What can we say? This was far and away our best airbnb experience ever. It might very well have been our best vacation lodging anywhere (and we've stayed in some nice hotels and lodges.) It's difficult to think of anything that could be improved upon. From the time we booked the stay until after check out Marten's communication was responsive and timely. Our flight was changed, then significantly delayed, and Marten was helpful and flexible throughout.
Check in was a breeze, even at 2am, as Marten sent detailed photos to help us find the guest house from the street. We arrived to find a very generously stocked pantry and refrigerator, as Marten knew we we'd be late and wouldn't have our rental car until later in the day. It was very nice not to have to go out or shop for breakfast that morning.
The place is just as described, perfect for our family of five adults. Two bedrooms, a full bath, and the living room were great for our night owls, far enough removed from the other bedrooms that evening noise was never an issue. The two bedrooms and full bath off the kitchen meant our early-risers could get up, shower, and make breakfast without fear of waking the others. And that kitchen: perfectly stocked, with everything we needed to cook almost any kind of meal.
The living room is comfortable and the smart TV the largest we've watched. The private outdoor space, too, was great for morning coffee and evening drinks, partially shaded all day and surrounded by greenery.
Marten and Angela are perfect hosts, never intrusive but always friendly and available should we need anything. When we told Marten we had a redeye flight home and needed to kill several hours after check out before heading to the airport, he generously let us use the beach gear (towels, umbrella, boogie boards and coolers) as long as we wanted after our stay.
All that said, our most pleasant surprise was Culver City. Marten's house is in a beautiful, quiet neighborhood just a few very-walkable blocks from CC's vibrant downtown. We enjoyed several great coffee shops, bakeries, a book store/cafe, thrift and gift stores, along with restaurants of all kinds with large outdoor dining areas. Trader Joe's and the Coopurtunity Food Coop had everything we needed for our dinners in. The Bar Bohemian on the roof of the Citizen Market has a great cocktail program, and we flew east with two dozen bagels from the new Wise Sons deli, perhaps better than any we've found in New York.
We could have stayed in CC all week, but Marten's house is also easy driving to the beaches and everything else LA has to offer. It truly is our perfect LA home away from home.