked out the woman at the front desk continued to talk on the phone without acknowledging me for a few minutes as I waited to check out. When she finally put the phone down I handed her the room keys and told her we were checking out. She said “is that all” and did not bother to ask about whether or not their was any problems or if she could be of some assistance. We will not be returning to this establishment.

Quaint Comfortable Hotel Very nice quaint and comfortable hotel in Evanston walking distance to shops, restaurants, train and Northwestern University. The hotel was very comfortable and clean, and the front desk help was amazing. Taiyone made check in so easy, was very pleasant and ensured we had everything we needed for our stay.

Unique hotel experience that brings us back again and again! We are repeat customers of the Margarita European Inn, having discovered this gem of a hotel when it was an independent. Our trips to the area are usually to Chicago, but we certainly do not mind the drive to and from Evanston via the Lake Shore Rd./Sheridan Rd. route as we enjoy entering Evanston through the neighborhood streets which are full of beautiful and unique architectural styles and then driving through the downtown to the hotel. The ambiance of this unique hotel property brings us back over and over. From the old-time cage elevator to the lovely parlor and the library all the way to the rooftop terrace, we enjoy it all! Nicely decorated for the holidays too! The rooms are spacious enough (keeping in mind that the property once was a business school for young women) and clean and comfortable. The complimentary breakfast offerings are generally quite tasty, from the eggs and sausage to the croissants and other baked sweets to the fruit and coffee. Additionally, if you want to eat or shop in Evanston, the downtown center is within walking distance. So is the train station. For the price, it is worth it. One caveat is the parking for which there is an additional daily fee; be sure that you understand where guests are allowed to park.

Delightful and inexpensive stay Extremely helpful and friendly manager, delicious breakfasts by a French pastry-chef. The hotel is quiet, and conveniently located for restaurants and trains (CTA and Metra). Our kingsize bed was very comfortable. It is next door to a museum devoted to stained glass (much of it Tiffany) and the history of timekeeping, with an amazing collection of clocks.

sadly lacking I was excited about this hotel, as it was clearly not the cookie-cutter corporate hotel experience. Staff were kind and bathroom was lovely. Short of that, nothing to recommend it. We were three, arriving late, and I wrote an email before arrival to make sure they knew we were arriving late and to make sure the bed for the third was ready to go, and . . . no bed set up when we arrived. Not that it mattered--the pull-out was the most uncomfortable pull-out we have experienced in our years of traveling as three (son with us). Either replace the pull-out with a bed one can actually sleep on, or scratch the claim that the room sleeps three. Received no maid service, even though we left around 9:30AM and returned late at night. For these prices, I expect to come home to some fresh towels and emptied trash cans. When I called down to ask for towels and ask why no maid service, not much of a response. They brought up a 2 towels, although it was a room for three, no wash cloths, hand towels. I gave up. The hotel needs maintenance badly--the wood on the windows has decayed, so that the wind gets in and it can get cold and in the morning, noisy. Breakfast was okay, but they ran out of hot water, stuff had run out when we came to eat at 9, had to hunt down someone to ask if they could replenish. My sense is that they need more staff, the ship needs tighter running, and they need to put some money into basic maintenance. Shame, as the location is great and the historic building could be charming with some TLC.