Even from before we arrived in USA, Beatrice was gracious, helpful and very communicative. We were held up upon arrival and arrived at the house quite late - but Beatrice and Joe were awake and welcoming. Snacks, fruit, cereal, coffee and tea were waiting; and Beatrice was super helpful in suggesting supermarkets and restaurants nearby. The basement suite is cute, clean and well decorated and quite spacious - I felt like we had a private apartment. It's only a few minutes walk from the CTA Brown line and a quick walk to Lincoln Square with its cool shops, restaurants, and more. We are here to study improv, so we return really late in the evening - and it's no problem. Joe is gregarious and helpful - he shared a lot about the neighborhood including a free-use swimming pool nearby. Their dog Sammy is a very large white labrador who loves to bark when he meets you, but he is loving and sweet and quite the mama's boy - don't be put off by his effusive greeting. The neighborhood is pretty and quiet - idyllic even. It was a perfect introduction to American life for my Chinese wife. We love it so much here we hated to leave - but we've already booked a return visit in August and will make this our residence of choice when we return each year to Chicago.