Erika is a gracious and laid-back host. The room is in the front of a small house and has plenty of light and space for one, or two very friendly, people. The shared bathroom is rather tiny but serviceable and she gives you the run of the common rooms in the house. The house is very close to Ashby BART on a surprisingly quiet street. There is on-street parking one block north, but one needs to grab a space overnight as it is used by day commuters. She also has a sweet little parakeet who sings his heart out when the sun is shining.

Just a few blocks south there is a swell cafe, Sweet Adelines, which became my goto afternoon hangout. And Berkeley Bowl's acres of lovely produce are a few blocks in the other direction.