Our stay at Cynthia and Steve's place was perfect.
This was the third stop on a five-stop North America holiday for our four-person Aussie family and we couldn't have asked for more.
Cynthia and Steve made a point of welcoming us (and making us feel welcome), which was a nice touch, showing us through the suite and giving us some pointers. However, they also seemed aware that we'd just travelled and probably wanted to catch our breath, get something to eat and crash and so they equally respected our space.
Cynthia and Steve also seemed to have really personalised the space (and the stay) for us. Cynthia had been in touch in the lead-up to the trip and we discussed flight details and who was in our party (me, my wife and two kids [4yo, 2yo]). Those details were reflected when we walked through the door to find the fold-out bed already made and setup for the kids (given Cynthia knew we'd be needing it), a crib was offered (but not required), but also there were a range of local-author kids books arranged at the foot of the bed, along with some soft toys, crayons and an activity book. It was a really thoughtful gesture that was greatly appreciated, especially as the overtired kids were immediately distracted and comfortable in another set of new surroundings.
We also appreciated the efforts in ensuring we had everything we required to make the most of our trip to San Francisco. Largely, that should be up to us to make the effort to research (and we did), but it speaks to the quality of Cynthia and Steve as hosts that everything was made so simple for us. About five books on local activities and attractions, maps and typed notes were arranged on the dining table for us and provided exciting post-kids-in-bed reading.
Finally, the area in which the suite is located is phenomenal. Whether you're a family like us, single, a young couple - whatever! - it's ideal. We were there for five nights and had no struggles finding a new place to try for breakfast and dinner every day - all of which were within about 200m of the house. No joke. Pier 39/Fisherman's, Union Square, Haight St - wherever we wanted to explore - were all about a $10 cab ride away (or $3 on the bus if you're really watching your pennies). And there were three epic parks within walking distance for the kids to play at.
Steve and Cynthia: thank you for helping to make this a holiday that our whole family will remember for the rest of our lives.