I think reviews should be accurate, clear of pettiness, and acknowledge that there are one-off situations in any rental. So let me give you the pros and cons and what to expect when renting this unit.
Pros: Getting into the apartment was super easy and convenient. Josh is clear on the instructions of how to get in and there were no issues when I arrived. The apartment was a nice size, there were 3 of us and it was perfect for us. The beds were insanely comfortable which is always positive. The location was good, depending on where you're hanging out in Chicago it's not super close to downtown, but it was convenient for us. It's super close to the train if you don't have a car and need to access public transportation. The place was cleanish (floors mopped, sheets and towels were clean, kitchen and bathrooms clean and stocked). Starbucks and 7-11 were close by which is always a plus for coffee and drinks!
Cons: The house is on a busy main road and can be pretty loud. It's a duplex and the guests upstairs were insanely loud and inconsiderate. They had a party the night we were there that kept us up late and we had to checkout early. On the positive, Josh took care of it instantly and broke it up at 1:30 am. I mention this because be aware that you may have Airbnb guests above you and will hear every step they take. I can sleep through anything, but if you're a light sleeper this is not the place for you.
Check-out time for this place is 10 am. The cleaning lady showed up at 9:50, walked right in, didn't knock and one of us was just coming out of the shower. A 10 am check-out time is obnoxious, I've never stayed in a place with a check-out time that early. Keep in mind, if you need to stay an hour later you're getting charged $50 extra.
Speaking of charges, if you read the other reviews there are mentions of how Josh operates. He provides clear instructions on his house rules. Stain a towel with makeup- CHARGED (btw makeup doesn't stain). Dirty a pillowcase - CHARGED. Don't run the dishwasher or take out the trash - CHARGED. Too loud after quiet hours - CHARGED. Leave the AC on - CHARGED. Sleep under the covers and not on top of the bed... why is this a rule? He will message you constantly making sure you're clear on all the rules and reiterate that you will be charged. We walked on eggshells our entire stay. There are signs all over the house in all caps also reiterating that you will be charged. I add this because you should know what you're getting into if you stay here.
Next, cleanliness. The apartment was very clean, however, the furniture was FILTHY. The cushions on the couch were old and dingy and musty, kitchen chairs were filthy as well. All the walls were filled with dirt. The pictures were clearly taken when the furniture and house were new, but this place is dated. This is a minor detail but definitely need to mention that you're not getting an updated unit if that's your thing.
Overall, we had a great weekend in Chicago. These details didn't ruin our time, but we wouldn't stay here again. Not because the furniture was dirty, not even because it was a little loud, but because the rules, Josh's pettiness on minor details, and early checkout time did not make a stay here worth it.