This place is exactly as advertised. It is in the heart of Venice right on the boardwalk. A spacious place, really well maintained and clean. People watching from the balcony is a true highlight and entertainment on its own. Steps from the beach and restaurants. The place is between muscle beach and Santa Monica pier and both are easily walkable. Amazingly from all the daytime hustle and bustle, it quiets down SIGNIFICANTLY at night. There must be a noise ordinance after 9pm. We had no issues sleeping. As far as security, we had zero problems and never felt unsafe. Police are constantly patrolling the sidewalks and alleyways (even on horses!). Cleanup crews on the beaches and sidewalks around this area are also on full force. For the amount of crowds this area experiences, it is well maintained. Lots of homeless around but they do not bother anyone. A couple of points to consider if renting this place. Parking is in an alleyway behind the building. A very large tandem spot. We had 2 SUVs and they fit easily. It is in a small uncovered, unsecured parking lot but we had no issues with our cars. As I mentioned before, lots of police patrolling. To get to the apartment you have to pass through a narrow alleyway and up 2 flights of stairs. This was not a problem for us but people with mobility issues or don't want to carry heavy, large suitcases up stairs; this wouldn't work for you. You can smell pot from the balcony occasionally (as it is legal in the area) but it is not overwhelming and you really don't smell it inside at all. We were a family with small kids and they loved it too. There is a play park right across the beach and you can see the Santa Monica Pier from the balcony with the crazy lit up Ferris wheel at night. To keep kids off the stairs we just moved the wheeled BBQ in front of the staircase and it acted as a security gate when they were on the balcony. Overall this is a GREAT getaway spot. The host was responsive, the place spacious and clean, beds comfortable but above all AMAZING location.