This AirBNB was a fun find for my colleague and me. It was not only ridiculously convenient to the blue line train, which we used several times during our week, but it also was next to many stores, restaurants, and coffee shops.
It boasts two amazingly comfortable beds (I think both queen?) with super comfy sheets & pillows. I mean, I want to buy those pillows for my house now— THAT comfy!
There is a decent sized fridge (think glorified college fridge) and a coffee maker & microwave, neither of which we needed to use during our stay since there are some excellent coffee shops within a super short walking distance.
The L (elevated train) runs literally next to the window— but fear not! The sounds of the train were actually incredibly soothing, like white noise, to us both. I even miss that sound now that I’m home.
The view isn’t anything special, but it was a nice large window to allow in light as desired. It had an effective blackout curtain, as well. There seemed to be a way to open part of the window, but we never tried.
We didn’t need the shower, so I can’t speak to the water pressure— but it was beautifully constructed. Some toiletries were graciously provided, as well, which was a great touch. The sink worked just fine, and per the note/warning left by the host, the hot water is geothermal, so it did take quite a long time for hot water to come in. It didn’t bother us, though.
The entrance to the apartment is actually behind the building in the alley, but it’s appointed nicely with some cute trees and felt very safe. Check in was easy-peasy. We always replaced the keys in the lockbox so we didn’t carry them with us or lose them while at our conference events.
They were doing construction next door on the same floor & in the shared echoey hallway starting at 8 AM, so the noise was quite loud and startling at times.
We had some issues with wifi and the AC, but Sara was super attentive and communicative. She provided a workaround for the wifi situation, which wasn’t a very strong signal— but it did the trick for our Canadian who otherwise had to pay daily for data. And the AC eventually lowered enough for our comfort. It also helped that the apartment has two fantastic overhead fans.
The building does provide an elevator, but we found the light & bright stairs the fastest and most convenient way to go up and down in the building.
They do provide a decent sized closet with some hangers and some wall hooks. There really are no dressers for clothes, but the table between the beds had two small drawers (it is a nightstand). Not really what you would use for unpacking. We used the provided table (ie, a minimalist desk) and the windowsill, as well as the single shelf above the hanging clothes in the closet.
It sounds like there was an issue with their hired cleaning crew, as the floors were quite dirty. We used a towel to wipe our feet before bed. This didn’t sound like it was a regular thing— but an oversight by their cleaners, which Sara was made aware of. I’m positive they will ensure the floors are cleaned for any future guests.
I would most certainly stay here again. No stay is ever perfect— but the convenience & value of this AirBNB was excellent and the communication by this host was most welcomed & appreciated by these two travelers.
Thanks, Sara, for being a great host!