Vacation Rentals by Owner

Nice clean 1 bedroom unit in a great Oakland location

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/13/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

This one bedroom unit is very clean, spacious and functional. The bedroom is very large with a queen size bed and a couch for relaxing. The kitchen has basic supplies with a small refrigerator and basic appliances (stove, microwave and coffee maker). We used the unit as a home base while visiting family in Oakland. It worked out greate because we could have breakfast in our unit and then walk down to Lakeshore Dr., Grande or Lake Merritt until the family was ready to pick us up for the days activities. This is a unit that we will rent again.

Owner response:Glad that it was good trip, we are looking forward to having you back on your next visit!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Home Away - Easy Access to City

Guest: Angela (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/26/12

This apartment was so comfortable and relaxing - did not want to leave. So appreciated that the place was very clean and the bed was comfortable. Right at home coming back to this peaceful haven after taking the BART back from a day of work or sightseeing in busy San Fran. Perfect for walks around Lake Merritt - the local area has many interesting things to see too. Kitchen was well equipped - even has a moka for espresso in the mornings. Hope to visit again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Good/Poor Balance

Guest: Lawrence, Kansas (Des Moines, IA)
Date of Stay: 03/02/12 Review Submitted: 03/15/12

The good: clean; roomy b/r, lots of amenities (closet w/ plenty of hangers, place for shoes); mirror; hair dryer, misc. toiletries in bathroom cabinet; comfortable (double) bed w/ nice sheets/comforter; great t.v.; very handy kitchen (although almost no room for ice in mini-fridge). Quiet neighborhood, easy access to main streets. Very reasonably priced for SF/Oakland area. The bad: wi-fi didn't work at all. Apt. was extremely chilly (esp. early a.m.) with no ability for renter to control temp.; no elec. outlet in bathroom; separate spigots for hot/cold water (quaint, but impractical). But worst, one has to carry one's luggage up a narrow, steeply graded driveway to the back of the house where the apt. is -- with two cars in the driveway that essentially blocked passage. Very dark at night walking back there. It needs some outdoor lighting. (Back door light bulb was also burned out; couldn't find another.) Not recommended for persons w/ disabilities or seniors because of the last two items mentioned (driveway and lighting).

Owner response:Thank you for the positive and constructive feedback. We hope that you did find the space heater provided in the closet, if the central heat was not sufficient. As outlined in our welcome letter, the space heater is provided so that you have more control of the temperature. After receiving your feedback we purchased a network extender and that should improve the wireless issues we've been having. We were out of town for the weekend of this visit, which unfortunately made it hard for us to address the lack of outdoor light (a motion sensor which has since been replaced) or move the cars. We have also purchased an additional motion sensor for the driveway to make sure the path is well lit. We will be sure to better describe the walk up to future guests, to ensure that renters feel comfortable with the limitations (steep driveway, etc). As for the sink and outlet, that is something we'll just have to live with. Some of the "charms" of a 100 year old house! We do try to accommodate for some of the quirks of the rental by offering a reasonable rate.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Spacious apartment

Guest: Mary (Vienna, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 02/20/12 Review Submitted: 03/16/12

This apartment is relatively large, including a bedroom, kitchen, hall/eating area, and a bathroom. We have twice enjoyed staying here while visiting our son's family in the Lake Merritt area. Lake Merritt is a historic Oakland area, with good food, shopping, and wonderful walking. The apartment is about a mile from the entrance to Interstate 580, excellent for going into San Francisco or going east. On our last trip we had a car, and were always able to park on the street, although not always in the same block. On our first trip, we used the public transit & bus system, quite doable for people who enjoy some walking. To access the apartment, at the rear of a house, we walked up the driveway on a hill. This might be a problem for someone who has trouble walking, but was not an issue for us. Inside, the apartment is well stocked and clean. The kitchen includes needed appliances, cooking pots, utensils, etc. and was even supplied with fresh coffee. The bathroom was supplied with small shampoos, etc. Since the apartment is so large, with spaces that can be closed off with doors, it would also be suitable for a couple with a small child. We noticed a Graco bed is provided.

Owner response:Glad you had another good visit and thank you for the thoughtful review!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway.

Perfect little getaway!

Guest: Holly (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 09/16/11 Review Submitted: 09/21/11

My husband and 18-month old son and I stayed here last weekend. The guest house was the perfect fit for us. We love the area around Lake Merritt. The house is walking distance to all of our favorite restaurants, shops, and grocerty stores. The owners are very friendly and caring. They were thoughtful enough to leave an extra blanket for my little one which meant so much to me as we did not bring a warm enough blanket! The back yard is a great place to relax. The guest house is clean and very inviting. We couldn't have asked for more and highly recommend this rental!

Owner response:Thanks Holly! We are glad you had a good trip : )

Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car.

a perfect place for us

Guest: Lenny (New City NY)
Date of Stay: 09/08/11 Review Submitted: 09/25/11

We heard about this place from our daughter and son-in-law, and were very happy it was available when we last visited them in September. It was all we could have wanted, clean, comfortable, and welcoming. The inside photos don't convey the roominess of the setup, and the backyard (our front yard) is a compact oasis, another nice surprise, and the kitchen had all the necessities. There is an info book that was put together for renters. It reflects well on the sensibilities of the owners and along with the art on the walls, adds another warm personal touch. Stores and restaurants are within walking distance, and though we spent most of our time with family, it was good to be able to arrive there with the fresh groceries we got nearby. We'd definitely want to stay there when we visit again.

Owner response:So glad you enjoyed your stay, we hope you will stay again soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Comfortable,clean,charming and convenient locatation

Guest: Peter and Vicki (Westchester County, NY)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

Lovely and private 1 bedroom with spotless full kitchen and large bathroom, comfortable space, nicely appointed, quiet yet convenient to all on a lovely residential street. We will definitely be back!!!

Owner response:Great, we are so happy that you enjoyed your stay !

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Mr&Mrs Robert Townsend

Guest: One T (Norhville Michigan)
Date of Stay: 05/18/11 Review Submitted: 05/30/11

Great location for walking around Lake Merritt. Architecture of houses and buildings in the area is fascinating. Close to good restaurants and markets. Close to BART transportation,U/C Berkelely, San Francisco etc.

Owner response:Thanks! We think Oakland is great, too and we're glad you enjoyed your stay!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Find in Lake Merritt Neighborhood

Guest: Anne (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 06/26/11

This is a cheerful, thoughtfully set-up private apartment at the back of a house, on a quiet residential block just a short walk from Lake Merritt and the shops and restaurants along Grand Avenue. For some reason, this neighborhood is singularly lacking in decent motels or bed-and-breakfasts, so I was delighted to find this very comfortable place to stay. The description and pictures are accurate, and the unit is well supplied. One tip -- the walls are quite thin, so if you're sound-sensitive you might want to bring headphones or portable speakers, just for privacy's sake.

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Guest: A and S
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

We have stayed here twice while visiting our son, daughter-in-law and new baby boy who live in a small apartment four blocks from here. The space, privacy and complete (and well-functioning) equipment make this an ideal do-it-yourself bed and breakfast place. We appreciate the ease of making arrangements and the artwork too!

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Guest: F and P
Date of Stay: 09/20/10 Review Submitted: 03/16/11

Thanks for your hospitality. We loved staying in your sunny and roomy guest suite - so cozy and homelike. The yard, too, is wonderful.

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Guest: S and J
Date of Stay: 05/09/10 Review Submitted: 03/15/11

Thank you for providing such a comfortable home away form home while we were in Oakland visitng our daughter. Staying here provided a perspective of Oakland that we never would have found by staying in a hotel. Thank you for your hospitality!

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A pleasant visit

Guest: Miss Vanilla (Richardson, Texas)
Date of Stay: 12/29/09 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

We enjoyed our stay very much. The listing description was accurate. I would recommend this property to a friend. The kitchen was well-equipped. It was a very convenient location. The garden was particularly inviting, so we would like to come back in the summer.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/03/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/09

This VRBO was a very sweet home away from home. The owners were very welcoming and helpful. Their place was clean, spacious, kid friendly and had a very comfy bed. We were very happy with our stay!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/02/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/09

I have stayed at MANY VRBO's in the Oakland area as my only grandchild lives there. I found this one to be the cleanest and one of the most pleasant to stay in. I will definitely stay there again whenever it is available on my trips to the area.

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