Mariko’s place was great. Its is sparkling clean, and her gardens are awesome for reading, studying. She is an awesome host, being very personable . She can be a great friend when you need that, but you will have ample privacy when you need it at her place. Close proximity to Japanese gardens and Lake Balboa park both of which are excellent places for retrieval. If I had to do it again, I would come at Mariko’s place with no hesitation.