Self employed
We love to travel on a budget, no big hotels for us. We do our best to experience our trips like locals. We love the outdoors, hiking, camping, and having visitors. You will find us most times digging in the yard or enjoying a cold beer with friends.
I am self employed and work from home. Randy has been a school teacher for 18 years.
Airbnb brings travel to us and we LOVE IT!
Perfect hosts! These guys were wonderful. Everything was just as they advertised it.
December 2011Walking through Matt and Randy's front door felt like coming home for Christmas. Warm smiles met with twinkling Christmas lights and a roaring fire in the background. A storybook home, these two gentlemen are authentic hosts...and bundles of fun! We had the perfect amount of privacy...but never wanted for anything. Respectful, considerate, delightful human beings with a gift for creating an environment you won't soon want to leave....we won't stay anywhere else.
Matt and Randy are thoughtful and friendly hosts with impeccable taste. They have created a very adorable home and shared with us an incredibly comfortable bedroom. Everything was perfect, including their friendly cats. Staying in Andersonville added, to our surprise, a whole new adventure.
Tolles Haus, genau unser Stil. Es war so schön bei Mat und Randy. Die Erlebnisse in Chicago waren auch großartig. Beim nächsten Besuch in dieser Stadt wähle ich auf jeden Fall wieder diese Wohnung, wenn das möglich ist. Geräumiges Haus, alles sehr sauber und sogar der Kaffee schmeckt!!
Mat and Randy were perfect hosts. Their home is beautiful and they are happy to share it. I wasn't in town for too long, but it was nice to come home to a cozy bed. From the butcher block beer to the perfectly poached eggs, It was a lovely experience. My only regret is that I didn't have more time to spend with my gracious hosts. I"ll be back!
If you want to have the very best airbnb-experience ever, that's the place you can find it!!!! These two guys gave me a very warm welcome and I felt like home immediatelly. I really enjoyed our conversations because it was like I already know them for years. Especially my last evening with them in the awesome Hopleaf was very funny and last but not least our trip downtown to see the skyline of Chicago at night was the best!!! Thank you so much for that!!! If they haven't offered me their... More »
Mat and Randy are amazing hosts! They welcomed us into their beautiful home as if we were family, and provided us with a map of the best places to check out in the neighborhood. We will definitely stay here again the next time we come to Chicago!
Where are the 6Stars?? How amazing was mat and randy! they are very helpful with a lot of advice for chicago. They know almost everything about the city, and the way to help you. The location is so great with a 24h train near the house (20minutes from downtown), and the neighbourhood is very quiet and clean, with eveything at 1minute from the house (food, bar, restaurant). The room is very confortable! The house was amazing as well. For the value its soooooooooo niceeeeeee...... More »
sometimes its the little details that make a stay superb, like the tea tree soap in the shower at Mathew & Randy's place. overall tho, Ah-Maize-Zing. the space. the hosts. the location--water front adjacent. and andersonville is like chicago's dumbo(nyc) or echo park(la)-- an eclectic pocket just out of the city hub to find all the cool things. these guys will certainly point you to a few you'll love. definitely recommend.
We had a great stay at Mathew's lovely house. Randy and Mathew were great hosts. The room and the entire house were very clean and cozy. The pictures don't lie. The location was perfect too. It's easy to get to downtown Chicago by train and there were a lot of delicious restaurants close-by. The best airbnb experience so far. Thank you :)
I don't even know where to start! Mat and Randy are two of the best guys you'll ever meet. Generous, hospitable, invested in their community, genuinely interested in their guests....I could go on :) Their home is a gem: beautifully decorated, immaculate, quiet, comfortable, and Andersonville truly is the perfect location. Awesome neighborhood restaurants (Lady Gregory's, M. Henry) and bars (Hop Leaf for you craft beer lovers :)), and shops. 5 minute walk to the Red Line, regular bus service.... More »
Mat and Randy are really great hosts! They have a gorgeous house and a beautiful garden. They provide you with all the information you need about Chicago. We really enjoyed staying at their home. Go and try it, it's a great spot- including great people!
Awesome people,awesome hosts, awesome house. Thanks a lot guys for making Chicago perfect to us!
Ha sido una magnifica experiencia. Los anfitriones muy amables, nos han hecho sentir como en nuestra propia casa, la casa preciosa, llena de detalles y muy cuidada. El jardin una maravilla, donde hemos compartido con los propietarios momentos inolvidables. Ha sido una forma diferente de conocer la ciudad. El barrio de Andersonville, muy animado y a tan solo a 30 minutos en metro del centro(Loop).
My bestie and I stayed with Mathew and Randy for Pride weekend and we had a GREAT time! From the moment Randy greeted us on the front porch to Saturday night cocktail hour, they were absolutely wonderful hosts! Their home is beyond beautiful; we instantly felt at ease. At no fault to them, the only wamp wamp was parking. It was Pride weekend, so there were a lot of visitors in Andersonville which made trying to find parking a headache. Otherwise, the experience was great. If you're looking... More »
My boyfriend and I loved staying with Mat and Randy. Everything in the house was beautiful and comfortable and they were gracious hosts. We loved hanging out in the backyard drinking cold beers, eating Randy's delicious ribs, getting to know their friends, and playing with the kitties. Thank you again Mat and Randy for giving us the best airbnb experience - it truly exceeded our expectations. You guys are awesome!
Amazing hosts, amazing house.... Randy and Mat are both lovely guys, and amazing hosts... Randy would run me a bath with candle's at the end of long day walking around the city. I so loved chatting with them about life, love, travels and everything in between. Randy makes an amazing ribs on the grill that I got to enjoy with their neighbours and friends, along with a few drinks late into the night. Without question meeting the boys was the highlight of my trip to Chicago, and look forward to... More »
Mathew and Randy have a beautiful home and garden and were the perfect hosts. From greeting us with a beer, to coffee in the morning and ensuring our comfort during some bizarre weather, we could not have felt more at home. I will definitely stay here again if I am ever back in Chicago.
My friend and i stayed with Mat and Randy for 3 nights. They were amazing hosts and made us feel like we were at home! Excellent location as well! We would definitely stay there again if we were in Chicago.
This was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The accomodations are first rate! Lovely people, beautiful house, spotless bathroom and a back yard to die for. A picture I took in their backyard is now the wallpaper on my phone, it's so gorgeous. The birds were flying in and out of their yard and the water was babbling. It was idyllic. Mat and Randy are deserving of their superhost status. It was so nice to have someone to come home to after a full day of sightseeing alone on Saturday... More »
A very warm, central and beautiful home to stay in. Both Mat and Randy were excellent company and extremely helpful with sites to see and directions. Both hosts were friendly and open and we shared great conversations. Especially liked the family of cats and the relaxed atmosphere. A delightful stay in Chicago
Mat and Randy are incredible guys! Very gregarious and welcoming, true gentlemen. My mom and I were flying stand-by to Chicago so I had to do a lot of calling to let Mat know if we got on the plane or not. He was not fazzed by us not having concrete times we would arrive which we greatly appreciated. The neighborhood is quiet and a few blocks away from stores, restaurants, gyms, and bars. If you walk the opposite way you hit Lilttle Saigon. The house was beautiful. As I told Mat and Randy... More »
Mat and Randy's residence was the nicest place I've ever stayed. I've been all over America and their place doesn't disappoint. They are welcoming, fun to be around and all around nice guys. It's a really laid back environment. To be able to come and go as I pleased and knowing in the bitter Chicago cold, I had a nice house and heated tile floor to come home to was worth every penny I paid. I've already recommended them to friends and would gladly stay with them again. I may be spoiled... More »
Mat was very friendly and liked to share things about his life in Chicago. You can have great conversations with him if you want to. He also liked to go the extra mile and make us coffee in the morning. His house is very clean and tastefully furnished. Andersonville is full of places to eat and drink but the commute downtown is swift and direct if you're really itching for the big city lights. On your way there you might find yourself exploring other fun areas like Boystown. Overall it was a... More »
Being a first timer to Chicago, and knowing nothing of the city, my trip was destined to be a memorable one with the friendly correspondence with both Mat and Randy before even arriving with the aid of helpful L-train directions from the airport to their charming home in the delightful neighborhood of Andersonville. With great energy and a warm inviting home, Mat and Randy were more than people to say hello to, they were two old souls that you'd want to sit down and share a nice glass of... More »
Words can hardly describe our great experience with Mat and Randy in Chicago. What wonderful people with a wonderful home! We loved every minute and felt at home instantly. They always go out of their way to help you and make you feel so welcome in their home. Not only did we enjoy Chicago very much, but spending time with Mat and Randy was great and we want to go back and visit again! This is what the AirBNB experience should be about! J
Staying at Mat and Randy's gorgeous home was a real treat. They're so welcoming that when you walk in the door you'll feel right at home. They gave us the lay of the land and told us some great places to go in big bad chicagoland. Couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. Thanks again!
mathew was an amazing host and i would return to chicago just to have dinner with him. the most quiet cats ever...more like soft furry cushions. the best neighbourhood in chicago and the most beautiful house. i felt so lucky to have been able to be a part of this existence. mathew (and company) are warm friendly smart interesting and tell great travel stories. they will tell you were to go and you will like it !!
Wonderful accommodations and great, generous hosts. Highly recommend!
What is there to say? Matt and Randy were so welcoming in their charming and perfectly-appointed Andersonville home. The guest room is spacious and comfy, the bathroom has heated (!) tile floors and the living room stays warm with a fireplace and the lazy affection of a few adorable cats. But the guys are by far the best feature! Matt and Randy will chat you up about the 'hood, life in Chicago, where to eat and whatever else you'd like to talk about. I can't wait to visit them in... More »
So perfect! I had a great one nighter in Andersonville much to the hospitality and accommodations of Matt and Randy. I love the neighborhood - had fabulous mussels at Hop Leaf and then a drink with the guys at Simon's (amazing jukebox). Very comfortable bed and bathroom. Memorable experience and conversations that will stay with me forever!
Five stars just don't do this place justice. I truly hit the jackpot by staying with Mat and Randy!!! They are just AWESOME! Mat and Randy were THE perfect hosts: extremely warm, welcoming, open minded, trusting and FUN. They were incredibly forthcoming in helping me find my way around Chicago and filling me in on all the fun places to go. If you don't want to be a regular tourist, stay at Mat and Randy's. You'll automatically feel like you're in the know. Thanks to them you almost feel... More »
Well, if you are looking for a clean and stylish place, in a diverse Chicago neighborhood with good food nearby, a short walk to transport, with interested (and interesting) hosts, then this is the place! Matt and Randy also seem to know most of the neighbors too, so after a few days, I felt like I was really at home! The fact that they can lend you their bikes is great, as they are only a few blocks from the beach too! All in all, I couldn't imagine a nicer place to stay.
Mat and Randy have created a wonderful living space. Seriously, I half expect to see their renovations in next months This Old House. They were incredibly accommodating, the bed was one of the most comfortable I have ever experienced, and the coffee is strong and good. Thank you so much, and my wife is already bugging me about a trip with her to Chicago. Thanks for making my trip perfect!
I came here for the Marathon and the hotels were too expensive for me. I came upon Mat and Randy through this website and I'm so glad I did. My stay at their house was infinitely better than if I had stayed at one of the hotels in the city. I don't think any of the hotels would have treated me the way they did. Mat and Randy were extraordinary hosts. They went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and enjoy my Chicago experience. The house is amazing (stunningly decorated like... More »
If visiting Chicago...this is a wonderful place to stay. Very convenient...super clean, comfy bed and two great hosts. Very well recommended and will definitely stay again...
Awesome home, very welcoming and friendly hosts. Excellent location in a beautiful Chicago neighborhood
Straight to the point - no phrase tells it better than: "Home away from Home"! Randy and Matt are fantastic guys, great hosts and they have build a gorgeous home (tasteful, cosy, clean) in Andersonville (Uptown Chicago), which is a superb neigborhood. To many superlatives? You haven't been there yet. 5 Mins to the lakeshore - take a bike downtown (beach, outstanding skyline view). 15 mins subway ride to all the sights. 100m walk to Clark Street with it's dozens of great small cafes,... More »
I had the pleasure of staying recently with Mat and Randy in their very comfortable and gracious home. The small details shine--the carefully tended garden out back, the strong hot coffee in the morning, easy directions around town, tips on what to see and do in the neighborhood, a serene guest room, good conversation...they even invited me to tag along on their trip to the local farmer's market the first evening! I'd stay with Mat and Randy again in a heartbeat. Excellent first airbnb... More »
Matt and Randy's generous hospitality made it difficult to leave! Their place was just the calming environment I needed for the hectic 3 days of business I had in Chicago. It was nice knowing, that when I left school, I would be coming back to a quiet house, or a relaxing time in the garden. BTW - the candles at night and the sound of the trickling waterfall were amazing. Also, the offer of your bikes for a fun ride to the lake, or the many maps and food suggestions you provided was beyond... More »
It will be very hard to get better hosts than Randy and Mat. The house is gorgeous, the room perfectly clean and comfortable (wi-fi and fridge) and the garden is amazing. But, most of all, Randy and Mat are very nice and helpfull. Thank you so much for these 3 days and make sure that we will come back. A bientôt !
From the moment we walked into Mat and Randy's home we felt like we entered an oasis or a home away from home. They are kind, considerate, and beyond wonderful hosts (not to mention downright good human beings!). Their home is immaculate, and furnished with a great flair for detail and creative art. Plan to spend some relaxing time sitting in the backyard watching the koi and turle and frogs in the babbling stream and pond along with their mellow cats. We can't wait to return!
Mathew and Randy were great hosts! The place was immaculate and artfully decorated. The backyard is also amazing complete with babbling stream and koi pond. Thanks for a great experience!!!!! Highly reccomended!
We had such an incredible time with Mat and Randy! Stop right now, and book a place here. Seriously. Mat and Randy's place is in an amazing Chicago neighborhood - with plenty of shops, excellent food and easy access to transit and major roads. They really know Chicago and can fill you in on things to do and places to see. The house is beautiful (inside and out), incredibly comfy and clean. The decor is a perfect blend of relaxation and funkiness. You WILL feel special and provided... More »
How can I better recommend staying with Mat and Randy? Aside from living in a fantastic location they have a lovely home that is inviting and friendly as the hosts themselves. The airbnb guests I have met have all been treated warmly and the pair are very accommodating! The guest room is in stellar condition, the house easily accesible in the heart of Andersonville, the neighbors and friends that frequent Mat and Randy's are fantastic and I highly recommend above any other hosts in the area!
Kerstin is a Friend November 2011I LOVE Mat and Randy!! They are fantastic hosts with great attention to detail. The house (and guest room) is cozy, neat, and nicely decorated. The back-yard is amazing with a soothing Koi pond. This goes without saying that Andersonville is the best neighborhood in Chicago.
