An unfortunate experience that started with months of saving, weeks of anticipation and ended like a really bad first date that had to be repeated for maximum punishment and pain.
Upon arrival, we discovered a car with an Arizona license plate had taken our designated parking spot. No worries...We called our host, Cruz, and he politely said we were welcome to park in space 1 while he sorts out the issue. This felt auspicious and worthy of thanks. After all, he couldn’t control where people park and, more importantly, we had safely arrived in Malibu from across the country!
As we made our way to the unit, we immediately realized the unit is NOT on the ocean side of the building. We had spent weeks romanticizing about a private balcony over-looking the pacific ocean (fitting to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary). In fact, we had corresponded with Cruz to confirm this property was ocean front (with a balcony), as the pictures illustrated. His exact response was that the unit had "subtle ocean views", which we misinterpreted as his artistic, if not humble, way of describing the magnificent views captured in his pictures. As it turns out, the majority of the windows face other units giving you the sense that you are the main characters in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Also, the only windows offering a "subtle view" of the ocean, so long as you crane your neck at just the right angle, have so much mildew and salt it is impossible to discern what is beyond the dust ridden panes. And the balcony that Cruz told us is "immediately outside the front door" is more accurately described as out the front door, down the stairs (because the balcony pictures he posted are actually on the first level and much nicer!), past the neighbors, accessible to all and first come first served. With that said, the ocean view is as beautiful as depicted. However, it is a communal space and not even on our level! The balcony on our level is dingy, surrounded by unkept units with rust and chipped paint!
So, back to the unit... the carpet gives you the impression the property flooded the week before your arrival, dried out and all that remains of the unfortunate occurrence are large soiled spots and a slightly crusty carpet.
Okay so you may be wondering what redeeming qualities are offered that warrant the reviews. It is the constant peaceful sounds of ocean waves and location. Of course, to be frank the serenity is occasionally interrupted (if you are a heavy sleeper) by the constant sounds of cars driving past PCH (at all hours) and one of the two window mounted A/C units, which sounds a lot like an airplane taking off from the runway. However, a bit of advice here, if you turn up the A/C unit to 75 degrees (in late May/June) it will not wake you because well it doesn't turn on...
Oh and if you are over average height the shower will make you feel like the scene from Elf when Will Ferrel is showering in what appears to be an uncomfortably tiny shower.
Anyways, in the spirit of positivity, back to the location...the location of this property is nice, as there are a lot of restaurants and other attractions nearby. We ate at the restaurant and cafe at the pier and it was an easy walk and had great meals.
Ultimately, this property is not for the weary, those looking for rest or else people who are easily freighted and it most definitely is not a romantic get-away. Regarding the latter, this property will fall short in every conceivable way and leave you disappointed on a level no property with a proper bed and (tiny) shower should ever be able to make one feel...
Also, Cruz was nice at the beginning, but after our complaint we could not reach him by text or phone.