I had to go to Chicago for a conference, and this was my 1st Airbnb experience, so I was hoping that it would turn out well. I had a FANTASTIC time. Jason and Alyssa were awesome - very warm, welcoming, and helpful. The unit was great, and clean, and spacious. Cool art was displayed everywhere. The kitchen was nice and fully stocked, though I really only used the fridge. The bathroom's got a great shower. The bed in the main bedroom was fine, I slept comfortably. The living room was great, I used mostly the cool bench/table (made out of reclaimed wood) to do work and eat on. As this condo was near a busy intersection and a train, I had expected some noise. However, any outside sounds are muffled, and I wasn't bothered at all. I am a deep sleeper, so if you are sensitive to sounds from a lively urban environment, you may have issues. But then go stay in someplace boring!

Neighborhood is awesome. Within walking distance, there are 3 gyms (I recommend Bucktown Fitness down on the corner), organic grocery store, and tons of bars, restos, and lounges. So is the train. Wicker Park is trendy and hip and has greenery. It reminds me of Silverlake in LA and the Mission in San Francisco. If I were to live in Chicago, I'd definitely want to live here.

As for the hosts, I could not have asked for anything more. Jason and Alyssa were wonderful. If I needed anything, they were fast and helpful (thanks for the contact solution, Alyssa!). They hung out with me and showed me an awesome time. For example, I got to really experience Chicago by going to an awesome memorial party for DJ Frankie Knuckles ("Godfather" of House Music) in Millenium Park (thanks, Jason!). Afterwards, we hung out in downtown. They also hung out with my friends and I the next night as well, in Wicker Park. Basically, they made me feel like I was a relative (the kind you like) visiting from out of town.

I could have stayed at a hotel near my conference, but I think the awesome thing about Airbnb is that it allows you to kind of get a real local's experience of wherever you're visiting. When the hosts are awesome, like Jason and Alyssa, it makes for a special experience. Other people at the conference were saying that they'd want to do Airbnb based on what I told them.

I can go on forever, but I'm close to hitting the word limit. Staying in Wicker Park with Jason and Alyssa was amazing, and I would definitely stay there again.