Jake was a great host in that he was super responsive every time. That said, I wish I could give glowing remarks like everyone else but I think I need to give my true account. Had I seen another acurate assesment prior, I would have kept looking.
The home was clean but could have been cleaner in my opinon. There were pieces and parts of furniture in closets that just looked messy to me. Trashy items under the bathroom sinks was a turn off as well. Would have been nice to also have bedsid table lamps so that the overhead light did not need to be on constantly. I am a reader and like to read at night.
On our stay (end of July) we had an influx of ants, which was odd as it was on the 3rd floor. And speaking of the 3rd floor - the parking space is located at the back of the place and it (is super tight accessing) is situatated directly in front of the trash area and thus every time we had to go out/in it was a horric smelling event. I do not recommend parking there. Also - be careful entering and existing that small/cramped ally as there could easily be an accident coming or going eirther access point.
Climbing up to the 3rd floor each time, opening and locking multiple gates and then immediately having to remove shoes each time in and out was tiresome. If I had known any of these things prior I would not have booked this air-bnb. Also, if you have any type of knee issues or disabilities with walking up stairs - this is not the place.
I also did not like the fact that we had to adhere to no shoes in the house. The flops provided as you walk in each door are all made for folks with tiny feet. I am a size 10 and not one of them fit. My nephew is larger and all of them were too small and too short as well. We all pretty much had to resort to our socks or bare feet the whole time because we are rule followers.
The home does not look like it does in the picutures. We literally thought we were in the wrong apartment. We went back out the back to check again but realized that it was in fact the correct location. Location is atop businesses and that was not expected. Only other good parking is across the street infront of residential area. All the other areas are limitied parking. The front door of the space is super non-discript from the "front door" as it blinds to well with the actual business that are there.
For a 3 night 4 day stay (in the heat of Chicago) we were left one set of towels for each person. There is a washer/dryer but who wants to do laundry on vacation? We did not want to, but we did. The fact that we could not adjust the temperature in the home nor could we use the blankets in one of the spare room closets (stay out notes every where) was an issue as well. Why have them there, if we could not use them.
And be prepared for the upstairs neighbor constant noise. The ad does say it is a residential building however, the constant running back and forth and jumping was distracting. We were not sure if it was a pet (dog) or children. Luckily we were out a lot of the time but early mornings and evenings it was unexcapable.
My true ratings for this property:
Cleanliness 4.5
Accuracy 3.5
Check-in 5.0
Communication 5.0
Location 2.5
Value 3.5