My 24-year-old son and I stayed in Cari's lovely guest house over the week of Christmas so we could visit my other son, a resident of LA. We arrived very late on a Sunday night after a long day of travel from the Midwest. There were candles burning on the patio and soft white lights leading our way to the entrance. The house was warmly lit, the sleeper sofa was pulled out and ready, the refrigerator was stocked with bagels, pita, hummus, fruit, wine, and other delicious treats, and we immediately felt like we were in our home away from home!

This was SO much better than any hotel room we could have chosen, and Cari and her sweet family made it even better. Although our busy schedules prevented us from being able to get to know each other as much as I would have liked, Cari immediately answered any questions I had through texts--from where I might find the perfect hostess gift for a dinner we were to attend, to offering coolers and other camping equipment when she learned that we were planning a one-night trip to Joshua Tree. In addition, parking was not a problem at all--the neighborhood was quiet, and there was always a space close to the house, whether we were parking during the day or pulling in late at night.

This was my first AirBnb experience, and if this is reflective of what AirBnb is all about, then I am a believer! I am looking forward to returning to LA, and I hope that this lovely gem will be available again. I've found my spot!