We spent a week in Nicole & Anders' apartment and we absolutely loved it! It's actually even better than the photos. Like the description says, there is no natural light in the bedrooms; this is because the windows look out on a kind of shaft which has been blocked in, but the advantage of that is that the bedrooms are really quiet even though the street is busy pretty much 24/7. The living spaces and kitchen are big, light and airy; the deck is really nice for morning coffee and evening drinks and the WiFi works out there too.
The area is great - much better than staying downtown - it has so much character, a real neighbourhood feel and lots of good friendly bars and eating places within a short walk. We tried loads and they were all good - some right on the doorstep (Cleo's, Dante's Tavern, the West Town Bakery, Forbidden Root) and others a short walk (up to 15 mins) away (Pub Royale, Smoke Daddy's, Phyllis's Musical Inn, Breakfast House).
Even though the apartment is a 20-minute walk from the L-train at Damen, you can easily get the bus no. 66 to Navy Pier from right outside, or get the no. 50 bus up to Damen if you don't want to walk (download the CTA app to see what time the bus is due). The 7 day Ventra pass is great value, covering the L train (including the ride to and from O'Hare) and the buses. It felt really safe to walk around locally at all times of the day and night (some 'characters' on the L train at night but you get that in any big city!).
In short, if you like big fancy hotels then clearly this is not for you but if you want to stay in a great apartment in a characterful neighbourhood then you won't beat it!