Rita's home is exceptionally charming. Situated on a beautifully pristine street, just off Melrose Avenue, lined with interesting homes and plenty of greenery. My favourite features of the bedroom include the rustic bed frame, amazing lamps, the extended hallway, the private-style patio with sunloungers - which are a little tricky to use at first but okay- leading out to lively outside pool area populated by quirky statues and great palm tree embellished blue skies. This is a great place to stay - just bring mosquito spray as I woke up each morning covered in bites (although I did leave the patio door from my room open one day).
Rita's hospitality was lovely, we had some nice conversations and she imparted some good advice. On my first day she gave me a lift to the Grove and Trader Joe's near by which was generous and very useful.
I am sad to end this review on this note, at the end of the stay Rita's attitude changed slightly at the end of the stay. My main problem is that she pressurised me to give her cash/ transfer money to her paypal for charity. Initially I was happy to do so but I was berated for not having cash on me as despite being "a successful business woman." This made me feel somewhat uncomfortable.
On my way to the airport I got a call asking why I had not created a PayPal account to transfer funds " as per our agreement". Not sure if I like being pressured en-route to my flight - I can give to charity in my own time - and it kind of took the wind out of my sails especially as I bought her a, not inexpensive, bottle of Rose as a parting gift.
Despite this I would definitely recommend Rita's home for a nice stay, she is a lovely eccentric soul with an iron will. I just feel a bit hurt about our parting conversations.