Saturday, January 7, 2012

Donatello Hotel Review

Everything was perfect at the Donatello! We received great attention from the moment we arrived. (Post Street is confusing to first time drivers in the Union Square area and it took three trips around the block with Christmas shoppers jumping in the street to navigate our way.)

Our room was huge, a gigantic king size bed, a large window looking down at the street, and a small kitchen. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful. (After reading other Yelpers post-stay I wish we received a later check out time or upgrade to a room that some reviewers have gushed about...).

Best part of the hotel is the penthouse hang out area and roof deck. Get up there, get a cup of complimentary coffee and start your day right!

501 Post St
(between Mason St & Taylor St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 441-7100

Paul Hwang - Skybox Realty Review

Everything was extremely well done. From photos, to managing ads on multiple ad sources to getting a lot of people to come to visit the home and sign applications.  They made the entire process easy for me so all I had to do was get emails about who applied and how things were going.

They went the extra mile and helped take care of getting rid of all my furniture in an emergency rushed schedule.

They did SUCH a good job, I was able to avoid making a trip back to SF.  They handled everything as if I was doing it all myself!

They actually cared and put thought into everything they did, things I forgot about, they figured out from smart common sense and did it the right way saving me money and stress!

I usually dont trust people to do what I need to take care of, but they did it better then what I couldve done if I had done it on my own. Especially the way they presented things so professionally, elegantly and their ability to talk very smoothly and pleasantly with the client and visitors, that is a talent that I'm definitely not as smooth with being a nerd hahaa

Kaya Fujiwara took care of everything, she handles getting homes rented out part of the business and I was absolutely pleased with her quality and care and professionalism.  She really went the extra mile for me and I will definitely use them for future rentals or home real estate transactions!

333 1st St
Ste C

(between Folsom St & Guy Pl)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 216-8746

Friday, January 6, 2012

Hawthorne House Review

My rock, my anchor, my home.

Hawthorne house is a wonderful place to live. It has become a true oasis for me. I moved here under duress-I was such a mess that by mistake I indicated that I was a 'felon' on the rental application. I'm not. Merely, I had to move suddenly and not by choice. I cried so much as I viewed the apartment and filled out the form that they must have thought I was nuts. Lucky for me they let me in.

Sounds odd to say but this place has truly helped me heal from what I was going through. The entire staff that work here are so helpful and kind and truly take pride in keeping this place clean, working efficiently. Its a really pleasant place to live. They take pride in everything, and therefore I take pride in my small but beautiful home.

Some things I love about Hawthorne House:
Everything works and if it doesn't, they fix it promptly and accurately.
Once a week when you come home the whole building smells lemony-fresh.
The pool. It looks awesome and I can't wait to use it this summer. It's on the 40th floor-you can imagine the views. BBQ's too.
At Christmas they have those straw-like reindeer that look like they are feeding on the grounds. Sounds cheesy but its not-I love it.
They always have new plants and flowers on the grounds.
The light and view of the lake from my place is beautiful. The energy vibrant.
The location-especially if you work downtown, cannot be beat. The 145 or 146 Express bus picks me up right outside and has me down at work in like 12 minutes-I am spoiled by this!
Packages delivered to your door even if you are not home.
If you like running by the lake you are right there.
Huge closets-plenty of storage (unless you are a hoarder I guess)
Great staff all around. My guy Arturo is there if I need help hanging a painting or whatever. They are all helpful and kind and thorough.
The laundry room has US magazine and tons of cheesy novels for your perusal.
People who live here are so nice.

p.s. As far as decorating style, to me this is an ideal place for someone who likes a pretty modern, minimalistic style. I used to be kind of cluttery but I'm not at all anymore since living here. While my place is not huge, it feels great for me living here on my own. I am proud to have people over here.

3450 N Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 525-2377

Kate, the Polish Cleaning Lady Review

It's my first time trying Kate out and she was wonderful.  My home was kind of in shambles after our roommates moved out and due to our own messiness... but Kate came to the rescue.

Her and her assistant came here and cleaning everything, top to bottom (literally... is saw her on top of my sink reaching for the top of the bathroom mirrors).

She is incredibly friendly and charges a very fair price - especially after hearing how much some of my friends pay.  I will definitely try her again.

Thanks Kate!!!!!

6711 W Irving Park Rd
(between Normandy Ave & Oak Park Ave)
Chicago, IL 60634
Serving Chicago and surrounding area
Neighborhood: Dunning
(773) 698-9788