13 Reviews of Property 248582 in San Rafael, California

This was our first experience with VRBO's and we were very pleased. The space is very nice for 2 people and has everything provided. The towels and bath are very nice as is the bed. I found it tastefully decorated as well. We brought two small dogs and for their first travel adventure, they were very comfortable. Access to this place is easy as well. It has easy access to the freeway, and lots of stores in walking distance. And although part of a neigborhood, it feels private and secluded. I would definitely stay here again.

I had to find a place super quick, for myself and my cat because another place fell-through. I contacted Ben via the website and he responded really fast via email. He asked me to call him, which wasn't a problem for me. I actually like to speak to someone before I rent from them. I could tell from the phone call he is a somewhat intense person (that isn't a bad thing), and is a very friendly guy. I don't do paypal, so he made it work for me to use my credit card.

I arrived later that day and the place was ready as he said it would be. He was very helpful. I'm allergic to mold and to fragrances and my nose can pick-up the mildest odors. At this point in time, I can pretty much say there is no mold inside the studio - because if there was I would have reacted (there are lots of trees and greenery around, if that is a problem for people with allergies). There were also no strong artificial fragrances, which I really apprectiated. There are no carpets, which is great. There was some very minor odor in the kitchen (again, most people wouldn't notice) and Ben was great and bent over backwards to get rid of this very mild smell, which we did via a fan and other avenues. He made every effort to make sure you have what you need and asks you to call him if you need anything.

The bed was comfortable with a skylight over head. I was there during some really stormy weather, so I did have a little trouble with the Internet once in a while, but again, help was available via Ben's son. Outside the bathroom are trees, so taking a shower was nice. Good shower, which is important.

The place is simple and works well. I would recommend this place to friends and family that are OK with simple. The description and pictures are accurate. I didn't use the hot tub or the sauna. Since it had stormed for many days in a row there was a lot of greenery in front of the place on the ground, but that didn't bother me. Every once in a while you can hear the family, but no-one is loud and it isn't in any way disturbing.

It is close to a shopping center, which has a good Thai restaurant by the way. I took two nice walks in the area. Quiet neighborhood and lots of open space if you are into hiking.

All in all, if you don't need a fancy place, and want a casual place with a helpful and freindly guy, for a good price, this place will work for you.

My family and I (including our 6 year old Maltese) stayed at this property for Thanksgiving and couldn't be more pleased with our experience.

You enter the property to find yourself in a kitchen that is well stocked with supplies from dishes, cups, utensils, etc. As you move to the next room, you're in the studio bedroom with a queen size bed with a very comfortable mattress, a sofa bed, and skylight which allows a lot of lighting. The bedroom leads you into a nice size bathroom which had our towels waiting for us and a jetted bath tub. The studio had extra perks which included cable tv, wifi internet, a jacuzzi tub (which we we loved using each night after our adventures in San Francisco), a bbq grill and a sauna. I read a previous review where they found cleanliness of the unit to be a problem but I will guarantee that was not the case for us. Everything from the kitchen supplies, floor, bed linens, bath tub, etc was spotless.

The owner was easily accessible by phone and ensured us that accommodations can be made if needed which was a huge plus, but it wasn't required because everything was already provided to satisfaction.

I highly recommend this property and want to thank Bob for allowing my family to stay here.

Unfortunately our stay here was short. We were scheduled to stay 10 days and we only made 3 and only because the hotel we needed was booked. I hope that since our stay the place was cleaned up and made more pleasant. I hesitate to write bad reviews but since I'm a coordinator for a monthly training class near here I need to let and ABM trainees know that this place is not recommended. In short, the place needed some serious TLC inside and outside the room. The layers of dust on the fan, lights, door jams, and walls disturbing. The dishes provided had food caked on them and we had to wash all of the dishes before use. The linens had stains on them that were disgusting. The carpet was removed because it either had fecal matter or vomit on it. The window in the main room gives you a view of a shed in the back that has heaps of tools, appliances, garbage etc that's literally higher than the window. While we were there the owners solution was a question of Why we looked out the window and promptly boarded it up so that there's no natural light. The Hottub was covered with foliage from the trees and bushes you see in the picture. The front door is hidden by what looked like a broken down van parked at the curb and you have to park in front of the next door neighbors house. This room is converted from the rest of the house you'd see in a Google maps search, and if you accidentally walk next door you'll be greeted by many dogs and made to feel like an idiot since you couldn't find the right door. Internet service didn't work and it was a cable ran from the house attached. When you do find the front gate you walk into some huge grease container before you negotiate your way around the overgrown bushes toward the entrance. I took pictures of all of this since the owner was in a different state at the time but he never asked to see them.
The owner is an OK guy who tried to accommodate some and the place has potential but like I said, I hope he cleaned up the place inside and out from when we stayed. It wasn't ready for visitors, and he did give us a prompt refund for the stay not used and that was appreciated.

We stayed here the last week of August. The location was perfect for all the bay area activities. Everything was within 30 minutes. The unit was as represpented, clean and ready to go. We enjoyed the hot tub after our daily activities. The bed was comfortable, the shower was hot and the place had all the comforts of home. We had no problems communicating with the owner. I would stay here again when in the area. Way better than any hotel room, nice and private, out door space, in a nice residential neighborhood. This is a great value

The place is tidy, convenient and well priced. What seemed very inconvenient to me is that
the owner insists on conveying nearly all relevant information via telephone instead
of online. Because of his schedule, my schedule and time zone differences it proved to be an
unnecessary hassle to have to make so many phone calls. For this reason I will not return.

Quick access to the 101 which allowed us to go to Wine Country and Six Flags but also back to San Francisco with ease. Other attractions we visited included Charles Schultz Museum, Walt Disney Museum, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Muir Woods, etc. Keep in mind there is a $6 toll every time you cross the Golden Gate. The studio was clean and equipped with the necessities and the heating unit allowed us to adjust the temperature. A hot tub and grill were available but we didn't use either. If you need something (more linens, etc).. don't hesitate to call the owner; he was accommodating.

Contrary to the other review, I had a very good communication with the owner who even called me up in Switzerland a couple of hours after my enquiry.
The place is basic but clean and has everything I needed, and the fully equipped kitchen was appreciated. The little outside area (patio and concrete area) is small but a real plus for me and my German Shepherd. It's nice to be able to hang around outside. Someone complained the studio was too small for a big dog... I personally exercise the dog outside and not in the studio... There is a park a block away for urgent business and the Sleepy Hollow Open Space Preserve for off-leash hiking right at the end of the main road.
The location is ideal. Right near to the freeway exit, yet in a real quiet neighborhood, and had a great mall a block away with all the shops you can need, including a Pet Food Express.
I also enjoyed the fact I was not under the owner's scrutiny. In fact we never saw anyone (owning the place), just found the key and left it as we found it. I appreciate the privacy.
I am reluctant to recommend the place, because I'd hate to find it booked when I want to return.
Marlise
Switzerland