Stephanie made my family and I feel welcome to stay at her home even before we arrived. Due to travelling on airline staff tickets my family (wife, 2 & 5 yr old) and I needed ultimate flexibility due to possible flight issues, which Stephanie provided (late arrival times and last minute booking).

The area of Santa Monica the apartment is in felt very safe, I have lived in London for 15 years and I felt safer there than in some areas of South West London (Twickenham). The first night we kept the windows shut as I had the opinion that Los Angeles is a 'dangerous' city, I have to admit once I understood the area more we slept every night after that with the doors and windows open!

The apartment was clean and very presentable, it felt very homely and Stephanie had left a welcome basket with fruit and other nice things to welcome us (this was a nice touch). The apartment has 2 very comfortable double beds, a great shower, huge fridge and a kitchen with all the items you will need.

The apartment was in the perfect location for me as it was 5-10 mins from Santa Monica beach, 20 mins from Beverly hills and all the heavy tourist areas, 30 minutes from Malibu (traffic dependent) and 3 minutes from the freeway and access to the whole of LA. Looking back the location was perfect for what we wanted (a bit of everything!). I hired a bike and within 10 minutes of leaving the apartment I was climbing into the Santa Monica Mountains for glorious views of Down town LA through to Pacific Palisades.

There are great options of local shops, a large CVS (24 hr opening) 2 blocks away and a lovely Organic Cooperative that stocks items for all, including Lactose free milk and cheeses etc if you're that way inclined 11 blocks.

This was the first time I have used airbnb and have to say my experience was excellent. I was worried that there would be always an issues as it wasn't a hotel etc, I was so grateful my experience wasn't this. This in truth was down to Stephanie as she was friendly, flexible, reliable, and so so helpful. In truth she was just the sort of host you need when you are a long way from home. Thanks Stephanie, you have my details and I know we will stay in touch.
Many thanks again, Greg and family x
p.s I nearly forgot, serious value for money, fully equipped 2 bedroom apartment at a great rate!