The Lily Pad is absolutely magical - every detail of the space is thoughtful and based on enjoying the view out the floor to ceiling windows. While you're right in the midst of the urban buzz, as soon as you enter the gate and make your way back to the Lily Pad, it's as though you've left the city behind. The Koi pond and its inhabitants were a joy to watch every day and the sound of the waterfall lulled me to sleep and greeted me each morning w a soothing sound. The space, while small, has every little thing you'll need. I especially loved the heated floors as it was cool during my stay. I felt at peace and protected on a solo trip that was not an easy one as I'd lost my brother and had to come to Oakland to deal with all that. It was the perfect place to get me through and Albena is an absolute gem.