Oakland’s Rockridge is a FAVORITE neighborhood to stay while traveling in SFO/East-bay area. Lots of charming craftsman homes with striking pride of ownership. So many good restaurants, close to “Market-hall”, a well known high-end grocery, with fresh pasta, butcher shop, coffee and bakery. Birdhouse is four blocks to BART, Trader Joe’s Smitten ice cream, indeed traveler friendly and imminently walkable!
Vanessa’s Birdhouse has comfortable beds, it’s quiet with spacious rooms and great heat during chilly winter stays. Farmer’s market on Sundays five blocks away. The structure is indeed noticeably dated as described in AirBnB listing.
We have traveled extensively including internationally using AirBnB. All 5 star experiences and customers reports are coveted and require dedicated standards to maintain to for each guests stay . Cleanliness and access to accommodations were at issue for us this time, unfortunately this time not the usual 5 Star AirBnB standard we are used to.
Challenges; Lockbox entry key was inaccessible to us because of a wrong combination.. maybe not reset from a prior family’s stay? Fortunately Vanessa’s Mom was visiting next door, she came by to provide clean towels for us, ultimately she opened the door to let us in. Door keys were apparently left on the dining table. We dropped off our luggage as prearranged . When we put our breakfast food away, we found an open, half empty can of Lacroix grapefruit soda on the kitchen counter and lots of open or left over food in the refrigerator. All findings were provided as honest feedback to Vanessa. She was reported to be traveling and so unable to ensure her normal guest standards.
My 3 Star ratings honestly reflect these issues for our 3 day Birdhouse experience.
Probably won’t return in the future.