Pictured Villa's host, Shawn Smith.
You really don't have to go to far to visit Europe. The Villa Toscana is a bed-and-breakfast with European-themed rooms that's that's in the heart of the very entertaining North Halsted strip.
Windy City Times recently spoke with the Villa's host, Shawn Smith, about everything from Moroccan themes to the disadvantage of having fire trucks in the vicinity.
Windy City Times: Can you give some background about the Villa Toscana?
Shawn Smith: The B&B's been running for about nine years and we [ two partners and myself ] took it over about three years ago. We fixed it up and refurbished it.
WCT: How long did this restoration take?
SS: To fix it up took about 18 months. It was just painting and trim and things like that. We didn't do anything too severe.
WCT: So tell me about the rooms here because they're pretty unique.
SS: Each room has its own theme. They're European-style rooms in the heart of gay Chicago. We have rooms with British Colonial, English, French, Neo-Classic, Moroccan, Venetian, and Art Deco themes. We ran out of countries. ( Smiles )
WCT: What does the Moroccan look like?
SS: It has red, sheer drapes, lots of silk, and wicker furniture. It also has red walls.
WCT: Are all the rooms the same when it comes to amenities?
SS: Not all have private baths; some are shared. However, they all share the same amenities.
WCT: What are the amenities?
SS: They're pretty similar to those in a hotel, except they're cheaper. You've got direct phone lines, where all local calls are free; cable TV channels; and towels. Most of our guests like to bring their own designer shampoo.
WCT: Now what would you say separates The Villa Toscana from other bed-and-breakfasts in Chicago?
SS: What separates us? Well, our decor is really unique. A lot of B&Bs have traditional or country themes.
Also, it's a lot of fun; it's very campy here. We have a lot of regulars who come here. I know them on a first-name basis. A lot of times we all sit around [ in the livingroom ] and just laugh and chat.
It's very light-hearted here. There aren't a lot of rules here. Just don't smoke and be considerate of other guests. ( Smiles )
WCT: What are the busiest times of the year?
SS: The winter months are slower. The spring months are the busiest.
WCT: What about Valentine's Day? Surely some romantic couple would come here ...
SS: We do have people come here at this time of this year, and we also get Sweetest Day guests in October.
WCT: I would think that would be the perfect time —and with each room having a different theme, you could come back each year and experience a different room.
SS: Exactly. Some people do come back to experience each room in a different way.
WCT: What's the most challenging aspect of running this business?
SS: It has to be the cleaning. It's constant cleaning. I'm basically a one-man operation and have to make sure that everything is clean and running smoothly.
WCT: And the most rewarding part?
SS: The guests. Today we had a nice couple and they complimented me on the good job I did and the Villa [ in general ] . They've traveled throughout Europe so they had something to compare it to. Sometimes, people expect too much but [ this couple ] was great.
WCT: How have computers helped you run The Villa Toscana?
SS: Booking online is huge. It really helps people to go online and look at pictures of the rooms.
WCT: Here's part of a recent review that someone wrote of the Villa ( at the TripAdvisor Web site ) ...
SS: Oh God ...
WCT: No, it's quite nice. Here it is: 'I'd highly recommend [ the Villa ] , as long as you are comfortable with a feeling of coziness and warmth, a bit of old world charm and elegance, and a desire to be in a comfortable retreat in the midst of urban madness.' How do you feel when you hear something like that?
SS: It's true.
WCT: You're so modest, Shawn.
SS: ( Laughs ) Well, we're set off the street so we don't really get much noise.
WCT: On Friday nights, is it as quiet as it is now?
SS: Yes, until the fire trucks blaze down Halsted with their sirens screaming.
WCT: One last question: Where would you like to see The Villa Toscana in five years?
SS: ( Laughs ) I don't even know if I can clean forever, but I would like to see the business continue to do well and provide great experiences for our guests. ( Laughs )
WCT: So basically you'd like to see it ...
SS: Paid for! ( Laughs ) Hey, you didn't say that I couldn't mention a fantasy.
The Villa Toscana is located at 3447 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657. The phone numbers are ( 773 ) 404-2643 and ( 800 ) 404-2643.
