Okay so first off, Karen is a spectacular host.! She was communicate and responsive during our entire stay. Her hospitality shined with her many food/activity suggestions and ideas for my 5-year-old. We did did take a few of her suggestions and they were all a hit! It really makes a difference when you know the host cares and wants you to enjoy all the area has to offer. Karen is a really nice, down to earth host who we had the pleasure of chatting with a couple of times in person!
The Oakland Hills--I did not realize how absolutely gorgeous this area is. This neighborhood Karen's place is in is so cool. Admittedly, I have never spent enough time in Oakland to know about the area and mostly took people's negative views of the city as a reason not to visit. However, I have a newfound love for the city of Oakland! Sure, there are not so pleasant areas but those aren't nearby and honestly the culture all around is great. SO much to do, SO much good food and your close to SF and can take a relatively short drive or ferry to and from Oakland. The Airbnb is in a neighborhood that is high up and surrounded by so many trees. It really is beautiful and the view from Karen's balcony is AMAZING. The deck itself is perfect with a seating area to have breakfast, enjoy coffee, read etc. Its large, spacious deck... big enough with 2 other seating areas including the table to also put my yoga mat out on and do some yoga! Omg and the deer. Deer roam this neighborhood and I had the pleasure of seeing them down below from the balcony. It is really peaceful. Both the living room and bedroom have glass doors that lead out to the balcony and let the light in!
There is a nice sized living room with a workspace (desk and office chair) if you need to jump on your laptop etc. The bedroom is lovely with closet space with plenty of hangers . The bed is nice and firm (I love me a firm and comfortable bed). There is also a dresser to put additional clothing if needed. Bathroom is perfect with a luxurious shower. The kitchen space is shared with a really nice washer and dryer set and has everything you need! The kitchen does not have an oven BUT it has a toaster oven AND hot plate if you'd like to cook during your stay --so despite it not having a stove/oven it still gets the points in this department and I found that to be a great touch.
This was for sure, one of my favorite Airbnb stays thus far and Karen's place is perfect in my book! Couldn't have ask for more!
Next time I'm in Oakland, best believe I'll be checking to see if her place is available before any others!