06/27/2016
Past Reviews - Might they fit here? I hope so - The idea here was to meet interesting, compassionate and otherwise diverse folk, and that has most certainly been the case! Our thanks for your visit and gracious feedback!
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Reviews are written at the end of a reservation through Airbnb. Reviews you’ve received will be visible both here and on your public profile.
Athena
Athena Georgakopoulos
Peter's Berkeley residence was wonderful and exactly as described. I would like to add that the area in Berkeley where the house is situated is exquisite; canopies of trees and serene, beautiful and natural gardens everywhere, yet, within walking distance to college ave., full of cafes, restaurants and shops. The flat is very cozy and has all the amenities you will need for your stay, whether just for a few days, or even longer. Peter was a great host-there when we arrived, with a smile, and he also has a few people helping out so if you need anything, there is always someone available to help you out. The little balcony off to the side of the house was great for our evening bottle of wine and conversation, right under an old oak tree, which was so big and breathtaking. If you were to stay in any area of Berkeley, this is the prime neighborhood to seek out, it was magical, with all the wonderful natural perfumes of the wide range of flowers and trees. Thank you Peter for being such a great host. Be well. Cheers to the family.
Peter
Response from you: Hi Athena - Thanks so much for your lovely comments and for the excellent wine! Michaella joins me in hoping that you and your husband and sweet dog Jasmine come back and see us again! Warmest regards, Peter - (EMAIL HIDDEN) and (PHONE NUMBER HIDDEN)
What Athena loved about your listing:
the neighborhood was wonderful.
What Athena thought you could improve about the experience:
Peter was a great host, there when you need him
June 2016
Sue
Sue Wilde
We had a great stay at Peter and Michaella's Berkely flat. They were wonderful hosts! Our flight was delayed arriving in Oakland - Peter was great about arranging for our very late arrival! We felt very welcome. The flat is just as pictured in their photos. It's spacious and open with lots of windows. The bedroom is roomy with a comfy bed and sleeper sofa that provides a nice place for a quiet afternoon read. The location was perfect! on a quiet street, yet close walking distance to a fabulous french bakery (La Fournee), coffee shops, stores, grocery store, and restaurants. For those who like to walk/hike - Peter's flat is a short walk to some of the most beautiful trails with breath-taking views/vistas of Berkeley and the SF bay. We would definitely stay here again.
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June 2016
Nicholas
Nicholas Biddle
Everything about staying with Peter in the garden level apartment was satisfactory, check in and communication we smooth and easy. The location, comfort and value make this a very desirable place for anyone planning to stay in Berkeley. Good size for two people and a small dog, nice and cozy.
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What Nicholas loved about your listing:
Location, value, comfort
What Nicholas thought you could improve about the experience:
More pictures and detailed property description. It appears in the photos that we would have private access to the back patio.
June 2016
Sarah
Sarah Marsh
We loved our stay at Peter and Michaela's sweet garden level apartment in Berkeley! The space is full of character and wonderful books and had everything we needed - Michaela even loaned us a hi-chair and some toys and guided us to local parks - so thoughtful! The location and price cannot be beat - easy walking distance to College Ave and charming shops, restaurants and multiple grocery options. We will definitely stay again if we are back in the area! Thank you Peter and Michaela!
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What Sarah loved about your listing:
The location was wonderful and our hosts were so thoughtful! Traveling alone with a toddler is not easy and Peter and Michaela made us feel very welcome.
What Sarah thought you could improve about the experience:
The apartment was comfortable for us - it could use a can opener and some pepper (for those of us who cook a lot). Also, the bookshelves in the bedroom along side of the bed were a little low - I knocked my head a few times on the corner getting in a out of bed but finally figured it out. Thanks again for everything!
June 2016
Carol
Carol Katz
Peter made me feel completely welcome. He introduced himself the afternoon of my arrival, but gave me time to settle in. This was most appreciated. While he is warm and gregarious, (and quite an intelligent man, who was very interesting to talk with), he was respectful of my time and privacy. He also went out of his way to be helpful - even offering me a ride to the event I came in town to attend. The accommodations were just like home and the neighborhood is fantastic. There is also someone named Tyler who helps Peter with everything. Ask to meet him, too....He couldn't more helpful - with everything. He picked me up and dropped me off, even drove me to the airport!!! I recommend this place and the people very highly. Enjoy your time with them.
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June 2016
Kimberly
Kimberly Campbell
We had such a great stay at Peter's flat. It's a beautiful space, very comfortable, very homey, clean, spacious and welcoming. We couldn't say enough good things about our time there. We were tired from a long day of travel and it was so nice to come in, take hot showers, cook a good meal and relax. We got lost trying to follow the directions I'd written down but I called and Michaella helped us immediately. We made fast friends, they invited us to join in on a gathering they were having, we all played music and laughed and had a great time. We want to go back just to read all the great books there and enjoy the quiet neighborhood and friendly hosts! They are very close to the university and lots of fun shops and restaurants. Just wish we'd had more time! We will definitely return!
Peter
Response from Peter:
Thanks so much for your great good energy in welcoming my sister Nora in from Vermont! I know all of you were tired from your respective journeys, but returning home to find you all with your varied musical instruments jamming in the backyard with our guys Justin and Tyler pitching in and my terrific brother-in-law relaxed and happy to be making music here in Berkeley was such a pleasure! Hope you will come back and hang out with us here at Kelsey Annex whether you need a stay-over or not! Hope to visit you guys in Santa Cruz too one of these days soon! xoxoxo, Peter & Michaella
What Kimberly loved about your listing:
Everything, you guys made us feel so welcome! Thank you!
What Kimberly thought you could improve about the experience:
Honestly, you've got it pretty covered... I did mention to Tyler about soaking the k***s in the bathroom sink in vinegar as they are hard to turn.... and they squeak! Easy fix.
May 2016
Gail
Gail Georgeson
This unit is one of three in the house and it is on the main level with a rental unit in the basement level and the owner living on the second floor. The location is perfect for walking to restaurants like Elmwood Cafe only a few blocks away. Gardens and beautiful trees line the streets and it is lovely for strolling. The house itself could be more updated especially the kitchen appliances and central heating would make it more comfortable when it's cool outside. The hosts were very helpful.
Peter
Response from Peter:
Thanks Gail! Appreciate your kind words on ourselves, and as for our wonderful but aging old brown shingle, we're working on upgrading what we can in this old place that we love. And though I don't expect it will ever be deluxe, our aim is that it be as comfy and homy and welcoming to our visitors and friends and family as we can possibly make it! Hope your long-term digs in Berkeley are terrific, and that you will come back and visit us! Only regret we didn't have a bit more time to get to know you - Would love to meet for a coffee at Cafe Roma, our frequent hang-out across from the Law School and Anthropology, Kroeber and Boalt Hall! That would be fun if you have a few free moments over the course of the summer! Warm regards, Peter and Michaella
May 2016
Elisa
Elisa Ugarte
Peter and her wife were excellent hosts! They answered to all our questions and were actively concerned about us. First, the house is in a beautiful neighborhood, close to College and Ashby were you find supermarkets, shops, buses and near the BART (the train). Second, the kitchen is functional and has everything if you want to cook instead of go out. The bed is comfortable and everything is so calm you can sleep well into the hours of the morning. I would definitely recommend it for someone that wants some peace and quiet during more than a night though! The house and neighborhood are great and I fell short!
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What Elisa loved about your listing:
Thank you for everything and for hosting my grandma! Everything was great and you were always so kind.
What Elisa thought you could improve about the experience:
The internet please!
Amenities feedback:
Internet
May 2016
Karin
Karin Schwartz
Excellent communication from both Peter and Justin, who assists. Great location. I enjoyed the full kitchen and garden setting and will be back in the future.
What Karin loved about your listing:
Location is fantastic. Dog-friendly. Sweet garden location. Very Berkeley. Turns out to be only 6-7 blocks away from the house I lived in 46 years ago.
What Karin thought you could improve about the experience:
New pillows!
May 2016
Ryan
Ryan Castle
The place was even nicer than the pictures suggested; comfortable and homey. Peter and Michaela were wonderful hosts, polite, interested, and attentive. As eager as they were to make me feel welcome (they even went to my symposium at the campus!), they never once intruded on my privacy. A gem of a location with truly golden hosts.
What Ryan loved about your listing:
Just about everything. You have a lovely family and I was glad to meet you, even if for an all too brief period. The rental was clean, prepared, and comfortable. It was a real pleasure.
What Ryan thought you could improve about the experience:
My only suggestion would be to consider improving your WiFi. Granted, I work from my laptop so I have a skewed view of connectivity's importance, but it took over a minute to upload files that usually take me 15 seconds. This is quibbling, mind, I loved the stay! From an obsessive home-improver's perspective (ie. this made no impact on my stay), I would offer the friendly suggestion that you switch out your CFL bulbs for LED. Though they cost a little more upfront, I've seen my bills nearly disappear after I completely switched over. Might be a way to lower overhead!
May 2016
Robert
Robert Defulgentiis
A lovely stay, in a lovely setting in a very lovely neighborhood. 10 minutes to the University. Quick walk to nice shops and restaurants on College Blvd. Comfy bed, didn't use bedroom pullout, but my son slept on the living room couch. Nice bathroom. You hear a little creaking from the main house, but didn't bother me, and I'm noise sensitive. My son got into all the sociology and philosophy books! Nice and comfy.
Peter
Response from Peter:
Great to have you here at Kelsey Annex and particularly pleased that your studious son found interesting materiel among our treasured library collection. Look forward to hearing good things of him and to staying in touch with you both! Cheers and warm wishes, Peter and Michaella
May 2016
Renyi
Renyi Hong
Peter and Michaella were the kindest hosts and they contributed so much to my family's wonderful stay in Berkeley. The house is spacious, filled with character, located in a safe neighborhood, and well equipped. When they learned that I had a toddler, they also left a couple of essentials - diaper disposal bags, baby wipes, a high chair, and a fluffy little teddy bear. Those little touches were much appreciated. My little one also enjoyed herself in the backyard surrounded by all the garden greens. This place is near College Ave, where you can find all those great restaurants, including a must-try ice cream parlor (you will see the queue so you know where to go). There is also a 7/11 and a mart 5 minute walking distance away if you need anything. We had a great stay in Berkeley thanks to our hosts. Thanks Peter and Michaella!
May 2016
Edita
Edita Zulic
Before we even arrived, Peter's partner was in touch to get our ETA. It was great because we could keep her posted of our arrival time. Although we arrived rather late in the evening, Peter was rather warm and welcoming to his place. We felt as though he was a friend already. The neighbourhood is in a great quiet and residential location but within walking distance to some of the best restaurants and shops in Berkley.
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What Edita loved about your listing:
Location was great and having our own apartment and bathroom with a separate entrance.
What Edita thought you could improve about the experience:
The bed was rather uncomfortable, so the sleep was rather rough.
May 2016
Rick
Rick Schroeder
We enjoyed our stay here very much. Peter and Michaella were very welcoming, friendly, and responsive to our needs and really made us feel at home, even giving us dining suggestions when we inquired. The neighborhood was quiet and beautiful and we felt safe walking every where at any time. It was a good location, very convenient to stores, restaurants, and other locations we needed to get to. This place was charming, comfortable, and met our needs. We would definitely like to stay here again.
May 2016
Jules
Jules Ostro
Absolutely divine stay! Peter and Michaella and their little ones feel like family now. The flat is huge, with large windows, comfortable couch and bed, and a better kitchen than my own. Highly recommended for anyone who is looking for a comfortable space with good people, that's accessible to all the cool happenings on College Ave.
May 2016
Jean
Jean Talleyrand
Excellent accommodations!! Peter and Michaela are very friendly. Our time flew by.... We wished we could have stayed longer and will definitely try and come back to the same place.
Peter
Response from Peter:
We feel the same! Be great to have you back whenever that might be possible!
May 2016
Michelle A
Michelle A Calvario
Peter was very welcoming. He called before my stay to make sure my arrival would go smoothly. Justin and Tyler greeted us and showed us around. The house is beautiful and everything we could have asked for. A quick walk to campus, restaurants, shopping, or all you could want. I will definitely stay again!
May 2016
Janet
Janet MacLeod
Despite being fairly new to Airbnb hosting, they are getting it right. Respond quickly and positively to any requests or feedback and are very helpful (helping with luggage, showing how to operate appliances, heat etc). Very welcoming and friendly. Good value for the money and close to the hospital and university.
April 2016
Susan
Susan Reynolds
My two daughters stayed for one night at Peter's while visiting UCB and absolutely loved it. They were warmly welcomed and offered privacy and comfort. This is a nice place to stay, in a lovely Berkeley neighborhood with a comfortable bed, private bathroom and welcoming hosts.
What Susan loved about your listing:
Peter! Thanks for the follow up note about my girls!