Our experience was mixed - biggest disappointment not meeting owner who lives upstairs. He returned home our last few days but didn’t stop by. Overall, good stay. Don allowed our 9-year-old grandson to join us even though only a one-bedroom basement apartment. We had our Q air mattress in LR, grandson in bdrm; worked great. The pool, very affordable rate and easy 20 minute drive to daughter in Alameda are reasons we chose here. Don was patient as we had three tries before a reservation worked out.
I am taking time to share more below since we think this has potential to be a 5-star place, plus I am frustrated by the number of travelers who just breeze through their reviews - a disservice to owners and guests.
Pros:
- great kitchen w/high-end full-size appliances, granite countertop, sharp knives, cooking utensils, glassware, dishes, cookware, dining table. (Add tongs, whisk please)
- Gas fireplace: super touch, operates on wall switch, heats K/LR/bath; HVAC ceiling units in LR/Bdrm at night only
- Off-street parking; motion lights take you down the stairway; solid door lock
- Beautiful pool, huge deck, outdoor gas fireplace (shared with owner)
- Bath shower amazing, granite counter
- Sunny exposure, many windows; trees, birds, lush landscaping
Cons:
- Communication gap among owner, plumbers and us; no hot water first night; no water at all next day caused by major bath reno upstairs; plumbers unaware of our existence; water had to be shut off at main. (We were compensated.)
- Cleanliness/maintenance needs improvement. Inside:
moldy coffeepot grounds, dirty window shades & sills, some broken slats, no broom/dust pan/stick vac, blue tape in/around ceiling can lights. Outside: pool cover dirty w/puddle of stale water, no cushions on rusty metal deck chairs, no instructions for gas fireplace or retractable pool cover (which was suddenly closed on our last, sunniest day requiring calls to find owner yet again to get directions to open it); final motion light above front door not working; retractable door screen broken.
- Lack of written instructions. Only had photo of labelled TV/HVAC remotes, and laminated wifi password. Need for W/D, pool cover, two HVAC units and controls, trash disposal (need more outside containers, issue with no pickup before or during stay).
Summary: Don warned us pool is not heated, but he removed cover hoping that sun would help. Our grandson tolerates cold water well so had a great time!