B-Love's Guest House

The garden is lovely, and the place is clean and peaceful, just right for resting away from home. It's a hidden gem in West Oakland, very tranquil, with an amazing hostess. B-Love’s guess house really is as wonderful as people say. It's more than a place to stay, it's an experience. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Traci Bartlow’s guest house, BLove’s, is wonderful. I've stayed there several times and even held events in the backyard, which is beautiful. The place is clean, comfortable, artistic and accessible by public transportation. It's also Black women owned. If you're visiting Oakland, BLove’s Guesthouse is the place to stay!

I miss the garden when I'm staying miles away on a Bay Area visit, and I'd stay at B-Love’s again and again. I've been there twice while commuting through the Bay Area, with stays adding up to more than a month. It's part hostel, part private accommodation, and somehow seems able to meet whatever I need. Sharing a kitchen or bathroom with whoever happened to be there was a gamble, but as soon as I arrived I felt at peace. The artist hosting the place has shaped its whole feel. “B-Love” is sometimes around the home like a caring manager, without being an overbearing landlord. It was nice to see her, update her about house supplies or just hang out. She knows a lot about the guest house and its history, and the beautiful garden. She also gives you space. If I needed something in my room or had a question, she was easy to reach by email or phone and happy to help. The other workers who come by regularly to clean and help were available too. The home is in the heart of West Oakland. Grocery options may not be great, but on the way to the Black-owned co-op grocery store, Mandela, you pass three-story murals of the Women of the Black Panthers. If you're without a car, you can learn what a “food desert” means when they close at 8pm. You can also see the good side of local shopping at Sharif’s, the neighborhood liquor store, which makes sure to stock avocados and tortillas. Thanks for always welcoming me during my travels.

I was traveling alone and felt safe and comfortable in the supportive community Traci has built. She was vibrant, down to earth and knew a lot about the area. Getting to all the historical places I wanted to visit was easy from the location. Staying at B-Loves Guest house felt like being in my aunties' home. There was so much warmth, love, creativity and history in the space. I'd definitely stay again.