This was my third trip to Palo Alto in the last 3 months. I stayed in 2 different hotels in my first 2 stays. For this trip, all of the hotels near downtown Palo Alto were booked. I decided to check AirBnB (the first time I've used the service), and I sure am glad that I did. I think hotels will now be my second choice behind Marlene's cottage.

This place is a charming, clean, and comfortable place to stay. Clearly, you get much more room to stretch out than a typical hotel and for a much better price. Marlene welcomed me as I arrived, gave me the lay of the land, and gave me my privacy for the rest of the stay. The cottage is a short walk to the California Caltrain stop, which is one stop from downtown Palo Alto. Very convenient. I felt like a resident of Palo Alto during my stay. I will most certainly be returning.