Important to be transparent regarding our recent stay at the Artists Private Perch, Chicago so future potential guests can make an informed decision.
Firstly communication from host 'Stephanie' was great, very efficient dropping off iron (when there wasn't one left in the apartment as listed.)
Stephanie also kindly dropped us a note during our stay to ask if all was ok.
The location in terms of city centre access was fine. Quite south from down town but fine, certainly walkable. Size wise apartment fine.
However the apartment genuinely did not live up to our expectations by a long long shot for the following reasons:
The hallways leading into the apartment smelt very bad (damp / smoke / marijuana smell.) The hallways haven't been painted for years nor cleaned regularly. Not a lot you the host can do here but it really makes entering and leaving the apartment very unpleasant - almost depressing.
Both beds were truly terrible to sleep in - very hard mattresses. All bedsheets were very old and didn't smell well / properly washed - all need replacing.
All windows were filthy, as in rotten and had not been cleaned for years - again probably not a lot the host can do. However looking out to the views through filthy windows just doesn't feel clean or right!
Prior to booking we noticed a few comments in reviews regarding noise from train station beneath... And from a city centre apartment we did not expect tranquility I assure you however to be clear due to the large single glazed windows you will hear every train entering / leaving station, every train door 'beep' open & close and every passenger announcement for nearly 24 hours a day.
Therefore beds, windows and train noise equalled horrific sleep, every single night.
Both extractor fans in both bathrooms very, very noisy (so much so they can not be sued) - they need replacing as they do not work and are ridiculously loud. In the absence of working extractor fans you need windows - both bathrooms had neither.
The shower in the main bathroom (not en-suite) is terribly loud, vibrates and almost screams like it's going to fall off the wall when on hot. Showering therefore ultra unpleasant and quick experience.
All towels old and did not feel properly fresh and washed - all need replacing.
Apartment never as bright as the images on AirBnB suggest - the entire place needs painting and freshening up. Scuffs over most walls - as we've come to expect from a lot of AirBnBs.
Finally a lot of the reviews for this apartment mention the view - the main view you wake to every day is the view of Chicago's Metropolitan Correctional Centre, you can even see inmates exercising each day on the roof top exercise yard. This may not bother you, as it didn't us but wanted to mention with views from apartment in mind.
Whilst we had a fabulous trip to Chicago, the city is beautiful on many levels, the relatively expensive Cost Vs Experience of staying at the Artists Perch, 343 SouthDearborn Street means we will never stay again besides however efficient the host may be.
Shame as with a lot of love and care the apartment could be lovely.