My mother and I stayed in Amanda's unit for a few nights in July. Whilst we didn't get to meet Amanda, she organised for her lovely friend Lindsay to meet us and was available via phone contact for our entire stay. The unit was clean and very comfortable and in the most perfect location in the wonderfully-colorful Castro district! You are a 10 minute walk from the MUNI station and the 24 bus stops at the end of the street. Even in Summer, SF is very chilly, so the inclusion of a separate heater for the unit was very much appreciated, as was the extra blanket. The separate entrance is also very handy as it meant we could come and go as we pleased without disturbing anyone. The Castro neighbourhood is delightful, with the stereotypical SF architecture and vibrant inhabitants and we always felt very safe in the area. Make sure you try Phills Coffee for the most wonderful selection of drinks, Harvey's bar and restaurant for an amazing brunch menu, and Thailand restaurant for possibly the best Thai you'll taste in the USA!

Even though we were only in San Fran for a few days, we found it best to buy a weekly clipper pass which allows you to travel around SF on the Muni, Buses and Cable Car. It was about $40 and we figured after 3 days that we had well and truly paid for the pass with the number of trips we took- the Cable Car itself is $7/ride but well worth a ride for the experience! First-timers- make sure you do the Hop on/Hop off bus which takes you around the city and across the Golden Gate Bridge, go to Golden Gate Park and take a day-trip out to Yosemite. Alcatraz is also definitely worth a visit, although be warned that you probably will need to book well in advance as it sells out months ahead. Also, make sure you pack warm-clothing- we were shocked at the difference in temperate between our stays in NYC and SF!

SF is the most beautiful city and we absolutely adored our first time. We would definitely stay in Amanda's apartment again and can't wait to go back and visit our new-favourite holiday destination!