I stayed at this place for 2.5 months and I DO NOT RECOMMEND FOR A LONG TERM STAY. Short term stay should be fine though.
Cons:
Almost impossible to prepare food: There was no microwave when I moved in and so I had to buy one myself for the apartment. If it’s still there after I leave, you’re welcome! There is no kitchen access, and the host suggested I eat out. I’m a student here for a summer internship and San Mateo is not cheap for daily eating out. IF YOU’RE THINKING OF A LONG TERM STAY, GET A SUBLET INSTEAD! Or expect to eat microwaveable meals and cereal everyday. There are other Airbnb’s that are cheaper with kitchen access too.
TV is always very loud: I worked a 9-5 and the tv would be blasting starting at like 6-7am. I’ve only heard the TV off on a handful of occasions during these 2.5 months. 😭
Cleanliness: The common area hallway (between the room and the bathroom) is not the cleanest. I’ve had to clean up the hallway multiple times during my stay because it was not being cleaned.
Pros: The room is generally clean and the host is pretty responsive with my questions.
The location of this place is fine, it’s about a 25 min walk to the CalTrain or you can take a bus across the street from the Chavez market to get to the CalTrain.
I had my own bathroom for the summer because I was the only tenant so that was very nice.
Overall the place was alright, although I probably wouldn’t recommend it for a long term stay because it raises food costs enormously.