Things that make this Airbnb shine: Mike, timely communication, Mike, great value, Mike, awesome location, Mike, wonderful bed, Mike, Speakeasy charm, Mike, helpful tips, Mike, felt welcome and, well, Mike!
This place was decent enough on its own: within a 20-25 walk to John Hancock, Millennium Park or the Navy Pier. Just a block and a half from the river walk. The ubiquitous Starbucks across the corner to get you going, or just over on the next block, the delicious Italian Caffe Umbria. Harry Carrey’s also quite close.
Leading up to my stay with my daughter (up for a concert at Park West) Mike was quick and friendly in all of his responses. I had been burned on another Airbnb with a poor caretaker, but Mike showed me the value of a Superhost.
Equally important was the exquisite, comfy bed for a good night’s rest. I slept like a log. We put our few food items in the shared kitchen fridge and could have used the stove or toaster, but didn’t need to on our stay.
Though I used it only briefly, the gallery sitting area overlooked the street and beckoned me with comfortable chairs for reading & relaxing.
Parking garages were plentiful. We parked on the next block over. A CVS/grocery store was tucked underneath that space for forgotten necessities.
There is still unfinished work on other rooms and common areas, and a table saw and wood/tools were in view. That didn’t bother me and added to the charm and eclectic nature of this in-the-process-of-being-rehabbed speakeasy.
What made the difference was Mike. If you like to be social or are up for adventure, you’ll fit hand-in-glove here.
I met Mike the next morning, sitting down at the kitchen table. After brief introductions, we were talking about the history of the place, his vision for the speakeasy, his profession of photography and art, and what to do in the area.
I got a real treat when he invited up his “secret passage” to the rooftop deck/garden. It’s tucked away amidst the surrounding skyscrapers and drives deep the realization that you are one privileged Airbnb-er. Made me long to come back in the summer/fall just to enjoy a glass of wine or early morning coffee.
We then toured his own flat that has a couple other Airbnb rooms. It’s flat out lofty cool, with an eclectic mix of abstract art, photography, Americana, and comfy-artsy living spaces, not to mention his wall of Japanese Pachinko machines.
Mike came across as open for suggestions, was never defensive, and exuded a love for life. He revealed how to get the best value in the parking garages & offered insider tips that made our day (we’ll treasure our sunset experience atop the 360 views of the Hancock as well as the varyingly old world/hip charm of the Athletic Association across from Millennium Park.)
We are definitely going to look him up for our next Chicago stay. Thanks, Mike!