If you are looking for a nice money saving place to stay, Joyce's place is a great option!
Joyce contacted me before my stay to let me know the shower door had gotten broken and she offered to refund my stay. I was ok to just have a shower curtain put up, but was impressed by how kind it was for her to alert me that the space would be slightly different than the photos due to this unexpected issue, and to give me the option to book elsewhere if I needed. She is very nice and a very communicative host, and also lives in the multi-unit house, so I believe she can assist you quickly if needed (my 1 month stay went smoothly and I didn't need any help with anything).
Cons:
- Joyce's neighborhood is considered a nice area in Oakland but if you aren't from Oakland (or any big city) you may think the area seems kinda scary/ sketchy at night. I ubered at night versus sitting at dark bus stops and walking a block or 2 (depending on which direction you come from, you may walk past nice houses in the neighborhood, or a few homeless people in tents under the overpass, or graffiti & debris and broken down rvs that people are probably living in). Joyce's street primarily has really nice houses, and what I just mentioned is NOT AT ALL uncommon for Oakland or the bay area in general. I just think you should be prepared if you are coming from somewhere else.
- The unit is around the back of the house and on the 2nd floor up a flight of outdoor wooden stairs, with a tiny landing at the top of the stairs (I would stand on the stairs to open the door), so if you are physically challenged and can't climb stairs, this may not be the best place to stay.
- The side & back of the house where you walk to get to the unit can be really dark at night. There is a motion detection light at the back of the house though. I just used my phone light whenever the detection light wouldn't turn on. Something to keep top of mind if you are planning to be out late at night as you will have to climb a flight of stairs & unlock 3 doors with 2 keys in complete darkness if your phone is dead.
- There are lots of spiderwebs on the stairs. I am totally fine with this and left them alone because they keep the flying insects under control (I literally didn't experience one bug while staying in this unit in the dead of summer!!). But if you have an major fear issue with spiderwebs it's something to be aware of. *shrug*
- There is no microwave so there's no way to heat up food. This may only be a big deal if you are specifically staying here to save money since you will be eating out/ ordering food frequently if you want a hot meal, and restaurants are expensive in the bay area. Also there will be no way for you to heat up left overs, so I recommend only ordering food that is edible cold or at room temp the next day. There is a kettle to make your own hot water drinks & cup of noodles though.
- There are no conveniently located laundry facilities nearby. Something to consider for long term stay. I would take the bus to the laundromat with my clothes & detergent in a rolling suitcase.
- The bed is a sofa bed so it can be uncomfortable for heavier people if you are sleeping on it for longer than a week. I stayed for a month, so after 2 weeks, I placed a large duvet cover I had on the floor and placed the covered matress on it (so it wouldn't get dirty). This made sleeping 100% more comfortable for the rest of my stay.
- This may not be an ideal place to stay if you are super plus sized (350lbs+) as the space to use the toilet and shower are kinda tight. I am tall (5'10") and plus sized and I made it work (I mostly showered at my gym) but anyone much bigger than me may have difficulty.
Pros!!!:
- It's a private unit with separate private entry! No sharing anything with anyone and it is very quiet. I met Joyce in passing once during my stay but never ran into anyone else the entire time I was there.
- Close to public transit (the 72 and 36 are two nearby buses within 1-2 block walking distance that stop at the Bart, and uber directly to the Bart was about $9).
- Uber to & from SF was about $17-25 (when there isn't a price surge due to an event) so not outrageous for late night trips.
- The unit has shower, toilet, sink & mini fridge.
- The unit is nicely decorated and there is an electric kettle and a nice basket full of teas & cocoa and small things you may need like public transit and "things to do in the area" pamphlets.
- The bathroom has toiletries that you can use and toilet paper & paper towels are provided.
- Joyce provided clean fresh smelling linens (pillow, numerous blankets, sheets, towels, washcloths and bath mats).
- There are many hangers available in the closet, a standing fan, folding tv tray, a hamper, 2 directional floors lamps & a overheard light for many lighting options.
- You can't beat the price for all of the amenities and privacy you get!!! None of the cons I listed (except the physical ability ones) make it worth passing on this place! Her unit was at least 400 less than anything else comparable in the bay area (except for the "tent for rent" & "sleep in my van/rv/couch" listings), which I think is another