My son and I stayed at the Pad in July/August for a week, so that he could attend the DOTA gaming tournament at the KeyArena. The trip could not have been better. Hal is clearly devoted to his AirBnB homes - and visitors - and wants to ensure we have a terrific time.

Hal was in touch prior to our arrival so that he could ready the place properly. Everything was clean and airy, the towels and linens fresh, the fruit bowl filled, and Hal himself was on hand to answer any questions we might have. We did have questions regarding bus service to downtown, local places to eat and have coffee, and other sights. He answered them all, and then some. I wasn't able to follow up on every rec, but I will agree that Paseo (Cuban sandwiches), a short walk up the rather steep Fremont Avenue, is a MUST-eat. Even if you're only using Fremont as a stepping point for downtown, it really is a wonderful 'hood: quirky sculptures of clowns and the troll abound, there are tons of eateries, and a laid-back vibe predominates. If you are yearning to explore the city, there are probably a half-dozen bus lines within 5 minutes of the Pad, and Hal will let you know which app can help you navigate best. (Personally, I like Transit, though it doesn't feature real-time buses.)

As for the Pad itself, it comes exactly as advertised. Essentially an extension to the building below, Hal has created a delightful studio space that nevertheless feels like a separate entity. The bedroom/living area is spacious and offers some eccentric touches - a bedside table made of a tree trunk, 60s magazines, a turntable, a Chinese rug from the 1930s. Both the bed and the couch are quite comfortable. A sliding door divides the main space from the bathroom, which is elegant and compact and holds an open shower, something I've always loved. There's no utility room or washing machine, but Hal kindly let me use the machine/dryer in his art space, which is right next door. The attention to detail and the design of the Pad are what I enjoyed the most. Almost better, though, is the design of the Tiny Guesthouse, another of Hal's creations. If you can, have him show you its incredible space-saving features . . . All in all, it was a most enjoyable stay. I'd happily stay again, if I ever make it back up to the Emerald City.