Akiko is an awesome host. Her home is super clean in a quiet walk-able neighborhood. We did not have time to sit out in the back courtyard, but it is a very pleasant space. The room had everything we needed with a very comfortable queen bed, and the kitchen likewise was very well equipped. There are a couple of good fast food places 1/2 block away: Casa Sushi and a Mediterranean place. Whole Foods 365 and Asian Box are just up the street. The Santa Monica Big Blue Buses are 1/2 block away and the LA Metro train station is an easy walk. This was a great place for us commuting to the LA Convention center and getting around the area.