My husband and I and our super-shy rescue dog stayed one night at Lori and Alisha's. The space is very private, in a daylight basement with not only a bedroom and bathroom, but your own living room with comfy couches and a much nicer TV than we're used to! The space was spotlessly clean, nicely decorated, comfy bed, a big fenced backyard. Our dog felt right at home. We just stored some stuff in the fridge upstairs but I'm sure we could have made coffee or used the kitchen if we'd wanted to. We just met Lori (Alisha was working). Lori was warm and friendly, as were their sweet dogs. The house in a residential neighborhood, which was quiet and safe. We didn't see much close by in terms of cafes and such to walk to, but we were also only there one night so we didn't explore the immediate neighborhood too much. Their home is a very close (like ten minute) drive to the Hawthorne district where there are tons of bars, restaurants, a Powells Bookstore, etc. We discovered an awesome place for breakfast or lunch called the Mt. Tabor Bread Company at 51st & Hawthorne, which will be a go-to spot next time we're in Portland. They grind their own flour, and manage to have selections that are both healthy and really tasty - not always easy to achieve. Thanks again to Lori, Alisha and the dogs!