Starr was an exceptionally attentive host, and offers a clean, secure apartment in the downtown Oakland area. The apartment building staff are also very friendly. The space is a convertible studio apartment (built in floor-to-ceiling partitions to separate a bedroom area if desired), with a wonderfully equipped and very clean kitchen. The bed was a little too squishy for my taste, but otherwise the bedroom space is clean and free of clutter.
Came for a work trip, so I can't speak too much to the surrounding restaurant or night-life scene, but by itself, I cannot recommend Starr's place enough. Would definitely return on my next business trip.