Five stars does not begin to describe the incredible customer service, comfort and contentment we enjoyed this past weekend in Chicago with our stay at the “Modern vintage chic steps from Wrigley Field!” Airbnb. My ex-wife and I frequently travel together, from our homes in Michigan, to visit our son attending university in Chicago. Bnb stays work best on these trips as it allows us to spend time together with our son yet gives us each our space with separate sleeping quarters. We of course want and expect to stay in an environment, which is clean, safe and comfortable. Just as one expects within their own home. This past weekend was one of those joint, university event parental trips.
I had been communicating with Julianne, of Modern vintage chic… bnb, for a Friday and Saturday night stay this past weekend but unfortunately for us, had rented a different bnb instead. The different bnb we rented was a disaster from the start. The keys we were given didn’t work in the locks. The shower was either scalding hot or freezing cold – no blended temperature. Many lights as well as electrical sockets (to recharge cell phones) did not work. Dirt, and what looked like dog hair, were on the floor. A badly fitted metal screen on an opening cut into the wall adjacent to the toilet looked down into the unit below (yes you read that correctly). There were additional cleanliness and (to us) security issues, which made us extremely uncomfortable and upset to stay beyond Friday night. We left this disturbing bnb rental early Saturday morning without having secured another location to stay on Saturday night.
Thankfully, Julianne came to our rescue. I contacted Julianne explaining the regrettable rental we had vacated and inquired whether her bnb was still available. We were hopeful not only that it was still available but also could we rent it for just the one night? Julianne could not have been more accommodating, and we are grateful for her last-minute aide. Understanding our disappointment on the previous night’s rental she allowed us to view the unit before we agreed to rent it. Meaning she met me and showed me the place. (I understand this is not common practice and we appreciate her generosity in doing so.) Julianne waived the two-night minimum stay requirement and we were booked within a couple of minutes. We were truly relieved and appreciative of Julianne’s quick assistance. Her willingness to work with us relieved us of scrambling to find last-minute lodging in the midst of a heavily scheduled weekend visit. Yes, I should have booked with Julianne in the first place and will certainly do so on our future trips.
This bnb unit is the second floor of an early 20th Century three-story gray stone building on a quiet and tranquil residential street. Surprisingly, this building is located only two city blocks north of Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team) but a world away in terms of a comfortable, walkable city neighborhood. Exterior and interior access were both with an easy keypad code. Free, on-site parking was included and very much appreciated since it is a rarity in Chicago.
I would willingly move into this bnb condominium as my permanent home. It is exactly as shown in the Airbnb photos. Wonderful exposed brick walls plus high ceilings throughout makes for an almost contemporary loft effect. The kitchen is completely new with all stainless appliances, clean quartz countertops with serving bar along with handy bar seating. We had not cooked nor made morning coffee though I can see where anyone staying for more than one night will appreciate the fully outfitted kitchen.
The fully renovated bathroom was a welcome surprise with top-of-the-line fixtures and shower hardware. The gleaming white floor-to-ceiling subway tiles plus generously large, glass-enclosed shower gave us the feeling we were in a spa instead of ‘the bathroom’. Plenty of thick towels and supplied, personal grooming items were within fingertip reach.
The living, dining, bedroom as a den with foldout couch plus two large bedrooms couldn’t have been furnihed any better than they are. The attractive and comfortable furniture is a mix of contemporary, mid-century modern plus a spin on traditional. The wonderfully comfortable king and queen mattresses and sink into pillows and duvet covered bedding were a luxurious welcome after the long day of our son’s activities. To add to the architectural charm of the unit, Julianne kept the original early 1900’s multi-paneled closet and bedroom doors, doorframes with transom windows along with two wonderful built-in hutches. I am a history and architecture buff so was happy to see that the original Victorian era door hardware was kept intact (decorative doorknobs, doorknob and latch plates plus hinges). These touches truly added to the overall appeal and enjoyment of this bnb rental.
Before I forget. We were so impressed with Julianne and this unit that we videotaped it and sent it to family and friends who frequent Chicago as a must-stay. We also sent the video to our Chicago-based friends who are alert to options for housing visiting family and friends.
In conclusion, my praise is effusive and warranted. This unit is beautiful, comfortable and centrally located within Chicago. It’s exactly what anyone seeking an in-Chicago week and/or weekend vacation getaway wants and expects. Julianne could not have been nicer nor more accommodating than she was. We are fortunate to have met Julianne, as our stranded traveler situation evolved into a most wonderfully salvaged weekend. Thanks Julianne.
Most Sincerely,
Ken Green
Birmingham, Michigan