My best friend and I needed to do Chicago on the cheap as we were there for only 3 days primarily to see a concert. We are from NYC and Chicago hotels are on par with their overpriced rates for sub par rooms and services.
This was my first Air BNB experience and thanks to Nicky it surpassed my expectations on all levels.
As you may already have, there are many reviewers that state the neighborhood is "sketchy." While it is definitely "urban" my friend and I laughed hard the moment we got off the train as to what people were complaining about.
We are from NYC and grew up in the 80's so there is no comparison to this neighborhood and what we experienced. I would thinks many of the reviewers are a bunch of yokels to begin with.
As the saying goes "never judge a book by its cover" and Nicky's place and neighborhood is exemplary of this.
First off, its only a 2 and half block walk from the train to the house which should cut down some of the fear factor but outside of this the house itself is totally bad ass. We had the downstairs apt and it was welcoming from the get go.
Before I could put the key in the door I was greeted with a "welcome Erik" on a small chalkboard and even better........a really good bottle of red wine on the table. The environment of the apartment is super awesome and comfortable. My friend and I even opted to bring food back to the house on night. Take the train 3 stops to Morgan and you will find some of hte most awesome barbecue like Green Street Meats!
There is a back yard that super awesome to chill in and the best part there are goats!!! I went in their pen and hung out with them for a bit along with their chicken compatriots! While having a beer a long freight train passed buy and just made the whole night surreal.
Met Nicky herself one morning and she is super cool as f**k as so is her "partner in crime." I can go on endlessly about my stay here but all I know is that next time I go to Chicago I will not even bother to look for a place to stay. I already know and its Nicky's place. THANKS SO MUCH GUYS!!!