Marie was friendly and easy to communicate with. the piano was such a great addition and we made music and played pingpong (with some weathered paddles) while old friends (and our kids) had a great time catching up. it's a bit of a walk to the beach/boardwalk- a little bit farther than we were hoping- not really close enough to go back and forth throughout the day, but definitely close enough to go and enjoy a few hours, come back and kick it with your people, and then wander down Abbot Kinney and eat something delicious. we really enjoyed one of those best days in Marie's place and are grateful she took us for just one night.