I waffled between two and three stars but ultimately chose three because this location is an interesting blend of five-star amenities and one-star problems. To briefly summarize:
The bad:
Aircraft Noise: merely stating that "you will hear airplanes" in the description of this location does not do reality a bit of justice. If you're familiar with the final approach to the San Diego airport, the airplanes fly very low over Balboa park and then down the hill just beyond the park, to touch down. Well, this location is DIRECTLY UNDER the final approach of the aircraft. To emphasize - airplanes are no more than 100 feet away from this location, and you will get the full blast of their jet engines in final descent. You'll notice upon entering that there are no windows aside from a tiny one in the bathroom and main room, and earplugs next to the bed - and this is why! I did not measure the decibels but suffice to say the place was uninhabitable during the day. I did manage to get ok sleep in the windowless bedroom, but keep in mind that the airport HAS NO CURFEW for landing planes, only for departing planes.
Lousy Refund Policy: I initially booked this place for 8 nights, and after the first realized there was no way I could make it here for more than a week. So I cleared out after the second night. Unfortunately, the owner was at first unwilling to give me any refund at all, and in the end gave me something less than 50% of the cost of the 6 nights that I did not stay there.
Security: the immediate neighborhood is pretty much abandoned (why do you think that is? See above). In addition to the desolate feel, the only security is the combination lock on the front door; there is no interior latch of any kind. Given the lack of any escape route other than the front door, if someone were to bypass the code and get in, there would be no chance.
The Gate: there is a half-height gate separating the street from the front door, presumably to give an illusion of security (see above). This gate was unlocked when I arrived, and I engaged the deadbolt. Unfortunately, the deadbolt would not unlock, so I was forced to vault over the gate to get in and out of the unit for the 2 days I was there (this included throwing my suitcase over the wall on my way out).
Kitchen Amenities: contrary to what another review stated, the amenities were sub-par. No prep knives, and the pots and pans were very cheap. The only cooking items were a salt and pepper shaker. To add insult to injury, I was informed by the owner that the stuff I bought (bottle of olive oil, etc) would be thrown out "because we maintain this property like a hotel". If you are going to have a super-fancy kitchen, maybe it would be nice for people to use it!
The good:
The Kitchen Itself: very sparkly and fancy appliances in the kitchen, you could make a very nice meal here (if you had the necessary amenities; see above!)
Bathroom: clean and modern, I think they had a tankless hot water heater, and the shower itself is very nice.
HVAC: very modern and quiet (for those moments of reprieve when the planes aren't zooming overhead). Of course it being San Diego, HVAC usually isn't necessary!