Modern new zen getaway in Bernal Heights, 2br, 1ba, efficient, fun, shops, parks

This clean, ultra cool apartment was our base of operations for 5 days. The unit was clean and welcoming with an artists aesthetic. Our hosts provided easy instructions and had plenty of information about all that San Francisco has to offer. The welcome guide they provided was the most complete I've seen. This two bedroom apartment was cozy, but had plenty of room for 4. It was ultra quiet, nary a peep was heard from the street above. We had our teenagers with us and they enjoyed the internet ready TV and WIFI.

The Bernal Heights neighborhood has everything you would need for a perfect trip. There were cool shops, eateries and bars all within walking distance. This is a gem of a neighborhood, far enough away from the hustle of downtown but close enough to get everywhere you might want to go. The neighbors were friendly and welcoming. We drove everywhere in the city and free parking was always available near the unit when we got back. I would highly recommend a stay at this gem in Bernal Heights!

If you need 2000 sq feet, expansive views, and expect the Ritz Carlton - this isn't the place for you. But if you've read Bill and Aileen's description and are looking for an alternative to a pricier hotel where you have to share a room with your kids, don't let the basement suite/no windows deter you from staying here. For us it was a convenient and quiet oasis away from the noise and crowds after spending full days touring San Francisco sights, and we would stay here again.

It is small but so well laid out that it wasn't an issue for our family (2 adults, kids ages 10 and 13); in fact the space reminded us all of apartments we stayed in Japan - everything you need (many thoughtful details provided like charging stations, tourism brochures, sugar, creamers, coffee and cocoa), no wasted space, just more compact than your typical American suburbia. Our youngest loved the capsule bed (and if he hadn't there was also a fold out futon option); our adult-sized teenager loved having the full sized bed to sprawl out on; and of course we parents preferred having the kids in one bedroom (so they could go to bed earlier), and us in our separate bedroom. I usually need black-out blinds and an eye mask to sleep past sunrise, but actually was able to sleep in here!

We would tour all day, then escape the crowds to return to Bernal Heights and try one of the local neighborhood restaurants (all we tried were great, with a varient of cuisines and price points within a short walk). Conveniently on the same block as the neighborhood grocery, we would stop there on our way home from dinner to pick up pastries for the next morning's breakfast.

A pleasant surprise was nearby Bernal Heights park. One morning I snuck out for an early morning run while the rest of the family slept - it's a safe park frequented by many walkers (and some runners). It truly is a "height" and you get sweeping views of the city. Almost no cars in the neighborhood so you can run loops around it (on the road), or on the trails and not have to deal with traffic.

The hosts were great and responded quickly to questions we had before and during our stay. We used Lyft most of our stay and there was always a ride within minutes.

I can’t say how much we liked this place. I stayed at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong when it was rated hands-down the world’s best, and I liked this more. Loved it. So did my 43-year-old son and my 13-year-old granddaughter. [Read about the location down below.]

Bill and Eileen have taken a modest amount of space and made it seem huge. There’s a place to put everything just where you want it to be, even if you’re a pathological overpacker like me. It’s really easy to find a private corner, or a space to lounge with the rest of your group. Anything you think you might need to go out and buy is probably already there, on the house: pancake mix, Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies, bottle of wine, chocolates, you name it. Yep, free.

The Wi-Fi is good, there are dozens of USB plugs (and cables!) and the appliances cover all bases.

Decor is lively, harmonious and fun, without a pretentious touch or a false note anywhere. We didn’t get a chance to meet Bill or Aileen in person, but by text and email Bill was as helpful, friendly and clear as you could possibly want.

And no, they didn’t pay me to say all these good things. With the VRBO service charge and cleaning, our stay came to $480 for two nights. You could find cheaper places, but you couldn’t find one at this price that was worth half as much. The only caveat is if you’re claustrophobic: it’s a basement flat, no windows. We didn’t miss them a bit, because everything inside was so cool.

And outside! Outside is Bernal Heights, which has to be a leading contender for the most fun and diverse neighborhood in all of San Francisco. Great bars, nail salons, a great-looking little supermarket, vinotheques, palm readers, and five minutes’ walk away is 3rd Cousin — an unpretentious (but not cheap) eatery where several dishes were better than ones we’d eaten recently at 2- and 3-Michelin-star places in Paris and New York.

Come stay here. You’ll be glad you did.

The location was close to grocery store and restaurants. We stayed here fir a 4 say Spring Break trip with our daughter. Bill was very nice and accommodating to our check in and check out! We loved the flexibility. Apartment clean!

Had a great stay in a great location, Bill and Aileen were very helpful whenever we needed any help. The place was really nice as well and very very clean. Thank you so much you two!