John's beach apartment was the perfect location for our Santa Monica centered visit. The apartment is compact but the layout worked well for my husband and me and our 11 year old daughter. Being on the PCH, traffic noise is pretty much a constant but we all found that we noticed it less as the days went on. Being able to walk out the door and head right to the beach (or to the beachfront restaurant next door with great breakfast and lunch options) was such a bonus. Do note that the apartment itself doesn't look out directly on the beach as it is on the east end of the main house, over the garage which faces the PCH. But go out the door and you're there in a second. John was always very responsive to queries and extremely generous with his space. Nice to have the option to do laundry in the garage below as well. Bottom line is, as long as you are not terribly noise sensitive, this place is a great find for a beach getaway!