Entire home

At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting.

Photo gallery for At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting.

A room with a large sliding glass door leading to an outdoor area, a wooden ceiling, a table with a lamp, and a purple rug. - At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting. (Oakland)
A modern living room with a sofa, a coffee table, and a kitchen area with a refrigerator and microwave. - At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting. (Oakland)
A house with a porch, potted plants, and a birdhouse. - At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting. (Oakland)
A narrow stone pathway leading to a parked car in a residential area. - At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting. (Oakland)
A front door with a glass panel, a doormat, and a variety of potted plants and a birdhouse outside. - At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting. (Oakland)
At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting. provides amenities, such as a garden and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Add dates for prices

About this property

At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting.

  • The Merriewood Retreat invites an idyllic respite in the hills, offering convenience of location as well as quiet in a place of beauty for work or a well-earned staycation.

    Although there is no TV, the environment is set up for reading, relaxing in and out, as well as for working
    *Dedicated WIFI
    *Strong phone/internet connection
    Sit at a desk, on a sofa, or even outdoors
    Enjoy the spacious patio garden with ample seating in sun or shade.

    It's just a Quick Drive to neighboring towns, BART transport, regional parks, and hiking trails

    Near by Montclair Village has groceries, various int'l cuisine, take-outs, coffee shops, books and boutiques, banks, and a spacious park for picnics and kids' play.

    PLEASE NO SMOKING ON THE PROPERTY

    DOGS WELCOME! 2 max please or check with host
    This SECURE garden is great for dogs to explore and get some extra stretching. Take your pups on a tree-filled walk, circling you back home in 15 minutes.

    King size, Sleep Number bed
    Kitchenette with cooktop, hot water pot, microwave, frig, hot-water sink
    Cooking supplies include pot and frypan, Dishes. Cutlery. Wine and water glasses
    Coffee. Teas.

    Attached bath, walk-in shower with soaps
    Hair dryer and forgotten amenities

    Closet, dresser drawers
    Ironing board, iron
    Full-length mirror
    Sofa seating

    Keys available on arrival.
    Come and go independently through the
    well-lighted, private driveway

    No stairs

    No hourly restrictions

    Life in our neck of the woods is both pet and people-friendly.
    Family, friends are welcome as day guests

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Kitchenette

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Up to 453 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible parking space
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Handrails in stairways
  • In-room accessibility
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping on request
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Composting
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Recycling
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 1:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Coffee grounds can be turned into the garden box or into the garbage bag. DO NOT PUT ANY FOOD IN THE SINK
Please leave the door ajar when you are leaving.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total (up to 453 kg per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the area

Merriewood, a neighbourhood in Oakland, is home to this holiday home. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and SF Masonic Auditorium are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Ferry Building and Grace Cathedral. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Oracle Park or Chase Center. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby swimming, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling, mountain biking and hiking/biking trails. Visit our Oakland travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Oakland
Map
Oakland, CA

What's nearby

  • A forested trail with tall trees and a wooden fence.
    Joaquin Miller Park
    4 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • A city street lined with tall buildings, including a Wells Fargo sign, and a mural on a building.
    Telegraph Avenue
    5 min drive - 3.6 miles
  • A large ornate gate with the inscription "AETHER GATE" and a globe atop it.
    University of California, Berkeley
    6 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Lake Temescal
    2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Piedmont Sports Field
    4 min drive - 2.5 miles

Getting around

  • Rockridge Station
    5 min drive
  • Berkeley Station
    12 min drive
  • Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)
    28 min drive

Restaurants

  • Panda Express
    6 min drive
  • Payakk
    14 min walk
  • Starbucks
    4 min drive
  • Starbucks
    6 min drive
  • The Habit Burger Grill
    6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 453 kg per pet.

How much is parking at At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting.?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

What time is check-out at At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting. located?

Located in Merriewood, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Telegraph Avenue and Children's Hospital Oakland. Memorial Stadium and Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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Reviews

At the Merriewood Retreat you are in a private, serene, garden setting. Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful peaceful pet-friendly
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Place was immaculate and very comfortable. Host was welcoming and our dogs were so happy there.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet spot, beautiful garden, easy to get to
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host Marilyn and her husband rich were very welcoming and friendly. We look forward to staying with them again if possible!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Calling it The Retreat is very accurate. Lovely feeling about the place. Very “zen”. Relaxing and because I have an affinity for elephants, I was in heaven. Beautiful views up in the hills of Oakland. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful garden and incredibly peaceful. It was very close to a lot of trails and a cute area with lots of shops and restaurants. The hosts were so friendly and kind. I would absolutely return again and again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you, Marilyn and family--what a wonderful retreat! The space is beautiful and well- appointed--every little detail attended to, from the big, sturdy coffee mugs and delicious coffee to the all the area guides and travel-size necessities. The garden is peaceful, inviting, gorgeous, and the neighborhood is beautiful. I will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I loved this quaint little retreat! It is a hidden gem.Once you enter the backyard, you see the lovely trees starting to bloom, ( it is the beginning of March), and you can hear various birds chirping.And, it is peaceful and quiet. I felt very relaxed.The small cottage is simply decorated with big windows looking into the yard, and a high beamed ceiling. Very charming.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful spot! The place is even more spacious than pictured, and is charming and comfortable, with a lovely view of the garden. The host has supplied everything one could possible need in excellent condition. The communication from the host was above and beyond, which we appreciated. Overall I'd give 10 stars if possible.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful accommodation separate from main house in secluded wooded neighborhood. Charming hosts, always available. Super pet friendly. Very comfortable king sleep number bed, excellent bathroom with plentiful hot water. Fridge, microwave, hot plate, all cutlery, all there for the asking. Though up in the hills, was 13 min to Emeryville or Berkeley with easy access to 13 and 24 fwys. Wouldn't hesitate to return on a moments notice. Many thanks Marilyn and Rich.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was so lovely, and the pictures don’t quite do the patio garden justice. I would definitely stay again, and hope to!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Marilyn and Rich’s cottage does not disappoint! Somehow the pictures don’t quite do it justice. This serene cottage is in the midst of a magical two-level garden, in a quiet neighborhood up in the hills. The beautifully appointed bathroom boasts an enormous walk-in shower. While the bedroom, kitchen and sitting area are in one room, it is spacious and packed with everything you need. Our pup loved it there. The hosts are kind, friendly people who give you space, but are there if you need anything. We would absolutely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Marilyn is wonderful as is the property and the space. Hope to be able to stay again one day, - would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property and great host! Thank you for your great welcome and hospitality
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This free-standing studio apartment fit all our needs - well-equipped, quiet, and located in the Oakland hills near the family we were visiting. The hosts were lovely and attentive We hope to return!
Stayed 13 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Situated in a quiet, safe residential neighborhood up in the hills. Conveniently located 15 minutes to Berkeley. Hosts were welcoming and dog owners. Kitchenette had a mini frig, coffee press with provided coffee, microwave and hot plate. Great for someone with a car as they provide access to use their driveway.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfectly peaceful retreat

Everything about our visit to Merriewood Retreat was perfect! Lovely inside and out and hosts with the most! The garden is blossoming in many colors, the inside space (though hard to go in— it being so nice outside) had everything one could ask for including a super comfy bed, fully functional kitchen space and large, beautiful shower. We look forward to coming back!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful, peaceful secluded property and Marilyn is very sweet and attentive. The only challenging issue is that cell coverage is poor in the cottage and so I had to make phone calls out on the patio but this is really a minor gripe.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026