I was in Chicago w/ no hotel reservations the weekend of Pitchfork, so every hostel was booked. My boyfriend and I came across this historic/run down hotel that didn't look too bad, and it was only 35/night.
DO NOT let the lobby fool you. Back in the 30s, it was beautiful, with marble floors and high ceilings. The man at the front desk was literally in his 90s. But once you step out of the "elevator," all bets are off.
It had the worst water damage I've ever seen in a building. Ever. There were crackheads everywhere. The sheets were totally stained with who knows what. White dried substances on just about everything. Tub did not work, but I would not have touched it anyways. The building swayed with the wind and it wasn't even a windy day.
We went to explore, got about 10 feet and saw a sign on our neighbor's door that read "STAY OUT OF MY ROOM AND LEAVE MY STUFF ALONE OR I'LL KILL YOU. THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING."
We stayed about 3 hours then got the hell out of there. Looking back, it was so horrific that I'm glad I stayed there because it's a good story to tell friends.
