Where to even start... I could write a novel on just how positive, pleasant, and for a dear friend, healing, this trip to LA was. And it was elevated by all of the unexpected but very personal touches Dino took to preparing his place for our stay.
Simply put, I cannot say enough to convey the appreciate we felt with all of the things that were done to make our quick little getaway so awesome. From the personalized card to setting us up with the items for a little Hollywood Bowl picnic, to the great continental breakfast to the chilled wine and fruit for our hot-tub relaxation, it was a phenomenal few days there in LA. Dino has set the bar for my AirBnB experiences to a new level. And I've been to some nice places.
If things were needed, Dino was a text away... if things were not needed, you'd hardly know he was even there. Communication with Dino is an afterthought. Mostly because everything that you're probably going to need has already been thought of and is already there! Getting there from LAX was a breeze - and no freeway traffic needed!
The guestroom is tiny but incredibly laid out. Very functional. Imagine a "tiny house" in the Hollywood Hills! Everything you need, or readily available, without a lot of the noise and silliness of Hollywood even though it's just down the hill - literally. The location is SO quiet that we were awakened by --- OWLS! The awesome echo of owls and a deer or two all while the valley lights shimmer down below. Truly an incredible place. With incredible views.
One word of caution, however. Some steep steps on the outside to navigate your way around the property. It IS in the Hollywood Hills, so steps are to be expected. Some can be steep, as I said, and there are plenty of warning signs, but once you've gone up/down those 5 or 6 steps to the pool or hot tub or to the swing or to the patio or where ever you're going to, those steps are the last thing on your mind.
You know what, I really need to tell the truth. Dino's place is over priced, over rated, and not worth the visit. You should really look elsewhere. You won't like it. Stay on the Strip. Or where ever you want. Just not here. Seriously. That way, with you out of the way, the next time I want to book it for a nice extended getaway of my own, it will be available for me to have to "suffer" through. I'll take one for the Airbnb "team"
Dino, thank you for an awesome visit. As I said in the private message, for my friend it was "healing" and she even described it as "magical". Thanks a lot, my friend.
James