I'm new to California and stayed at Maria's apartment while looking for a permanent residence. This was my first time using airbnb, and I throughly enjoyed my experience. Maria wrote a handwritten welcome which I appreciated, and retrieving the key was smooth and easy. The apartment looked as described, and was well maintained. There are dozens of photographs and items from around the world which are fun to take time and look at. The heater pilot light wasn't turned on when I arrived, leaving the apartment cold the first night, but that was addressed the next morning and the apartment was temperate for the remainder of my stay. Maria gave me all the space I wanted during my stay, while checking on me periodically via text message which I appreciated. The neighborhood is was great and quiet, though the first night the next door neighbors had a party for the Mayweather fight, but the noise wasn't terrible. The house is a 15 walk from Lake Merritt which I enjoyed a great deal. The cable TV and wifi worked great. The parking spot was also a GREAT addition as it is difficult to find street parking in the area. I'm glad that I was able to stay at Maria's place. I would recommend this apartment to anyone looking to stay in Oakland, cozy home in a great location.