The true measure of a great AirBnB host is how they deal with bad guests. I was a bad guest. Let me explain.
I invited a friend to join me in Chicago. She needed to bring her dog - a 15 year old little furry thing. She assured me he'd be no problem and I believed her (this was a mistake). When we arrived, he immediately peed on the deck - 2nd story - and it rained down onto the neighbor below. When we left for dinner that night, we didn't hear a peep until we got back and another neighbor told us the dog barked the whole time. I was horrified and had to ask my friend to leave.
Laurie was understanding and kind, and handled the whole mess with grace and good humor. I was super stressed out and Laurie reassured me that there was no harm done. I couldn't be more grateful. She seems like an amazing person.
The apartment is gorgeous! Spotlessly clean and cozy, really comfortable beds, well-appointed kitchen, great baths, every detail perfect. The location is awesome with great restaurants and shopping within easy walking distance. Bucktown is a cool and quiet neighborhood - great choice for wandering the groovier areas of Chicago (Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, etc). The apartment is a perfect place to kick back after a day of exploring - home away from home - a cut above the usual AirBnB.
Thank you, Laurie, for everything! I would definitely stay again if you'd have me - next time without the little menace dog!
Future guests of Laurie's: please be extra kind to the poor neighbors for me!