Cloud9 - River North at Aurelien

We loved how quiet and restful the space was, even though they thoughtfully left earplugs in case the city got loud. The espresso machine, fresh linens, cozy bed, and low-toxin products were all details we appreciated. Check-in and checkout were seamless, the staff were friendly and accommodating, and parking right behind the building was convenient and reasonably priced. The apartment was very clean and spacious, with a fully stocked kitchen that was ready to use. We also made good use of the amenities, especially the gym. There’s a kids’ floor, pool, sauna, rooftop area, library, and work-from-home spaces, so it felt relaxing and practical. The location was great for getting out on foot. The Art Institute is a short distance away, and we walked to Water Tower Place, the park, and other popular Chicago museums. We’d gladly stay again and recommend it to anyone visiting.

We had stunning views from this beautiful, well-appointed apartment. The building staff were very helpful, and Cloud9 responded to messages quickly. I’d book here again.

For our business trip, the location worked well and we were happy with the penthouse. It had a really nice view and a good setup inside. We got everything we needed during the stay without any trouble. A nice option for downtown Chicago.

The property itself was spectacular, and Cloud9 responded in the Airbnb chat. But using Cloud9 through Airbnb for a Chicago staycation came with a lot of hassle, and I’m not sure I’d use them again. We booked two units across the hall from each other in the same luxury high-rise. I expected one coordinated experience since Cloud9 managed both, but the bookings couldn’t be combined. I had to pay separate security deposits totaling $4,000, far more than the cost of the stay, and another $150 for early check-in on one unit just to drop our bags. The rules were buried at the very bottom of the Airbnb house rules behind an external link, and ran on for ages. They included large deposits, extra fees for early check-in or late checkout, guest limits, third-party facial identification, and full names and contact details for every visitor. Each visitor had to give their full name, phone number, and email. As the primary renter, I also had to fill out a tedious registration form, upload ID images, and complete facial recognition. I understand policies are policies, and some may have been building-specific. Still, the whole process felt excessive. The experience had good responsiveness and a spectacular property, but the rules and administration were enough to put me off using the organization again.