I love David's place! It was everything I was looking for on my vacation. It's only a 20 or so minute walk to Venice Beach - and it's a safe walk. I never felt uneasy during the day, never walked it at night.
It's far enough away, though, to avoid a lot of the chaos. David's place is quiet and private - an oasis in the beachy desert, almost. You can enjoy the day at Venice Beach, then return to David's Place for some relaxation on the patio, followed by dinner and shopping on Abbot Kinney.
David's place really helped me experience Venice Beach and Santa Monica. He's a great host, and the place is a dream. I will be returning for sure.