Benedictine Bed and Breakfast at 3111 South Aberdeen Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Exceptional, and in a less typical (yet still nice) location to see Chicago!

The setting and service is so lovely -- whether in the Loft Apartment, where breakfast is served to you and you can occasionally hear the monks chant, or in the Garden House, where your fridge is stocked with breakfast items and you have a lovely deck to sit and enjoy the sun, the Benedictine B&B is the perfect choice for travelers heading to McCormick Place who want to stay in a real neighborhood.

It's easy to get to downtown or the Convention Center by bus, and the White Sox stadium is within walking distance. There's a great coffee shop (Bridgeport Coffee), a great bar (Maria's), and great food options (Han 202 or Antique Taco, for example).

Be sure to take in at least one prayer service when there, even if you are not particularly religious -- the church is a beautiful and serene space, and the chanting is peaceful and soothing.

This B&B is a hidden gem.