This was a unique experience for us, and our week there was lovely. The hosts were as informal as we were, and the accommodations were all we could wish for. The house is an older bungalow, and the bedroom is just off the kitchen. It was quiet and private, and the cooking smells (one of our hosts has a gourmet dinner business, too) were inviting. As were the warm muffins in the AM.
This house is located at the border between Berkeley and Oakland, and we found most of the other houses in the neighborhood interesting architecturally, also.
The location is walkable, with a BART station maybe 20 minutes away. However, it is more convenient with an auto. A very good Whole Foods store is minutes way, and restaurants are plentiful if you are willing to walk or drive. The University is just up the road a mile-plus.
No review is complete without a review of the hosts. Dan and Traci are great hosts - welcoming, informed, helpful, on-site, and not overbearing at all. It was kind of like being with family you like. The other houseguest was from Eurasia, in Berkeley for a short course, and very interesting, too.
One of the reasons we picked Dan and Traci's was her side-profession as a chef. Twice a week she cooks gourmet dinners for others to pick up and take home. And we got to eat them, too - a wonderful extra benefit. Our son, recently moved to Oakland, joined us, and may sign up with her for her on-line cooking class.
We now know where we want to stay, next time we're in town to visit family.