We have stayed in a variety of shared spaces with and without the host present. This was one of the more unusual circumstances because it seems that Alice doesn't live at this location, but there are others staying in the house, whom we didn't know if they were family or renters. There weren't any introductions or communication. Check in was easy, Alice communicated with us prior to and upon arrival. Shared bathroom was an uncomfortable disappointment as it was very dirty. Half bath is very basic but convenient because it is in room. We relied on public transit and found it was .8 mile to MacArthur Bart station or a short bus ride from 19th street Bart station. The neighborhood isn't the greatest but it was an affordable base camp to explore the Bay Area.