The Twin Lions: Bespoke Travel Lodge w/ Speakeasy
Guest rating: 4.9 / 5
Overview
The Twin Lions: Bespoke Travel Lodge w/ Speakeasy is an immersive, multi-level luxury vacation rental in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, designed around experience-forward, cinematic interiors. The design blends mid-century modern with Hollywood Regency and Art Deco influences, with curated furnishings and artwork throughout. It’s geared toward large-group stays, celebrations, retreats, and content shoots rather than a conventional hotel stay.
Layout & Sleeping Arrangements
The property spans three levels. The main level includes three bedrooms with queen beds and one full bathroom, plus a parlor-style living room, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, and a sunroom for extra seating. The upper (penthouse) level adds three more bedrooms—a king-bed master suite with an executive study/office, a Boudoir Suite with twin bunk beds and dual makeup vanities, and a VIP Suite with a queen bed—plus a cabaret theater and a spa-style “Cloud Spa” bathroom with a Himalayan thermal jet system.
Entertainment & Social Spaces
A private cabaret theater with stage, projector, surround sound, and seating for about 25 guests anchors the penthouse level for movie nights, performances, and karaoke. On the garden level, the bistro café includes an espresso/coffee station and a dessert parlor set up for ice cream, shakes, and sweets, alongside a vintage-style barber shop. Additional relaxation amenities include an infrared sauna with aromatherapy and a full-body massage chair, plus a game-forward lounge environment (billiards, darts, video poker, and a CD jukebox stocked with 100 classic discs).
Outdoor & Practical Amenities
A shared outdoor deck provides a dining table, seating, a fireplace, a fountain, and a gas grill for group meals and hangouts. Practical conveniences include free parking, free Wi‑Fi, heating and air conditioning, an in-unit front-load washer/dryer with laundry supplies, and an ironing board/steam iron. The unit is smoke-free and pet-friendly (pet fee applies), and the kitchen setup includes microwave and dining/cookware essentials for preparing meals.
Access, Security & Optional Speakeasy
Guest access includes the apartment unit plus shared front and rear foyers and a shared fenced-in rear patio deck. The building uses multiple security measures: well-lit monitored common areas (front foyer/rear yard/foyers), a keyless deadbolt, and smoke/CO detection in common areas and every bedroom, with an optional alarm system. The “Midnight Leopard Lounge” speakeasy is an optional, separately rented shared party room (additional hourly fee and deposit) with set hours and an occupancy cap.
Location
Set in Chicago with a base in Bucktown, the lodge is positioned for convenient access to restaurants, nightlife, and the lakefront while still functioning as a private retreat-style stay. Specific nearby landmarks are not documented in the provided information.
Best for
This property best suits large groups seeking a distinctive, entertainment-rich stay—such as bachelorette/bachelor weekends, birthdays, private events (with prior approval), and corporate retreats—thanks to its multi-level themed spaces, cabaret theater, spa amenities, and outdoor deck with grill and fireplace. It’s also a strong fit for content creators, given the highly styled décor and multiple unique environments throughout the estate.
Travel tips
Clarify exactly which areas are included in your reservation before arrival, since the building contains multiple units and some spaces (including the Midnight Leopard Lounge speakeasy) may require a separate rental. If you plan to use the optional speakeasy, note the limited access window (12:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.), 20-person occupancy cap, and the required deposit. For pet travel, alert the host in advance and budget for the per-pet fee unless the animal is a registered service animal with valid documentation.
What guests say
Guests describe the lodge as a fun, highly distinctive space that feels special for group trips, with themed décor details that stand out and photograph well. Reviews also highlight that the host is responsive and helpful when questions come up. A recurring friction point is potential confusion about what areas are included versus shared or separately rented, given that the building contains multiple units and amenity spaces. Overall sentiment is very positive, reflected in the exceptionally high public rating (4.9259996 from 50 reviews).
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