Marlene's cottage is spectacular! Second only to the graciousness of Marlene's attention to welcoming guests to their lovely residential neighborhood. The only thing that I wished is that I had more time to spend there. Location was convenient to a Caltrans station should the 25 min walk to downtown Palo Alto be more than you wanted should that be a destination of importance in your stay.

The vaulted open beam ceiling, the bay window looking out into a lovely garden, and, of course the hot tub that heats with a push of a button. What's not to like?

The hot plate and coffee prep space is compact and efficient. You wouldn't want to fix a family dinner in it, but you are 15 min walk from a host of delicious and varied restaurants, pubs, and wine bars.

It was relaxing, private, and comfortable. It is suburban so if you're looking to roll out onto a noisy and vibrant night seen in the evening then the quiet and calm of the cottage may not be your thing.

But it was exactly as sdvertised and executed with an attention to detail that reflected an oasis to savour at the end of a full day. For me it ws 5 stars!