I'd highly recommend staying with Gaurav. I was a bit skeptical while booking (it being cheap was my primary reason for booking) but I was very pleasantly surprised. I was able to come and go as I pleased, and had pretty much the entire living room and kitchen to myself (Gaurav had a separate entrance). The bed is raised (looked like it was on the floor on the photos) and very comfortable. Never felt cold - great heater and huge blanket. Roughly 10-15min walking distance from central Palo Alto - location couldn't have been better. Quiet, safe residential area (i.e. I would recommend this place for other solo female travelers like myself). Perfect if you want a cheap place to stay!