I used AirBnB several times, but this was the nicest place I ever stayed. Alex was a great host and it was a pleasure to stay at his place. Prior to arrival communication was efficient and clear, it was easy to reach him and apartment (and key) was easy to find and access. Apartment was very clean, spacious and effectively furnished, focused on comfort of the traveler. Bed was comfortable, with spotless white linens, there was enough space in the cupboard, wifi was fast and TV had many channels. Things like toiletries, iron, kitchenette with utensils, maps of the Oakland or Alex’s advice how to get around were great bonuses for a pleasant stay. My favourite place was the bathroom, which was extremely spacious, sparkling clean and had a window! Whole apartment building is nice and neighbors quiet.
Although on a busy street during the day, I never had problems with noise and street was quiet in the evening. I felt safe, because there’s police station across the street and multiple law offices on a street level nearby operating 24/7. Transit is walking distance away and when I used BART to attend the conference in SF it took me even less time than to some people who walked from SF hotels!
One thing above all- I booked in advance and it turned out that at the time of my stay finals of NBA were taking place in Oakland. If Alex cancelled my booking he could probably make much more by renting the apartment to someone else. But he didn’t and his honesty and integrity make him a real superhost!
Additional tips for visitors #1 there's a farmer's market in the neighborhood on Fridays #2 apart from BART you can use ferry to get to SF, which offers nice views, is cheap and you can use transit card to pay fare.