I came to Santa Monica for a short vacation combined with my work in the film industry. I oftern choose apartments because I prefer to cook at home and avoid noisy hotel and tourist enviironments. I'm so pleased this Santa Monica Cottage was perfect described in the ad. It was exactly as the photos showed. The furniture and decor were reflective of a contemporary beach environment. Clean lines and open space. The really unique part is that no one is over or under you so it was so quiet, and the plus is the large private patio. I sat out there nightly to calm my brain. Smoked a bit (outside) and had a cool down cocktail. The beach weather was a bit brisk but the host had a blanket and cute cocktail solar lighting to keep my comfortable. There's plenty of seating outdoors as my brother and his family came over for a cookout on Saturday.

The location also couldn't be better. The apartment home is located between downtown Santa Monica (The 3rd St. Promenade) to the North, and to the South Santa Monica Main Street shops and Venice Abbott Kinney. The beach is a 10 block walk about 15 minutes on foot. Public bicycles are for rent around the corner. I think but am not sure if Gary & Heather (the hosts) had a bicycle to borrow. Overall a $4.50 Uber ride got me everywhere to eat and shop.

And the hosts were lovely. Gary & Heather and their doggie were so splendid. They welcomed me and shared lots of info about the area and where to eat. My brother Sam lives in Hollywood so he told me a lot and checked the place out for me in advance, but these hosts were so friendly.

I'd highly recommend this apartment for anyone coming from another country or within the States looking for a short stay or for over a month. The garage parking, central (but quiet) location, and fully furnished kitchen, superbly comfortable queen bed, and TV entertainment channels makes this feel like a long term home.

Thanks Heather & Gary for hosting me and I'll be back in May 2017 for work and will stay with you for at least a month then. Cheers, Canyon.