Alexis and Bill's place was great. I stayed for 3 nights for Riot Fest 2022. It was very affordable and no unneeded frills. I just needed convenient lodging near Garfield park. I was able to take my bike about 20 minutes to the park no problem.
Communication was great and check in was easy. The area is very clean. They have someone stock and clean common areas daily. My room was tidy, cozy, and comfortable.
The only worry I have is that the security to the individual rooms could be better. The security to the house is very secure (an electronic keypad with a deadbolt), however the rooms are fitted with an unusual setup with a 3 number combination lock that attaches to a thin metal cable to keep the door closed to each bedroom. It's reasonable secure, but could easily by bypassed by someone with cutters or pliers I think. That setup can also only be locked from the outside. So it doesn't keep you safe when inside. The only lock is a standard door knob twist lock. I did feel secure relatively myself, but I can see how some would not. Everyone I met at the place was very nice and seemed trustworthy, but other's might have different needs or worries about security.
The area is nice and affordable. Yes it's dilapidated and underfunded and poor and mostly black. That's a lot of Chicago. That doesn't make it a bad neighborhood. I felt safe biking and driving in the neighnorhood. As long as you don't go around starting fights you should be fine. The only complaint I have about the area is that it has no amenities nearby. The closest grocery story about 15 minutes car ride away. There's not a wide variety of food (fast or sit down) nearby either. It exists, but only outside the neighborhood maybe 15 minutes by bike.
The house had central air but it wasn't particularly cold. Maybe 78F in my bedroom in the evenings during mid September. A little sweaty but better than nothing. I wish there was a fan in my room (even just a box fan).