Two friends and I spent four nights in Eric's beautiful home during a research visit to Chicago. It was an altogether fantastic experience. Eric's place is in a nice neighborhood with excellent restaurants (Horse Thief Hollow is especially good), grocery stores, gas stations, etc. very close by. The house is cozy and clean, and Eric gave us full access to the living room, kitchen, dining area, porch, etc. Also, it's a 20 minute train ride to downtown for $8 per person (round trip), or a 30 minute drive. Depending on the size of your party, it might be cheaper to drive downtown and split the fee at a cheaper parking garage. Either way works well.

Finally, this was my first time using Airbnb, and was a bit unsure what to expect. Sorry for the cliche, but it really was a "home away from home" experience. Eric was more like a friendly room mate than a host, meaning he strikes a great balance between chatting, getting to know you, and providing information and letting you go about your business. No awkward encounters or feeling like you're staying in someone else's house here. Just a place to kick back for far less stress and money than anywhere else I've stayed in Chicago. I would definitely stay there again, and intend to if and when research brings me back to South Chicago. Stay with Eric! Depending on your needs and location, this might be the best deal in town!