Gene's apartment is conveniently close to the UCSD Hillcrest medical center. It is about a 10 minute walk or so. So definitely recommend if you are rotating there or interviewing. You couldn't pick a better place both for the location AND the host!!
Check in was very easy (although my boyfriend handled it not me haha). The apartment is nicely furnished. The bedroom was nice and the bed was comfortable. I really liked the sheets too! The bathroom was very clean. We were given towels and washcloths too.
We met Gene on our last night there and I am so SO glad we did. The other Airbnb guests were so right when they wrote rave reviews about him. We talked for a good 3 or 4 hours probably. He definitely knows the area well and can recommend restaurants and things to do. It is funny because I felt like we are so similar as people. We lived in similar places and have visited the same restaurants and markets. We have the same type of travel philosophy. He is so great!! He is one of those rare Airbnb hosts who actually care about meeting new people and learning from them and sharing what he has learned. This is exactly what Airbnb was intended to be before people started buying up buildings and turning it into a business. Gene is the real deal!!
The building is located across the street from a huge grocery store that is open from 5am to 1am which is both crazy and convenient. The neighborhood is cool and there are a lot of restaurants and bars within very close walking distance. The town has a much homey-er (not a word but whatever lol) vibe than where my boyfriend moved in Mission hills or something? It has more local places rather than chains and shopping malls so you can definitely spend a couple days exploring this area if you like walking around and eating haha.
Also the uber from the airport is super convenient only like 10-15 min and maybe $10? I did a 5 mile running loop that took me from the apartment across 7 bridges through Balboa park so you can definitely walk there too but again if you are someone who likes to walk like me. We were bummed we didnt make it to the farmers market so maybe we will check it out next time?
You should most definitely stay with Gene!! :)