Just To Let You Know Chicago's thriving gay community is not only the home of International Mr. Leather, The Grabby Awards and the Leather Archives Museum. Nestled away in Rogers Park near the bars Jackhammer and Touché and the Mephisto Leather retail shop is the Ashland Arms Guest House (6408 North Clark St.) an adult urban leather / fetish bed-and-breakfast with a suite of rooms equipped to cater to guest's desires: from plain vanilla to the kinky.

"Passion Lives Here!" is their motto and comfort and fantasy is all yours at this quaint B&B. Partners Jim Keup, Eric Kugelman and Michael Syranjen offer accommodations that are practical and unique for guests, whether they require a place for rest, romance or play.

The B&B is located in the recently renovated, 90-year-old, Ashland Arms Building, on Clark Street, just north of Devon. The Ashland Arms started in the 1920s as a "men only" boarding house for North Side factory workers as well as crews from Chicago's then booming silent-era movie studios. A bar opened up at street level in the 1940s and in the 1980s it transitioned to serving the gay clientele that started moving north to Rogers Park from the "Boystown" neighborhood. The vibrant gay scene that developed in the surrounding neighborhood in the 1990s brought new ownership of the building and the re-naming of the bar to Jackhammer. This paved the way for another gay friendly neighborhood in addition to Lakeview and Andersonville.

Jim Keup and his life partner had operated a B&B out of their home for more than 10 years. "We dreamed of opening up a Chicago B & B for a long time."

"My passion to open a B&B began after visiting fetish-oriented B&Bs in Europe and Australia with my life and business partner Michael (Syranjen)" says Eric Kugelman. All three business partners of the Ashland Arms Guest House hosted many tourists visiting Chicago as well as couples and groups seeking a getaway focused on hospitality and amazing fun.

The Leather Room features a king-size Leather bed and sling and comes well-equipped for your king-size fantasies. It also has a private bathroom and shower. Whether you're a Top, Bottom, Master or Slave this is a room for the serious players. Other fetish rooms at the Ashland Arms include the Bunk Room, which has two bunk beds and a sling, and the Sports Room, which is decorated with various athletic memorabilia.

Not every room in this guest house has a fetish edge to it. The Dreams Room is a peaceful cartoon themed room (for adults only). It features a tree top bed surrounded by a cast of animation memorabilia.

Other amenities at the Ashland Arms include central AC a communal kitchen, dining and living rooms; a Jacuzzi, and a gang shower. Continental breakfast is available on weekdays with and prepared breakfast on weekends.

Whether a tourist visiting Chicago for its many attractions or a couple looking for a comfortable and discreet place to rest and play on special occasions or even Valentine's Day, the Ashland Arms Guest House promises to be an unforgettable experience.

For more information about guest room bookings, call 312-498-9979 or visit their website at www.ashlandarms.com.

George St. George aka GSG has been a Notorious Nightlife & Entertainment Photojournalist for BOI Magazine since our first issue in 2000. The fabulous People, Places and Parties he photographs and writes about in his journals can be found at www.snapsaint.com. You may also contact him by email at gsg@boimagazine.com.