I've just got back to the UK after spending four weeks in Ericka's wonderful cottage while I was a Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley. This is the first time I've used Airbnb: all I can say is that anywhere else will have a hard time living up to the experience of staying in Rockridge. The cottage is beautiful space: light, comfortable, and equipped with everything you might need. I was working on a book while in Oakland and found it a great space both to write and live in. The location is also great: two minutes walk to Rockridge BART station and easy access to downtown Oakland and San Francisco. College Avenue is also a couple of minutes away: it's a buzzing and vibrant neighborhood packed with fantastic markets, cafes, restaurants, and bars; further afield (ten minutes walk) you have Temescal and Alley Forty-Nine for yet more great shops, restaurants, and cafes. I spent a few days in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland, but for the most part there was plenty to explore in Rockridge and surrounding neighborhoods.

Ericka and Eric were great hosts: welcoming, friendly, and always helpful above and beyond the call of duty.

To sum up: I really can't speak highly enough of my experience staying in the cottage. I'd be back there tomorrow if you gave me chance (and can't wait to spend time there and in Rockridge again in the future).