On a recent (harried) trip to LA we stayed with Sterling and Georgia at their beautiful home in mid-city. I can honestly say that this place, our hosts, and this neighborhood changed my opinion of LA for the better.

I always felt like LA was an endless series of strip malls and taquerias without much character, but mid-city completely is _not_ that way. It's colorful and vibrant, has tons of diversity and sould, and is conventiently located just off a major boulevard. It's Spanish mission, colonial façade is lovely and Georgia and Sterling tend it to have a lovely, garden, hacienda feel. The hosts are both very kind and try to make you feel at home.

Georgia shared her painting with us and gave us some ideas about life and good nutrition. Oh and since you're dealing with a true local, you get some secret insights. Case in point: Georgia got us from the house to USC on Friday at 4pm _via_ a CVS in under an hour - take that, Garmin!

The room is very much as pictured: delightful, colorful, and we slept like rocks when we finally made it back at night. You're close to Beverly Hills, Hollywood or any of the new sights of downtown LA. So, great place, great location, great room, great amenities. Can it get better?

Well, only if we mention their *LOVING* and wonderful dog, Ebony, whose cropped fur had the feel of expensive wool carpet and could think of nothing better than wanting to cuddle you 24x7.

It's a great spot and we were sad to have to leave without having had more time to simply relax there. We'll be back!