My family of four rented this Kasa apartment in the South Loop during our most recent visit to Chicago. There were a lot of good things about our experience but also a few concerning ones for you to consider.
The PROS:
- THE VIEW. It's a million dollar view. Spectacular view north of the entire skyline and east to the lake. You can watch the sunrise above Lake Michigan from your bed. This can be even more appreciated from the building's comfortable rooftop deck.
- The 2 bedroom king and two singles was perfect for our family. Our kids hate sharing a bed on vacation.
- The beds were comfortable, but they are foam mattresses. I'm not accustomed to sleeping on a foam mattress and woke up every night very hot.
- The building and location was quiet enough. The parking was convenient. The locations felt safe. There is a target a short walking distance and a trader joe's a bit further of a walk.
- The check-in process was flawless if you read the detailed instructions provided to you prior to your arrival.
- The kitchen is well furnished. All basic and even not so basic appliances are there for you. Dishwasher and laundry pods as well as trash bags all provided.
The CONS:
- The apartment had definitely been cleaned as I can attest that the hard surfaces like the laminate floors, the kitchen and the bathroom surfaces were very clean. HOWEVER, I was greeted by a long hair on the towel that wasn't mine upon arrival which prompted me to inspect the rest of the linens. All had many hairs and/or stains. The king sheets had hairs and what appeared to be dried booger - it all washed out in the 3 separate loads of towels and sheets I did after checking in. That was the initial "ick" feeling that sadly continued.
- All soft surfaces were so stained and dirty, we had a hard time relaxing on the visibly stained sofas, chairs, mattresses, and headboard. The carpets were filthy. My kids' bedroom was the worst and even had what appeared to be gum on the carpet. You walk around all day through all the city yuck and then you want to come home and take your shoes off but not feel like your apartment floors are a gross as the sidewalk. Ick.
- Midway through the stay, the building lobby flooded with sewer water. I watched it bubble up through a floor drain. We watched them mop the nasty water around the lobby. I mean, I was speechless. Ick.
- There is no working exhaust fan in the bathroom. Ick.
- The walls don't appear to have been cleaned or painted in years.
- Keep in mind this is a high rise. There are 4 elevators. They have signs suggesting to only ride the elevators with your party and to limit to 4 per elevator. No one abides by these rules. Everyone was wearing a mask. I would expect the same type of experience in a hotel, however.
Overall, we don't exactly know how to feel about this rental. The view alone makes this rental have so much potential if the owners were to just do some general touch ups and deep cleans. If you're expecting Marriott polish, this isn't it. If you're okay with a Ramada or Holiday Inn, then you're going to love the view. Enjoy your Chicago trip!