I stayed at this sweet, cozy cottage for 1 week. It has a shabby chic decor, and is just a block or two from the main drag in Silverlake, a very popular neighborhood in East LA for hipsters and young people that's near Downtown LA, Los Feliz, Hollywood, and freeways. Jeannette was a lovely host, always quick to reply and always accommodating.

PROS
-- friendly host with flexible check-in, check-out times
-- pet friendly
-- outdoor patio with seating for relaxing & eating
-- smoking allowed outside
-- equipped with all basics -- from kitchen to nail polish
-- $$ bargain compared to other "whole house" listings
-- good cable TV, wireless internet, window a/c
-- very private behind a tall wooden fence and garden

CONS
-- it's a 1BR with separate kitchen, but it IS tiny
-- almost no closet space except to hang a few shirts
-- the "shabby" chic decor felt a bit too thrift-store
-- on a steep narrow hill with little parking at night
-- stucco steps leading to street are a bit crooked, and there is no handrail or outdoor light, so it's easy to stumble if you're wearing poor shoes or have poor balance. (Though Jeannette's brother, who lives next door, did set me up with a porch light)

SUMMARY
I absolutely recommend this cottage for anyone with pets who is on a budget and would like to explore Silverlake and nearby neighborhoods. If you're sure-footed and armed with flashlight, those crooked steps to the street shouldn't be a problem. Ditto parking a block or two away and climbing up the steep incline home if you get back too late to find a spot outside the door. The patio with hanging lights is very nice hangout. And I'm grateful I could bring my pets, and there was an outdoor area right outside my door where I could smoke.

I think this cottage is best if you just need a place to sleep, shower, grab a quick bite, watch a TV show or two, catch-up on emails -- then head out. It's not a place to hang out 24/7 to get some business done. I also don't think it's a good fit for an older professional spoiled by modern comforts and luxuries, especially for an extended stay. I think it would be ideal as a romantic little base for a younger couple or single adventurer, especially with Silverlake's bars & restaurants & boutiques within walking distance.