I recently stayed at Stephen and Trecia's place in Hyde Park when I came home for Open House Chicago, the architecture event put on by the Architecture Center each October. If you don't know much about Hyde Park, let me tell you from a non-tourist perspective. It's a lovely neighborhood with breathtaking historic homes, strong sense of community, and it also is a young and dynamic community since it's also home to the University of Chicago. If you're not from the area and apprehensive of staying on the South Side, I urge you to give it a try! I trust you will find the widespread opinions don't fit so nicely and that there truly is a lot to love.
Stephen and Trecia's is right in the middle of it all, too. It's located just a block away from the Metra Electric line, which you can easily take downtown along the lakefront to Museum Campus or further north and land outside Millennium Park or nearby the Art Institute. Alternatively, you could take an express bus and work your way downtown via Lake Shore Drive, too! When you look at a map, Hyde Park may feel "far" from Downtown, but the reality is this home is situated nicely to have a great local neighborhood experience or to spend the day downtown and come back home later experience, whichever you choose.
As hosts, Steve and Trecia are wonderful people. They reached out early to welcome me, they answered any questions I had straight away (Ex: I was asking about my bags, since I usually take the late flight out to maximize time with friends and family around the area), and they have the best check-in/Check-out situation established for the unit. While I loved they had appliances, supplies, everything one would need to cook or relax comfortably in the unit if they wished, I loved that they had such simple, yet secure locks that are programmed for the guest and allowed me to not have to take somebody's house keys everywhere with me. Less things to carry makes me the happiest of guests!
I would recommend this lovely place to anybody who wants to see South Side communities for what they are- vibrant, beautiful, fun places to explore with some awesome nightlife, architecture, and restaurants as well! Whether you go see a movie at the Harper Theater, maybe head over to Nella's Pizza e Pasta (Neapolitan pizzaiola, makes handmade pastas, too!), or you go live it up downtown- you are somewhere safe, comfortable, fun, and balanced. The community around Stephen and Trecia were so friendly and nice when I got up for my morning walks, and that just affirms to me that they are as great as neighbors as they are hosts on AirBnb. Highly recommend, and I hope you truly enjoy your potential visit to Chicago and Hyde Park!
Thanks again, Stephen and Trecia! :)