It was funny. I spent a good part of this past weekend planning a trip for my family to San Francisco. Up there with NYC, San Francisco has so much to see and do, but you need more than just a long weekend. My little brother has lived there for years and I have been out there several times, even got engaged in SF, but my kids haven't been yet. It's way past time. But I did want them to be old enough to enjoy all there is to do and see . . . the time has come ! Not only do we plan to show them the traditional "tourist" spots which I never tire of, we want to head over to Muir Woods, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and Napa for the day. I cannot wait. Keith and I came up with a laundry list of musts. Such a cool place to visit. I laugh that my brother went and never came home, Lucy might be the same way once she soaks it all in.
Knowing I wanted certain things on this long trip, I had a thought. Now - I am a huge, boutique hotel seeker, but after carefully thinking about it, taking a husband and 2 kids along, I decided a house or apartment might be the best way to go for a trip longer than 3 days. I have heard about Airbnb.com, but didn't know much about it so I started the investigation. I will admit, I am a bit of a snob when it comes to my travel surroundings. Chalk it up to what I do for a living, but I think the real reason is the pure lack of vacation time I have had in the past several years so if I am going, staying and spending I want something N I C E !!!
What is Airbnb? Well, its a website where you can search for vacation rentals - private homes, as well as list your own. On a long trip, having the "comforts of home" sounded appealing to me, not to mention the ability to stock a kitchen and cook. Ten days in a city like San Francisco with four people can be a budget blower as far as eating out and I would much rather spend my money on all the things I plan to do, see, and acquire.
After hours of really searching, I came across the "Lady Di." Located in the panhandle, near Golden Gate Park. I read all the reviews and (with Lucy sitting next to me laughing) I examined each picture and made a mental list of every detail . . . comfort, color scheme, quality of furniture, bedding, TV, Wi Fi, curb appeal, outdoor space, kitchen appliances . . . I know crazy. I just hope these pictures are current and it's really as good as it appears. We will see come this fall. Take a look, what do you think?
I am digging the curb appeal and the color scheme inside. This front living space looks super comfortable with some stylish pieces, I like that. Wi Fi, TV - all looks good.
One of the bedrooms is off the living space - girls can go in there.
Cute bathroom, looks clean and simple.
Second bedroom hosts a queen and flat screen (I am one of those late night Fallon watchers).
Dining room - nice... big and red... love the lucite chairs.
Cutest little deck.
I am pretty excited about my find on airbnb.com. The neighborhood is fab. I remember now my brother's first apartment wasn't far from this place so I remember a flower market, grocery store, the park - nearby with the "painted ladies." The best part of this trip will be all the sights I plan on showing the kids. Can't wait !
So while on my search for San Francisco digs I started thinking out our big trip next summer, the Europe trip. Paris and the South of France is on my list. Came across this beauty smack in the middle of downtown Paris. . . . hum... I may be onto something !
So why "was it funny," on the Today Show Sunday am they did a whole story on Airbnb. I promise our host Chris, I wont be a squatter !
Stay tuned . .
