Sunny Spacious House in Vibrant Berkeley/Oakland Rockridge

PROS: Host communication was always very prompt; Location was convenient - walking distance to stores and restaurants; Size of the home was great (two full bedrooms, and two large living/family rooms); nice size kitchen, kitchen nook, and laundry area; the home was clean with ample bedding and towels. CONS: Stairs up to the home make it a challenge when you're traveling with a dog or bringing up your luggage; thin walls and floors (I did not feel comfortable leaving my 5-month-old puppy in his crate for more than a few minutes for fear that he would bother my neighbors); busy street so it is worth the extra 12/day for off-street parking; the off-street parking was a very narrow driveway, so if you're driving a large SUV (as I was), it can be a challenge getting in and out; a very small garden area in the back was not very conducive for a dog. Having to take him down the stairs and around the block to do his business was very cumbersome; no AC and it was pretty warm when I was there (they do have three portable fans though); no dishwasher (how can can those dishes really be?). If you're traveling alone or with one other person (or couple), it's a nice place. Just know that your voice will be heard and you will hear voices downstairs.

It was easy to make simple things. We did borrow a coffee filter we prefer pour over coffee. But everything in the rooms was pleasant and the place was clean. Nice views of hills and the yard also the flat is close to many transportation options, and so walkable to alot of great food and coffee!

Good location and very comfortable home with plenty of sun. I would stay again.

The duplex is located on Claremont, which is a four lane busy and noisy road. The first two rooms have a couch and one tv. There are no lamps, just overhead lighting. The two bedrooms are spacious. The owner asked if we wanted parking for $9/day. This consisted of having to move my car four times (in and out of the driveway) in three days and receiving a text at 4:00 am asking me to move it so the downstairs tenant could park her bicycle. There was a side entrance so I wasn’t sure why couldn’t enter there. The door to the upstairs apartment did not close. We were asked to wear slippers so not to disturb renters below. Maybe consider area rugs in the living room areas to help with the squeaks in the floors. Probably wouldn’t rent again. Lots of choices in this area.