Monastery of the Holy Cross Guesthouses

3111 S Aberdeen St, Chicago, IL 60608, South Chicago, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.9 / 5

Overview

The Monastery of the Holy Cross Guesthouses is a unique bed-and-breakfast set on the grounds of an active monastery in Bridgeport, on Chicago's South Side. Rated 3-star with an exceptional 4.9 out of 5 from 22 guest reviews, it offers a colorful, distinctive alternative to standard hotel stays. The setting combines a historic, monastic atmosphere with the practicality of self-contained guest apartments.

Rooms

Accommodations are eclectic, apartment-style units rather than typical hotel rooms, many with multiple bedrooms suited to families or groups. Each unit comes equipped with a full kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and cable TV, and guests have noted the beds are comfortable and the units kept clean and organized. Kitchens are commonly stocked with breakfast staples and utensils, allowing guests to prepare their own morning meals.

Amenities & Services

Complimentary off-street parking is available on site, a notable convenience in a dense city neighborhood. Guests frequently mention the accommodating and helpful staff (referred to by guests as the Guestmaster), who assist smoothly with reservations, check-in, and check-out.

Location

The guesthouses sit about 3.5 miles from downtown Chicago and 1.5 miles from U.S. Cellular Field and a nearby El train station, making car-free access to central Chicago straightforward. Major attractions within roughly 4 to 8 kilometers include the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago, Adler Planetarium, Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, the Chicago Theatre, and the Chicago Riverwalk, with the Museum of Contemporary Art, Navy Pier, and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry a bit further afield.

Best for

This property suits families, small groups, and visitors seeking a home-like, budget-friendly base with self-catering kitchens and multiple bedrooms rather than a conventional hotel room. It's also a good fit for travelers who value free off-street parking and easy train access to downtown Chicago's museums and landmarks, and for anyone drawn to a quieter, historic, monastery setting over a typical commercial hotel district.

Travel tips

Take advantage of the nearby El train station for quick, affordable trips into downtown Chicago rather than driving, especially since parking downtown near attractions like Willis Tower or Millennium Park can be limited. Since the kitchens are typically stocked with breakfast basics, plan on preparing your own first meal and budget a grocery run for other meals. Given the property's small scale (22 reviews) and unique monastery setting, book and coordinate check-in details in advance with the on-site staff.

What guests say

Reviewers consistently highlight the friendly, accommodating staff who make booking, check-in, and check-out smooth and easy. Cleanliness and spaciousness of the apartment-style units are frequently praised, along with the convenience of stocked kitchens that let guests prepare their own breakfast. The free off-street parking and the historic monastery setting are also repeatedly called out as standout features. No negative themes appear in the available review excerpts, and at least one guest indicated an intention to return.

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