My partner and I travel and stay at Airbnb’s often. This was our first time in Chicago and we stayed for 4 nights. I’ve tried to include as much detail below as possible!
Pros:
-Kitchen amenities: As advertised, shampoo/body wash, coffeemaker, fridge, microwave, etc are all available. Providing plates/cutlery was a nice touch as a lot of places don’t!
-Proximity to transit: 12-17 minute walk from L station. We didn’t take the bus but there were stops nearby.
-Proximity to downtown: 12-15 minute car ride or 30-40 minutes by L including the walk to the station.
-Decent surroundings: the neighborhood seemed quiet and safe, with free street parking.
-Host communication: whenever we messaged, the host was responsive and helpful - we goofed up and locked ourselves out late one night and he responded immediately and had a spare within reach. The host also checked in with us to see if we needed anything more, which was really nice.
Cons:
-Poor wifi: The wifi worked on the first day (though a bit slow), but progressively stopped working altogether by our 3rd day, so we had no way of reaching anyone, including the host (we had to use data until we ran out). No devices would connect, not even our phones. We wondered if it was because other Airbnb guests were using up all the bandwidth. Nevertheless, something to be aware of - not the right place for you if you need to work remotely or use the internet.
-Noise: It was VERY loud - other guests, plus very loud sounds from directly above, plus a lot of outside noise (L train, flights, lawn mowers, sirens, and road noise) during daylight hours. The last morning of our stay, there was actual construction happening in the apartment.
-Temperature/airflow: The room can get kinda hot and stuffy - however, we didn’t realize the vent was switched off. It got slightly better after we realized this and turned it on - make sure to do this! The common areas were nice and cool.
-Could be cleaner: Some of the place wasn’t really clean considering professional, Airbnb standards and compared to all previous places we have stayed at. Upon arrival, the room was clean, however the bathroom floor had dirt and debris, plus lots of hair in the tub and on the mats. The common area floors and room side table were sticky too. The kitchen and common area countertops were clean.
-Shower: The shower stream was pretty slow and minimal.
We appreciated the stay. Thanks!