My first stay in San Francisco, for a full week in the Mission district. The room is great, the bed easily the most comfortable I ever stayed in (besides my own at home). Great hosts, even if I ended up seeing them rarely. Not an issue, maybe even a plus for some guests - you're renting just a room, but have the kitchen for yourself as well, most of the time.

The location between Mission and Valencia, close to the 24th BART station, is incredible. So many choices for food, drinks, books and art. And it just takes like 10 minutes to get to Downtown (five minutes to BART station, a few minutes on the BART to Civic Center/Powell or Monetery.