Pros:
- Residence is close to many corner shops. You won't go thirsty or hungry! Within one block, I hit 2 different shops (out of 4) for snacks, hot food and cold drinks.
- Private microwave oven
- Private A/C fan device
- Private mini-fridge
- Private Full-height clothes cabinet
- Shower had plenty of hot water
- Shower had two different types of shampoo (I am bald, soooo... 🤷🏾‍♂️)
- When not at work, host was on-premises... seems like a nice fella
- Shared laundry room
- Some shared fridge stuff (water, condiments)
Cons:
- Residence is in "shady" neighborhood, near the Oakland Airport (across highway 880). Handful of homeless and visibly mentally ill people roaming around.
- Shared space was quite messy when I got there. At first I panicked and thought I had somehow walked into the wrong house.
- Tiny room. The full-size bed took up most of the space. The appliances basically took up the rest. Example: Microwave oven took up basically all the table space... I had to move it and the space heater into the clothes cabinet.
- Shower had no bath soap, no hand soap, no soap at all.
- Shower has metal rod sticking out about a foot from the wall. Clear and present danger. I had to be VERY careful when taking my showers.
- The location is NOT "quiet". Expect some normal freeway and road noise (obviously)... but THAT should be fine. On the first night, other guests were hella loud, cooking, cleaning, clomping around, and talking loudly at 1am, continuing on for multiple hours. I could hear everything. I was unable to get much-needed sleep. I *almost* sought a partial refund, intending to go lodge elsewhere. Fortunately it was a temporary situation.
- Host was not always responsive
Mitigated:
- Space heater didn't work, but host had me take one from another room.
- Clothing cabinet had no hangers, but host provided some later.
- Bathroom had no washcloths ("hand towels") but host provided one later.
- Host apologized for the other loud guests, and explained the temporary situation.
Overall, it's a solid case of "You get what you pay for". No other AirBnB was available within my budget, so this place - warts and all - is STILL probably the best deal you'll see in the area. Especially if you're staying just a night or two. If you're a high roller and desire 4+ star lodging, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're on a budget and have some mental fortitude, can't go wrong with Jeff's place.