Frequently Asked Questions & Policies
FAQ
Your questions are always appreciated and we do our best to answer them as well as we can. Below you will find some of the most common questions that we receive. If you have a question and cannot find the answer here, feel free to email us at info@chinadollguesthouse.com or call us toll-free at (866) 361-1819.
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What is the difference between China Doll’s apartments and a bed and breakfast?
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Are the China Doll Guest House short-term rental apartments licensed with the city of Chicago?
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Does China Doll Guest House have full-time staff?
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Is there a way to compare the features of your different apartments?
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I’ve made a reservation. How do I check in on the day I arrive?
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We really want to stay at China Doll Original II, but but it is not available for our whole trip. Could we stay in another apartment for the other days?
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Most of your apartments are pet friendly, but I am allergic to dogs and cats. Will there be dander left over from the previous inhabitants?
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What forms of payment do you accept? Can I use a corporate account for my stay?
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We are staying in an apartment that has a shared deck, but would love to have a cookout with our son who lives in Chicago while we are there. Is it possible to reserve the deck for a specific time during our visit?
What is the difference between China Doll’s apartments and a bed and breakfast?
Like a bed and breakfast, China Doll’s apartments provide short-term rental options. Your apartment is fully-furnished. The main difference between our apartments and a bed and breakfast is privacy. All China Doll short-term apartments are completely private, including the baths. China Doll does not provide a prepared breakfast, but you are welcome to use the fully equipped kitchen to prepare your own breakfast or any of your other meals. Our short-term apartments also include staff at each location.
Are the China Doll Guest House short-term rental apartments licensed with the city of Chicago?
Yes, our apartments are licensed vacation rental apartments with the city of Chicago. Click here to view the license for Original I, II and III and Country I, II and III (pdf).
Does China Doll Guest House have full-time staff?
Yes, staff is available at each China Doll Guest House location. Should you have a question or need assistance during your stay, a staff member is available to assist.
Yanan Haring – Owner and Manager
Office Staff:
Pattiann Smith-Office Manager
Samantha Stevens – Accounting and Reservations
Brandi Boze – Marketing and Reservations
Matt Arbogast – Marketing and Web Design
Property Staff:
Don Stevens – Weekday Maintenance
John Montanez – Weekend Maintenance
Housekeeping:
Alla Kuryltsiv – Housekeeping
Nataliya Vasylenka –Housekeeping
Lyuda Shamryk – Housekeeping
Is there a way to compare the features of your different apartments?
We know that finding the right China Doll apartment to suite your needs is very important. Click here for a quick comparison of some of the main features and amenities of each apartment.
The comparison should help to clarify the differences between the properties and apartments, but if you have any further questions, feel free to call us at (866) 361-1819 or email us at info@chinadollguesthouse.com.
I’ve made a reservation. How do I check in on the day I arrive?
About a week beforehand, we’ll send you the door codes to your apartment. Since we don’t have a front desk, you will just come directly to the address where you’ll be staying. On the front of your building you’ll find a keypad or realtor lock box where you can enter the code and get into your “home.”
We really want to stay at China Doll Original II, but but it is not available for our whole trip. Could we stay in another apartment for the other days?
As long as you’re okay with moving, we’re happy to accommodate you in this way. We will even help you move!
Most of your apartments are pet friendly, but I am allergic to dogs and cats. Will there be dander left over from the previous inhabitants?
We DO have one apartment that is designated “pet-free”. If that is not available when you wish to stay with us or you would prefer to stay in another apartment, we will do a deep steam cleaning of the apartment, rugs, and furniture.
What forms of payment do you accept? Can I use a corporate account for my stay?
We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards. We also accept cash and checks (payable to China Doll, Inc.). If you have a corporate account, just let us know and we can make arrangements.
We are staying in an apartment that has a shared deck, but would love to have a cookout with our son who lives in Chicago while we are there. Is it possible to reserve the deck for a specific time during our visit?
Sure! Just tell us when you’d like to use the deck and grill and we’ll alert the other guests that you’ll be there.
Policies
Below are the general policies for all of the China Doll properties. Guest information for each property is available here by following the links. General China Doll policies are provided below.
- Original Guest Info & Policies
- Coach House Guest Info & Policies
- Country Guest Info & Policies
- Orchard Guest Info & Policies
Deposits & Cancellations

- A $250.00 deposit is due at the time of booking.
- If reservation is canceled, a $25.00 cancellation fee will be retained.
- 14 days prior to your arrival, the deposit is non-refundable unless the apartment is rebooked.
- 7 days prior to arrival, 50% is due unless the apartment is rebooked
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
Whenever possible you are welcome to check in early. This depends on if and when we have prior guests checking out. On an early check-in, we may still be completing the housekeeping. You are always welcome to drop off your luggage before your official check-in.
Check-out time is 12:00 noon.
Whenever possible, we are happy to grant a later check-out time. This depends on if and when we have new guests checking in, and we do need time to do the housekeeping. You are always welcome to leave your luggage for later pick-up.
Children
We strive to provide an exceptional environment for guests of all ages, and children are welcome. When a child is an “extra guest” beyond the number included in the standard nightly rate, the extra guest charge of $20 applies. We will gladly provide a crib or high chair upon request, as well as step stools for bathroom vanities, and an assortment of games, toys, and children’s DVDs.
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in Original I. They are welcome in every other China Doll apartment though.
Pets
Please see the building-specific guest info page above for information on pet arrangements.
Smoking
We regret that we can not allow smoking indoors, but you are completely welcome to smoke outdoors.
Housekeeping
There is a supply of fresh towels and linens in the apartment. We will provide weekly housekeeping and linen service. If you can provide a note from your mother swearing that she changed your sheets more frequently, we will gladly live up to your mother’s standards.
Laundry Equipment
Please see the building-specific guest info page above for information on laundry equipment.
Parking
We provide guest passes for the neighborhood street parking zone.
Garage and lot parking are available for $10.00 per night per space and must be reserved in advance. All spaces are conveniently located within two-blocks of the property. Since not all available spaces will accommodate larger vehicles, please be sure to tell us if you have a large vehicle, so we can assign an appropriate parking space.
Public Transportation
To get around Chicago, a car can be unnecessary or even an expensive nuisance. Many guests simply choose to park their vehicle for the duration of their stay, and instead use public transportation for day-to-day getting around.
China Doll’s short-term rentals are conveniently located a short walk from the Diversey Ave. (5 blocks) Brown Line train stop, 1 ½ blocks from the #8 Halsted bus, and 2 blocks from either the #22 Clark or #36 Broadway bus. You can purchase CTA visitor’s passes in advance of your trip at www.TransitChicago.com, good for unlimited rides during the period specified. Visitor’s passes can also be purchased at O’Hare or Midway Airports or at the Currency Exchange at 2735 N. Clark St. (½ block south of Diversey). Full fare is now $2.25 (train) or $2.00 (bus) plus $0.25 per transfer, so for active travelers, the visitor’s pass can be a real bargain. Cabs are readily available everywhere and can even be a bargain compared to the cost of parking your car when you venture downtown.
Health & Fitness
Two local health clubs, the Lincoln Park Fitness Center (444 W. Fullerton Ave.) and the Multiplex Club (3232 N. Halsted St.), offer discounted day passes and short-term memberships for China Doll guests. Ask us for more details.
Complimentary Beverages
We provide Starbucks Breakfast Blend and French Roast coffee, a variety of Chinese and English teas, hot cocoa, sweeteners and creamer.

China Doll Guest House is pleased to provide and recommend Aquasana high-quality filtered drinking water, a healthful and environmentally-friendly alternative to bottled water. As our guest, you are entitled to a 20% discount on Aquasana equipment and filters. Simply click on the banner above or use the discount code CHINA when ordering by Web or by phone.










