It was very nice being able to stay at Hermina's place. She wasn't there, but we knew that in advance, and that was ok. The room was ready and clean and everything was organized. The house has, I think, 6 separate rooms for guests, and we ran into several other guests in the common areas at various times -- all really nice people. (by the way, no air-con, but we were ok with the ceiling fan and a small fan in the window...)

Dorchester has not-the-greatest reputation and the neighborhood could make someone nervous, but we felt fine at the house itself (next to the police station and across from a Buddhist center.)

The only "negative" was that breakfast supplies get set out the day before in the kitchen by Hermina's friend Donna (we didn't meet her but had contact via text message.) Apparently the food and coffee she had set out prior to our arrival was almost completely consumed by the various guests before the morning of our first breakfast. (no milk, no bread, no fruit, no coffee, no yogurt, no juice...) That was kind of a drag. It was great that the kitchen was available for everyone and that there were spices and condiments and basic ingredients there. And I can understand that having a stock of 10 cans of coffee in the cupboard would be an invitation for people to take a can with them... but there ought to be some way to "budget" breakfast items so that they don't run out. Anyway, tip to future guests: scope out the kitchen when you arrive and contact Donna immediately if supplies are low. Or plan to eat out in the morning.

Even if there was no breakfast included, this would be a great place to stay... as long as you are aware of the situation... We would definitely recommend.