Laid Back Stays

I was captivated by the Secret Garden home in Evanston as soon as we pulled up to the curb. Walked up the storybook front garden path and stepped into a captivating main floor, which included a music room, pool (swim) room, chef's kitchen, and lots of cozy seating areas. Without knowing who curated such a charming, yet very comfortable, home, I imagine an artist and architect combining talents to curate the perfect home for creating + relaxing. The 2nd floor features a primary bedroom w/a luxurious bath, plenty of closet space, and a comfy kingsize bed. The 2nd bedroom includes a desk and printer, in case you need to squeeze in some work before unplugging. The 3rd bedroom has twin bunks and charming decor. The 3rd floor was perfect for my teenage niblings who had their own studio apartment--2 bedrooms, a full bath, and a hangout spot with beanbags and entertainment options. Our group of 6 had plenty of room inside as well as in the beautiful backyard, packed with gorgeous perennials, a charming swing, plus a large area for grilling and chilling. We enjoyed being a 5-min walk from downtown Evanston and an 8-min walk from Greenwood beach on Lake Michigan. We also celebrated a special BD during our stay. Not only is the property the most lovely and well-equipped rental I've ever stayed in, the property management team did an excellent job making sure we knew how to use all of the available amenities. A special shoutout to the Laid Back Stays team, especially property manager Chayton, for answering my texts quickly and with good humor. He ensured we had everything we needed during our stay and truly understands how to deliver a customer-centric experience.

Chayton is incredible to work with. He is a great communicator and keeps property owners up to date with renters, needs of the house, and any feedback given to make experiences better. Couldn’t recommend working with Chayton more. Love that he is local and on the ground to get any needs met in real time. He is efficient and has many resources if you are needing help with tasks to get completed in a timely manner. He is the boutique property manager you are looking for!

Laid Back Stays has completely redefined our expectations for property management. Chayton and the team have truly rolled out the red carpet—not just for us as owners, but for every guest who walks through the door. We’ve worked with both a local and a national company in the past, and there’s simply no comparison. Their boutique-level service is second to none. The attention to detail is incredible—from the quality of linens to thoughtful touches that elevate the guest experience. Chayton’s hustle, deep local connections, and expansive network have translated into higher bookings, happier guests, and peace of mind for us. This is what it looks like when a team genuinely cares and backs it up with action. We couldn’t recommend Laid Back Stays more highly.

I have been with several different property managers over the past decade for my vacation rentals in Scottsdale. These guys exceeded my expectations - extremely punctual, industrious, and empathetic in everything they do. They are super knowledgeable and even got my property to exceed revenue expectations. Literally just pick up the phone and call them. They are so great and you will not regret it!