I was hesitant to book an anniversary vacation with airbnb at first because I didn't know what type of privacy to expect in someone else's home, but The Secret Lounge put my troubles to rest. The space is completely private not only with its own bathroom but with a completely separate entrance from the rest of the house. My husband and I stayed there 3 nights and felt as if we had all the privacy and amenities of an upscale hotel and then some.

The space is chicly decorated and is a much needed breath of fresh air when compared to traditional, steril hotel environments with generic artwork and no character. David and Tina do a great job of making sure their guests have everything they need, whether it's full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner (not tiny, two-in-one bottles like you find most places), or stacks upon stacks of takeout menus from neighborhood restaurants that deliver to your door. They also stock the room with coffee, tea and a mini fridge which came in very handy during our trip.

The location, too, is also desirable; it's only a few blocks from the BART station and from popular bus lines. We easily traveled across the city with no trouble at all. The neighborhood is quiet at night and lively during the day featuring fantastically colorful murals that overtake each city block. The overall effect is a picturesque but culturally vibrant piece of the city rarely depicted in tourist brochures and postcards.

I'd stay there again and again.