First, Mario is as pleasant and easy to deal with as I can imagine a host being. He was prompt, helpful, responsive, considerate, and welcoming. And though we didn't meet face to face, I had the sense I could count on him.

Mario's apartment is well appointed, smartly decorated and very comfortable. I felt very much at home. Whether hangin' in the living room over morning coffee or enjoying the great sheets on the comfy bed at day's end.

The Hayes Valley neighborhood is one of the coolest in SF and you are right at the heart of it. Go have a glass or a bottle of wine on the back patio of Arlequin (right behind Mario's apt), meet for drinks at Absinthe, have coffee at Ritual and don't miss the ice cream at Smitten.

There are lots of cool clothes and shoe shops, including the first outpost of Aether Apparel.

Walking in and around Hayes is easy and a pleasure. Stroll up to Alamo Square to see the city & the Painted Ladies. And it's an easy 20 minute walk from Mario's to Delores Park and the heart of the Mission District. You can even walk to the Ferry Building in under a half hour.

Mario's place is the perfect place for first time visitors to SF or for people, like me, with loads of friends in the neighboring hoods. I spent a fabulous week at Mario's and hope to make it my go to spot for future trips.