Fantastic. Our very best vacation rental experience yet (& they've all been good). The place looks great in the photos, but it is even better when you see it in person--very spacious, charmingly decorated, & comfortable. We stayed 7 nights. We loved it so much we are thinking of coming back to Chicago next year--but only if Bryan's place is available.

The kitchen is extremely well equipped, with Calphalon pan and saucepan, great knives and other implements, etc. We like to cook our dinners when we travel since all our lunches are at restaurants, and it was wonderful. If you like to cook, I recommend Tony's Finer Foods, a 12-minute walk away. It is a full supermarket. I was able to get everything I needed.

Bryan made us feel very welcome. He took time to give us a tour when we got there and was very helpful in every way. And it was great that he lives in the flat above--he is attentive but unobtrusive. When I discovered there wasn't a can opener, I texted him and he was down with one in 2 minutes (sadly, apparently a former guest walked away with the one he thought was there). A few nights later I needed a pasta pot--again, he was down within 2 minutes.

We did eat out one night--I recommend Lula's, one of the restaurants Bryan recommended.

The neighborhood itself is very nice; it istree-lined, with attractive homes--it was pleasant walking to the Blue Line in the mornings and evenings.

We loved the bathrooms--the showers had great water pressure and the water was warm instantly. I wish our showers at home were as good. There are plenty of white, fluffy towels, too. Bryan does;t stint on anything. It's certainly a plus to have a hot tub, as well.

The bed and linens were very comfortable.

It was very helpful that Bryan leaves a three-page sheet of information about restaurants, shopping, taxis, how to work things in the apartment, and so on.

(On a minor note, the amenities included the best hair dryer I've ever used--I got spoiled and actually ordered the model from Amazon after using it a few times.)

We have absolutely no complaints. We were expecting a good experience and had a great one.