First I want to say that Maria and her family are extra ordinary people. They continually went out of there way to make me feel at home and always anticipated what I needed.
The small but incredibly quaint and private apartment that they built is very comfortable, well furnished and easily located in Oakland for the entire Bay area. It has a full kitchen with a full size stove, refrigerator, microwave and she provides some of the best coffee I have ever had. She constantly brings you fresh fruit and if you are there long enough ask her for a Torta that she makes.
As a professional COO/CFO I was moving into town to help run a company. The place where I was supposed to rent ended up not happening. I stayed almost a full month with Maria and her family. I want to also point out that if you want total privacy she and her family will absolutely make sure that happens for you.
The accommodations for the price that she charges is an absolute bargain. I would recommend her apartment over any extended stay hotel any day. I would recommend her apartment for any length of stay as well. It is rare that you meet such genuine people! She will now and forever be a friend of mine, that is how much I enjoyed staying with them.
This has been one of the best travel experiences in my life due to Maria, her family and their apartment.