The Secret Staircase

Where girlfriends gather, and the world can wait.

Welcome to your cozy escape

Hidden above one of Long' Grove's historic buildings, The Secret Staircase is a women-only retreat made for quiet magic, belly laughs, heartfelt conversations, and memory-making. Whether you’re hosting a low-key girls’ night, planning a surprise celebration, or just craving a warm space to reconnect, this private apartment is your new favorite holiday.

Can you keep a secret?

  • A beautifully restored upstairs apartment- cozy, intimate, and set up just for gatherings of up to 10 women.

    • Charming sitting area with soft lighting and thoughtful decor

    • Lounge seating for unwinding and comfy chats

    • Smart TV for movies, shows, or slideshow viewing

    • Fully stocked kitchenette with fridge, microwave, glassware, and essentials

    • Private bathroom

    • Cozy nooks for reading, journaling, decompressing

    • Wi-Fi, outlets, and USB chargers

    • Hot beverage bar with herbal teas, coffee & more

    • Girls’ night in

    • Book club meetups

    • Birthday surprises

    • Creative circles

    • Holiday gatherings

    • Quiet personal retreats

    • Mom escapes (no kids… intentionally)

    • A quiet space for work deadlines

  • Located in the heart of historic, downtown Long Grove, step outside and you’re surrounded by boutique shopping, coffee shops, wine bars, restaurants, and charming cobblestone paths. Make it a day out… or stay cozied in. Your choice.

    Our cozy hideaway is tucked upstairs in one of Long Grove’s historic buildings.

  • The Secret Staircase is available for private, women-only reservations. Booking includes:

    • Entry code for secure, private access

    • Full use of the entire apartment

    • Access for up to 10 women

    • BYOB + brings your own snacks (light reheating allowed)

    Help us keep the secret! Call to book: 847-372-0222

  • Straightforward Pricing

    Hourly Rental (2-hour minimum)

    • $45/hour weekdays

    • $55/hour weekends

    Flat Rate 3-Hour Gathering

    • Weekday = $120

    • Weekend = $150

    Extended Evening (5 hours)

    • $185-$225 depending on the day

    On your own and want to book the Secret Staircase to finish a work deadline? Special rates available (weekdays only)!

    Additional fees - because we believe clear expectations keep the magic cozy!

    Payment & Card Hold
    A valid credit card is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. Your card may be charged for:

    • The reservation total

    • A late departure fee (if applicable)

    • A cleaning fee (if applicable)

    • A late cancellation fee (if applicable)

    Cleaning Fee
    A $25 cleaning fee is applied to all reservations.
    Good news: If the apartment is left tidy and in the condition it was found, this fee may be waived after your visit.

    Tidy = trash tied up, spills wiped, furniture returned to place, and all personal items removed.

    Cancellations
    We understand plans change — here’s how cancellations work:

    • More than 24 hours’ notice: No cancellation fee

    • Less than 24 hours’ notice: A $25 cancellation fee will be charged to the card on file

    Late Departures
    Please be mindful of your reserved time. Late departures may result in an additional fee to ensure a smooth experience for the next group.

    Additional Notes

    • Cleaning fees are assessed at the host’s discretion

    • Fees are kept minimal and only applied when necessary

    • Our goal is a beautiful experience for every guest — not surprises on your statement

  • Friendly notes to keep our little hideaway cozy, magical, and welcoming for every guest!

    ·       No flames, candles, smoking, or vaping.
    We love ambience, but we also love eyebrows and historic buildings.

    ·       Please stick to your reserved time.
    Everyone deserves their moment of escape.

    ·       Keep music at a soft, chill level.
    Our neighbors didn’t sign up for a surprise concert.

    ·       BYOB + BYO snacks!
    Sip and nibble on whatever you love. Light reheating is totally fine — we have a microwave for quick warm-ups.

    ·       Popcorn lovers: bring it pre-popped.
    Our space is magical, but it’s not a movie theater.

    ·       No decorations or anything on the walls.
    Our historic walls are sensitive souls — no tape, hooks, garlands, or sticky things of any kind.

    ·       No glitter, confetti, or messy craft materials.
    They’re basically eternal. We’re trying to avoid hosting them forever.

    ·       Please don’t move large furniture.
    Pillows, blankets, and small items — yes. Beds, tables, or big pieces — nope.

    ·       Keep the staircase and entry clear.
    Slip in quietly and be kind to our lovely neighbors.

    ·       Shoes off upon entering.
    Cozy toes > crunchy floors.

    ·       Kitchen = simple zone.
    No heavy cooking or strong-odor foods, please. (Your garlic shrimp recipe is amazing — just not here.)

    ·       Trash goes in the big bag provided.
    Tie it up at the end for a quick & easy exit.

    ·       Use your entry code to come and go.
    It’s private to your group, and it locks automatically behind you — your secret is safe.

    ·       Max of 10 women in the space.
    No extra guests, no men, no kiddos. This getaway is just for the girls.

    ·       Leave the space as you found it.
    A quick tidy keeps the magic alive for the next group.

    ·       Stairs Only — No Elevator.
    Our hideaway lives on the second floor of a historic building, so access is only by staircase.

Ready to Escape?
Call 847-372-0222

The Secret Staircase is tucked away in a historic building right in the heart of downtown Long Grove. To keep our magic (and our neighbors) feeling safe, we only share the exact address and entry instructions once our reservation is confirmed.

Take a peek inside below.