Anya's place was just the thing my kids and I needed. We came to LA for a visit to Universal Studios, but also for other, very personal reasons. Anya was very understanding of our need for privacy, but was still a gracious host. I didn't actually meet Anya (She was apparently studying for the bar exam!) but, her mother was wonderful and quite responsive to what we needed. She also taught us how to say "Thank you" in Russian! We My son and I loved the pool and used it when we could. (The temperature was surprisingly cool throughout our stay.) The space was just right for my family (A great common area with two spacious bedrooms. I have a teenager who demands "privacy") and it was quite convenient to Universal. As a personal touch, my son left his Harry Potter robe behind. They offered to mail it to us right away. These are good folks!
Only two precautions:
1 - The Wifi worked well for us, however my cell phone coverage was spotty. (And Verizon is SUPPOSED to be pretty good, I'm told.) I'm pretty sure that has something to do with the unique topography of the Laurel Canyon area.
2 - DRIVE CAREFULLY! Unlike the rest of LA, the streets of the Canyon area are quite narrow and curvy. We've had a couple of near misses with people whipping around the curves as if they were Steve McQueen in "Bullet". (Something for the kids to Google). And if you are going downhill Mulholland Drive you will have the urge to "let 'er rip" . Please resist the urge to "let 'er rip".
I can't recommend this place enough. With luck, we'll be back for another stay.
Спасибо, Anya!
(I hope I wrote that right.)