I was very happy with my stay at Studio by the Lake. My host, Nataliya, was waiting for me when I arrived from the nearby CTA train station, gave me a quick tour and left me with the keys. She always replied quickly to my inquires and made it clear that she would be available should I need anything during my stay, which I didn't.

The apartment was just as described, clean and well-furnished. The bed was comfortable and the shower worked fine. There's a small kitchen which I never used. I liked the third-floor location and windows opening onto an interior courtyard for fresh air.

The building is a half-block from the park along the lakeshore and a few blocks from a number of great Asian restaurants. The street is quiet as there is no through traffic. There's a bus stop at the corner for easy access to downtown. The building's hallways smell a bit musty and the elevator door takes a while to close, but everything inside the apartment was nice.

I would recommend this rental for singles or couples who just want a decent place to stay in the area rather than deluxe accommodations at much higher cost.