Hermina is a very sweet lady with a beautiful victorian home. The basement level which my friend and I stayed in was huge and included a bed, kitchen & electric oven top. It's a shared bathroom among other renters, but there was no real wait to use it. The room was clean, but make sure all of the sheets are clean as well. The bathroom did have a little malfunction from time to time, the lights/air vent/heater totally shut off twice and there is no window so it's pitch black. Make sure you have your cell phone or a few candles for back up. =P

Though we didn't talk to Hermina throughout the trip (except getting there & leaving), she answered all my phone calls and was very attentive in helping us with a taxi from her house to the Logan airport on our last day. The Red Line subway is a quick walk (5-7min) and is around a 30min or so ride to the downtown areas.

As for the location of her house, the neighborhood reminded me of when I used to live around Oakland, (California - yes, "Oakland, smokin..") so there was moments of uneasiness, especially since my friend and I look more like the "younger crowd" to be mistaken for trouble (NOTE: Do not wear a San Franciso Giants hat in Dorchester). There IS a very sweet brunch spot 10-15min walking distance called Dot2Dot, I definitely suggest grabbing a bite there during your stay.

I give this place 4 out of 5 because the location isn't all that great, but for the price & for the hospitality it is mighty worth it. Hermina is a very sweet & pleasant host!