Stay Like A...Local

#StayAtVersey

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Where to Spend the First Day of Spring

As we get closer to spring, we want to spend as many days as we can outside and in the sun. Whether you’re taking a walk or having a picnic outside, Chicago’s north side has countless opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly right outside our door in Lakeview and Lincoln Park. Here are a few ways to spend the first day of spring:

1. The Lincoln Park Conservatory: An endless maze of flowers and greenery in the conservatory’s greenhouse is a great way to spend the first day of spring. The conservatory is free for all and located near the lakefront.

2. Diversey Harbor: Whether you’re on a powerboat or strolling around the harbor, visiting Chicago’s lakefront and the Diversey Harbor is a relaxing experience as the temperatures rise.

3. Lakefront: The great thing about Lincoln Park is that it’s not a far walk from our Lake Michigan lakefront. Jogging, bicycling, or even having a picnic along the lakefront always makes for a great spring afternoon. 

No matter what you’re doing outdoors, be sure to #StayLikeALocal and book your stay with us!

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Lord of the Rings in Lincoln Park!

Who can resist a themed pop-up? Not us! Just a short distance from our front doors is Replay Lincoln Park. The arcade bar is known for hosting elaborate pop-up events with themes like The Simpsons, Rick and Morty, and Game of Thrones. 

Now through March 23, you can live out your Lord of the Rings dreams with a themed-cocktail in your hand. Visit all three bars throughout the space. Each will have their own signature drink like the Evenstar, Narya-Ring of Fire, or a Vilya-Ring of Air. 

The bar boasts 60+ free arcade games and you don’t have to worry about paying cover because that wouldn’t be very hobbit-like, now would it?

For more information, visit https://replaylincolnpark.com/. And remember, Stay Like a Local with us. 

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Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in Chicago

Chicagoans and visitors celebrate St. Patrick's Day in an unrivaled way. The Chicago River is dyed green, everyone is festively dressed, and bars are up and down the streets of Chicago are celebrating. While St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17, downtown Chicago is celebrating it on March 14 with a parade and festivities. 

Following are some local options and bar crawls near our hotel to consider if you’re visiting the city for St. Paddy’s Day.

Chicago Shamrock Crawl on 3/14: Lots of bars in Wrigleyville are participating in the Shamrock Crawl. Some to name are Old Crow, Moe’s Cantina, Deuce’s/Charm'd Bar, Country Club, Happy Camper, and more. It starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $40.

Lincoln Park Bar Crawl on 3/14: Grab your tickets at the low prices of $15 to $25 and we anticipate the prices will increase. The Lincoln Park bar crawl includes four bars from 4 - 9 p.m. This also includes an invitation and drink ticket to the Five Saints Crawl after-party, drink specials, green sunglasses and contests. 

Charm’d pop-up bar until 3/17: Last but not least, Charm’d is a pop-up bar in Wrigleyville that’s decked out with everything green, gold and holiday-themed. There are creative cocktails and many photo opps. 

In the meantime, be sure to book your stay with us! #StayLikeALocal

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Start 2020 off the Healthy Way with these Restaurants

After the holidays, we all want to set healthy goals for ourselves. Between November and early January, plans generally consist of something that involves food or drinks and trying to pencil in holiday shopping somewhere on that list. In the midst of it, it’s easy to lose track of workout classes and healthy eating. Traveling also plays a big role in the holidays.

During this after-holiday resumption, it’s hard to squeeze in time to go to the gym. On the other hand, eating healthy isn’t something hard to do when you’re out and about. Here are three healthy restaurants near our hotel.

Left Coast: Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with WiFi available, this gem in Lincoln Park offers several selections for select dietary needs and a California-vibe when you dine in. It’s grab-and-go friendly, or you can sit down and do some work there. There are also juice, smoothie, tea, and coffee options.

Veggie Grille: Our neighbors over at Veggie Grill serve delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Also, all you need to do is walk over next door.

Wheat’s End Cafe: If you’re looking for a cafe with gluten-free options, this is the place to go. Wheat’s End is on Broadway, just up the street from us and has several quick bite options.

Make sure you book a room with us here while you’re on the go and check out some of these healthy eateries!

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Tomorrow Never Knows and Sketch Fest

There’s plenty to do around Chicago, but our hotel offers discounts when you book to see select events! Being in the heart of Lincoln Park puts guests near attractions such as the lake and more. 

The Tomorrow Never Knows Festival takes place in some historic concert halls like Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Metro, Hideout, and Sleeping Village. This is a five-day event where rising indie artists from Chicago will get a chance to perform for attendees to check out new music. This gives guests a chance to #StayLikeALocal in the north side and check out some of the Chicago indie music scene when you book the Lincoln and Schubas rate for 25% off here.

Chicago also offers guests to check out Sketch Fest at Stage 773 where writers, performers, and comedy lovers can celebrate and perform over the course of eight days. This is a fun opportunity to venture out to and to get a discount of 25% off when you book with our Feature Partner rate here.

We’d love to welcome you and have you check out some of Chicago’s offerings! #StayLikeALocal

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Book Three or More Nights and Get One for Free!

We’re excited to offer an amazing travel deal to stay with us.  If you’re traveling to Chicago for business or leisure travel, you can stay with us and get a number of perks along with it.  Being right near The Original Pancake House and by Stan’s Donuts is already one perk, but when you stay three or more nights with us, you could get one night for free as well. 

This is perfect for around the holidays when it comes to visiting friends and family. Also, being in Lincoln Park puts you around festive spots such as holiday-themed bars and the Lincoln Park Zoo, where you can experience the Zoo Lights for free. Stay like a local and experience the North Side of Chicago with a bonus, free night if you book three nights with us. You won’t want to miss this offer.  This makes for a great holiday vacation or a fun staycation. 

To make this process entirely hassle-free, there are no certain codes or waivers you need to access this perk. All you need to do is book online with us through our website. Please be mindful when booking, some blackout dates apply.

To learn more, book today and get your free night, follow this link! #StayLikeALocal

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Special #BlackFriday Savings Are Right Around The Corner

Are you ready for the holidays? We’re excited for Thanksgiving and all the fixings in just a few short days. Thanksgiving also brings awesome deals on a day that promotes countless discounts and deals - #BlackFriday. And many of those deals extend beyond just one day, including our travel deal.  This year, we have a very special #BlackFriday deal planned for you.  

Beginning today, you can take advantage of our special #BlackFriday deal and book a stay with 40% off all bookings through March 31, 2020. This deal is valid from Nov. 25 through Dec. 2.  If you’re planning to visit Chicago during the next few months, this is one travel deal you’ll want to take advantage of. But act fast - this deal is only available until Monday, Dec. 2 (some restrictions apply).  

Spend the upcoming holiday season with us and enjoy a special time with family and friends during this wonderful time of the year. #StayLikeALocal

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How To Stay Like A Local in the Heart of Chicago

Travel is a blast. It allows you to broaden your horizons and experience the five senses in a whole new way. You can meet people from places other than your own and you widen your world by exposing yourself to new places and cultures. We believe travel is best done when staying like a local and immersing yourself in a local culture and environment. Because of that, we’ve created our entire mantra and vision around how to #StayLikeALocal and help you feel like your trip to Chicago was like being a true Chicagoan at heart.  

1) Stay Locally –  Opt for friendly neighborhoods, such as where we are located right in Chicago’s popular Lincoln Park and Lakeview.  Our local neighborhood has plenty of options for entertainment, including comedy shows, concerts, unique local shops and cafes.

2) Ditch the Guidebook, At Least for the Moment – Not only does walking around with your head buried in a guidebook scream tourist, but it forces you to visit all the places everyone else does. Instead, ask locals about their favorite restaurants, clubs, and exciting upcoming events they’re attending. Our front desk team is always happy to offer suggestions as well.   

3) Try New Foods, Even If It’s Scary – Are you convinced that nobody can top thin crust pizza or that hog dogs are required to have ketchup? Try Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at nearby pizzeria’s Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East, Giordano’s, or a local favorite, Pequod's. Venture out and try a Chicago-style hot dog, stuffed with fresh white onions, tomatoes, a dill pickle spear, and sport peppers or some yummy Italian Beef. If you’re looking for a truly iconic Chicago drink, pucker up with Jeppson's Malört.

4) Use Local Transit – Instead of taking Uber, Lyft, or a taxi, find out the best local way to travel. Having your own transport option allows you to explore local life and stop when and where you want. Luckily, Chicago’s CTA has eight ‘L’ train lines and 140 bus routes that reach every neighborhood. Fares are affordable with multi-day passes available, and you can even download tracker apps to help you navigate throughout Chicago.

5) Find Ways to Connect – Travel is all about new experiences and one way is to start friendships with locals. Show interest and ask those you meet about the things that matter to them – their family, faith, food, and what they do for fun. Be prepared to answer your own questions in return. Many travelers form friendships that last for a lifetime and that make our world a more vicarious place. 

We hope this blog post helps you understand the best ways to get to know a destination, so that when you travel to Chicago soon, you #StayLikeALocal.

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Local November Concerts and Our Rock ‘n Roll Past

If you take a look back at the history of our hotel, you’ll see there’s some rock ‘n roll history that we’re proud to have walk through our front doors.  From Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love to Sheryl Crow, we’ve seen a number of A-List celebrities stay at our hotel.  We’re certainly no stranger to rock ‘n roll celebrities. We’ve never let go of our storied past and continue the history of welcoming bands who are playing shows at local venues. 

If you’re a music lover like many of our guests, there’s a number of options right near our hotel. Two local live music venues where hotel guests can catch a fun concert are The Vic and Lincoln Hall.  

The Vic Theatre is a historic Chicago venue, which opened in 1912 under the name Victoria Theater. The lobby floor and staircases are still the same Italian marble and much of the interior still has the original ornate wall sculptures. Due to its large size, the venue has always been focused on music and live performances and occasionally transforms into a Brew & View, its cinema-focused alter-ego where guests can enjoy an old or new favorite for just $5. The Vic has hosted notable performances from artists including Cage the Elephant, Ariana Grande and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Below are some upcoming concerts you can add to your calendar this month:

Thursday, November 14 - Blues Traveler – Four Live Tour presented by Jam Presents. Magnolia Boulevard is the opening act with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Friday, November 15 - Bishop Briggs and Champion Headline Tour and the doors open at 6 p.m. Friday, November 29 - WATERPARKS with Yung Pinch and the doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Lincoln Hall is a popular staple on the crossroads of the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods. Lincoln Hall is a great venue to catch more intimate shows and its history also begins in 1912 when it opened as Fullerton Theatre.  Along with Schubas Tavern (its owners), it has hosted early career performances from bands including Dave Matthews Band, Modest Mouse and My Morning Jacket. Below are some upcoming shows at Lincoln Hall that are worth checking out: Monday, November 11 - Juke Ross welcomed by 103.5 Kiss FM. Opener is Manny Torres and the doors open at 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13 – The California Honeydrops presented by LHST 30/10. Both shows feature opener Javier Matos and two show passes are available - doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, November 15 – Mikal Cronin with Shannon Lay. Doors open at 8 p.m. Sunday, November 17 – WKQX welcomes SYML with Handsome Ghost. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 23 - The Ghost Of Paul Revere with Animal Years. Doors open at 8 p.m.

We hope this gives you a few great ideas for musical acts to check out this month when you #StayLikeALocal.  What’s on your list?

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Essential Local Cafés Near Hotel Versey

Chicago is known for having great cafés and coffee shops. Below is a list of some of the top spots to check out if you’re staying with us at Hotel Versey and need a pre-meeting pick me up or just want to relax with a good book or your laptop. 1. Stan’s Donuts & Coffee – A true Chicago staple, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee is the place to visit if you’re looking for fresh donuts with your coffee. Stan’s has everything from Vanilla Sprinkled Glazed to specialties such as their Chocolate Pocket with Nutella & Banana or Lemon Raspberry Old Fashioned. Gluten-less donuts are also available in Pistachio, Chocolate, and Blueberry. Excellent coffee is provided by Passion House Coffee Roasters, a Chicago-based roastery and coffee shop brand. 2. Colectivo Coffee – Lincoln Park: Fun, hip, and trendy, Colectivo is always busy with Chicagoans needing a pre-work boost of energy or just looking to relax. This shop has everything from all-day breakfast and cafe eats to scratch bakery bread and of course, hand-crafted coffee and iced drinks. Two must-orders are the Coldbrew Horchata and the Windy Ci-Tea. 3. Osmium Coffee Bar: A sister cafe to Chicago’s hipster haven, Dark Matter, Osmium is known for its unique artwork and great hot drinks. Must orders are the Agave Latte and any of their limited roaster’s choice pour overs. 4. Department of Coffee and Social Affairs: Founded in 2010 on London’s iconic Leather Lane Market, Department of Coffee and Social Affairs grew to expand with their first U.S. cafe at their Lakeview location. The cafe offers up premium coffee and light eats with a focus on quality ingredients and freshness. Try their big flavored cold brew or any of their fresh baked pastries. 5. Intelligentsia Coffee – Broadway: As the flagship storefront of Intelligentsia, this coffee enthusiast’s paradise is large and communal. Guests can chat with knowledgeable baristas who craft perfect cappuccinos. Speaking of which, try their Black Cat Project™ espresso-based drinks for bold flavors. 6. Hero Coffee Bar – Lakeview: Hero Coffee has spread to include five locations throughout the city of Chicago and is known for its community outreach and support of local charities. Their slogan, “to positively impact our communities one meaningful cup at a time” perfectly sums up their mission. Enjoy unique seasonal drinks next time you stop in. Chicago is no stranger to great cafés and the Lakeview neighborhood has many great options to choose from. With a variety of options for travelers staying with us at Hotel Versey, curling up with a good book, working remotely on your laptop, or just grabbing a donut with coffee at one of our local cafés is essential.

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Eat (and Stay) Like a Local!

When you stay with us at Hotel Versey, we have a couple different breakfast packages to help you start your day off on the right foot.

First, you can’t miss the beloved and delicious Stan's Donuts, which is why all our hotel guests will receive a complimentary donut or bagel with purchase.  Located next door to our hotel, you can enjoy a delicious local treat with your complimentary voucher. Featuring more than 50 types of donuts from Carmel Marshmallow Pocket to Blueberry Bismark, Stan’s has a donut to suit every type of sweet tooth.

Looking for something a little more hearty? Book our Breakfast Package and enjoy a complimentary breakfast at The Original Pancake House, which is just down the street and steps from our entry. Our hotel guests can choose from an American Breakfast, Healthy Choice Breakfast or Garden Breakfast. The package includes one breakfast per person.  

Grab a coffee and your free donut, or fill up on some pancakes, and head on over to the Lincoln Park Zoo, only a 10 minute ride on the 76 bus. Enjoy your morning by strolling through the Zoo, walking along the lake shore or exploring the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Centered in the heart of Lakeview, we offer the best of what Chicago has to offer. Book your room today to #StayLikeaLocal.

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Seven Favorite Coffee Spots to Find Local Coffee and Treats Near Us

We’re thrilled to be walking distance to many of the great coffee shops throughout Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Our neighborhood is home to inspiring art, culture and, of course, coffee. Book a room with us today to be in the middle of it all and explore Chicago the way it was meant to be discovered -- locally.

Just outside our front door are an abundance of coffee shops featuring local brews and homemade pastries. Check out our top seven favorite hangouts to enjoy a quick bite to eat and a hot cup of joe. Grab your vanilla latte and head on over to the Lincoln Park Zoo for a nice stroll through the park-like a true Chicagoan. 

Whether you’re looking for a fun and upbeat atmosphere or simply a quiet place to read, Lincoln Park has it all and our hotel offers the convenience of location and variety. Hop on the 76 bus to Diversey & Racine/Lincoln to find a wide selection of organic teas and freshly roasted coffee at Coffee Lab & Roasters. If you’re looking for a small lunch and a place to curl up with a good book, head over to Bourgeois Pig Cafe via the Brown Line to Fullerton. While you’re there, wander over to DePaul University’s Art Museum to check out the latest collections of historical and contemporary art. 

- Coffee Lab & Roasters

- Two Hearted Queen

- Printer's Row Coffee

- The Bagelers Coffeehouse

- Elevate Coffee

- Herb & Alchemy

- Bourgeois Pig Cafe

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Cheers to Lincoln Park Uncorked

Just a few short blocks from our hotel’s front door, you can find one of Chicago’s premier wine tasting events right in our neighborhood. Drink like a local at Lincoln Park Uncorked: A Lincoln Avenue Wine Stroll. On Sept. 26, you can discover your new favorite red, white or rosé wines paired with local bites from Lincoln Park’s favorite restaurants. Explore the best Lincoln Park has to offer in the pop-up tasting rooms from Vin Chicago.

Tickets are expected to sell out so be sure to get yours early! Check in is at Old Grounds Social, 950 West Wrightwood Avenue, less than a mile away from our front door. Don’t feel like walking? Enjoy Chicago’s transit system by taking the 76 bus toward Narragenett from Diversey/Broadway four stops away to the Diversey Brown Line Station. 

Book your room with us today to enjoy the best of Lincoln Park and complete your weekend getaway with the Lincoln Avenue Wine Stroll. We are only steps away from the action and adventure of Chicago’s Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. Enjoy all our neighborhoods have to offer and book your room to be in the middle of it all. 

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Savor the Last Days of Summer at Lakeview Taco Fest

Celebrate Taco Tuesday over the weekend! The Sam Adams Lakeview Taco Fest is taking place on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22. The times on both days are from 11:00 a.m. until 10 p.m. 

Rather than settling on one place for tacos, the fest will let you indulge in tasty food from three different Chicago restaurants - D.S. Tequila, Blue Agave Tequila Bar, and Cafe Tola. 

Whether you’re a chicken, steak, or chorizo person, you’ll be sure to find something you love! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for one of the more unique options such as mushrooms, seafood, goat, and duck tacos.

Aside from the tasty food, there will be live entertainment on two different stages as well as Mexican wrestlers and kid-friendly activities. 

Although the festival is free, a $10 donation would help benefit Friends of Lakeview.

To get to the event from our hotel, take the CTA brown line north at Diversey, just an eight-minute walk from our hotel. Get off at Southport and walk about three minutes East.

You could also take the bus north, getting on at the Clark & Diversey stop - right across from Jimmy John’s. Get off at Clark & Addison, right in front of Wrigley Field, then take a left on Addison St, and another left on Southport Ave.

For more information on the event, click here. To book your room with us and make it a weekend getaway, click here. 

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Enjoy Dessert First at Dessert Fest

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Dessert Fest at the Lincoln Park Zoo! Try some of Chicago’s tastiest desserts along with enjoying the scenic views of the animals and garden. 

The event takes place on September 14. Prices range from $20, being a standard ticket, and $45, being a VIP ticket. Your ticket gives you access to desserts, interactive games, live entertainment, giveaways and more. 

For those 21 and older, there will be beer, champagne, and wine – a great way to make it a night out! Pop-up cash bars will also be present. If you don’t have cash, there are ATMs at the zoo.

The best part? A large portion of the proceeds will go towards the Lincoln Park Zoo. Proceeds help keep the zoo open year-round and free. Every little bit helps, but having desserts and a fun night out make it a win-win. 

Make sure to buy your tickets in advance, as there’s no guarantee that there will be any available at the doors. 

Our hotel isn’t far from the zoo, so make it a weekend getaway and book your stay with us here. To get to the zoo from our hotel, walk to the Clark & Diversey bus stop in front of T-Mobile. Take that south for six stops until you reach Clark & Webster. Take a left on N Webster and then a right on N Lincoln Park.

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Chicago Philharmonic at the Zoo

A one-of-a-kind music experience is just around the corner from our hotel. Lincoln Park Zoo is proud to host the Chicago Philharmonic for the first time. The event will take place on August 23.

The event will feature a 90-minute performance (including intermission) of classical music featuring classics such as Beethoven and Bartok.

Aside from music, guests could enjoy cash bars, concessions, and fragrant gardens. All in all, the event is perfect for a relaxing summer night. Seating is general admission and is first-come, first-serve. Guests are welcome and encouraged to bring blankets and small folding chairs.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m., but the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission. Zoo and Chicago Philharmonic Society members will receive 10% off.

VIP admission is $55 and includes a complimentary drink ticket and exclusive access to the rooftop deck above the gift shop - which has private seating and bathrooms.

The music program will be announced shortly, but for more info on the event, click here.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is a short trip from our hotel! To get to the zoo,  walk to the Clark & Diversey bus stop in front of T-Mobile. Take that for six stops until you reach Clark & Webster. Take a left on Webster and then a right on Lincoln Park.

In the meantime, book your stay with us here.

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The Chicago Air & Water Show is Only Three Weeks Away

Switch up your summer weekend entertainment and check out the Chicago Air and Water Show. It’s fun, free, and friendly for all ages. 

The event started way back in 1959 - it’s the oldest free admission air and water exhibit in the country.

Luckily for Chicago residents, the event takes place in the city, just right above Lake Michigan and steps away from our hotel!

The two-day event takes place on August 17 and 18 from 10am to 3pm. Lots of Chicago natives and visitors alike always hit the lakefront before start time to set up seating arrangements - so be sure to get there early!

The best place to watch the event is at the lakefront on Fullerton Avenue or North Avenue beach.

To see the stunts from Fullerton Avenue - all you have to do is take the Clark bus at Clark & Diversey and head south. You can get off the bus at Clark and Fullerton and turn left to walk towards the lakefront. Getting to North Avenue Beach from our hotel is simple as well: hop on the bus at the same stop, get off at Clark & North Ave. The beach will be ahead!

Since the event isn’t far from our hotel, be sure to book your stay with us here.