Cat's Cradle Bed & Breakfast allows you the unique opportunity of experiencing one of Chicago's oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods while still having easy access to the city's downtown. Located just one block west of Lake Michigan in the Rogers Park neighborhood, this spacious 1919 home was renovated into a five-room inn in 2009. It Arts and Crafts style, complete with stained-glass windows and original hardwood floor and trim, is visually beautiful, but it also has such luxuries as wall-mounted flat-screen televisions, towel warmers, walk-in glass showers and heated bathroom floors. Guests have access to the entire house, including communal gathering spots in the lower level (fireplace, leather furniture, games and 47-inch TV) and on two exterior decks, one of which is elevated. Next door is an original Frank Lloyd Wright house, which can be toured by prior arrangement. Breakfast is continental, but guests can have juice, bottled water, coffee, tea, yogurt, fruit and bagels at any time of the day. Only a block away is Jarvis Park Beach, and the larger Loyola Park Beach is about six blocks to the south. Both are owned by the city, free to the public and open to dogs as long as they're leashed. The neighborhood is full of old houses, architecturally interesting buildings, restaurants and bars, and a four-screen movie house is within walking distance. Best of all, getting downtown is as easy as stepping outside the front door to catch a bus or walking a few blocks to the El station.