Tomoko and her father are very friendly, helpful and especially welcoming. They do a lot to make you feel as welcome and as good as possible during your stay. I really appreciated the lengths they are willing to go for this. We really felt like the room and even the common living room were meant for us and we didn't feel like invading at all. The place is very nice and the location is absolutely fantastic. Downtown Santa Monica is in walking distance even by lazy people standards and the neighborhood seems to be very safe.