Really enjoyed our 2 1/2 weeks at Clair and Elias' cottage. Clair was incredibly responsive to messages, requests, and feedback. Interaction felt personal and kind, not like other Airbnb visits we've had where there is no personal interaction and it feels like a hotel. Would happily come back for another stay.
Highlights:
- Quiet, peaceful, private location. A little bit of occasional noise from Skyline.
- Quick access to numerous trails for exercise
- Welcome package left for us by Clair with food and beverage - such a nice personal touch!
- Sitting out on the sunny deck in the afternoons (Clair even hauled up some lounger chairs for us)
- Comfy bed, great shower, user-friendly kitchen with all the kitchen implements we wanted (we cooked at the cottage quite a bit)
- Room for 2+ cars on separate dirt driveway
- Easy driving distance to Safeway and a little farther to Farmer Joe's market and great Oakland restaurants
Challenges:
- A bit toasty in the cottage during a 90+ degree heat wave. Standing fan that Clair brought up helped a lot (otherwise it's just a couple of overhead fans)
- Small leak in shower stall - couldn't seem to get it to stop leaking onto the bathroom floor - a towel helped.
- The Oakland Hills can be really foggy so be careful when driving in the area. The deck can also be quite wet in the morning from the towering eucalyptus trees
A note:
For those with mobility issues and/or injuries: The access to the cottage from the dirt driveway is flat/level, with no steps. However, if you like to go on neighborhood walks, be aware that getting to the cottage involves walking up a short but relatively steep paved road.