One of my favorite things about Airbnb is that it brings people together from around the world, and one of my favorite things about Maura was that she seemed to appreciate this too.

She was very inviting to us and always asked if we were being accommodated well. She really opened her home to us and showed us a slice of her life, all the while asking questions about ours. Also, try the jam. It's a requirement and totally worth it.

Maura's home is quaint, cozy and so elaborately decorated that you're not sure whether you're in Colorado or Arizona. (This was not a bad thing!) The neighborhood is perfectly situated out of the commotion of traffic but in a prime location that lends itself to fun restaurants, shops, and access to the major freeways. You can even see the shadow of the mountains in the distance from Maura's back patio.

Her dogs are infinitely sweet and were a pleasure to be around, too. (But if you're not a fan of noise, be wary, though she provides earplugs among other little amenities.)

All in all, we really appreciated and enjoyed our stay with Maura. The room was small but cozy enough for a couple. It's definitely nice to have a private bathroom, and she let us spill over into the living room for more space. My favorite touch (besides the jam) was the guest book in the room.

I would definitely recommend Maura's place and would love to have the chance to visit her again!