1. Location
Excellent! 2 minute walk to beach. Easy drive to all the tourist places in San Diego. Heavy, heavy construction in the area however so if you are a light sleeper, you will hear them in the morning.
2. Cleanliness
Our feet were black from walking around the place, sand/rocks everywhere and we ended up wiping down the floors ourselves. Found long blond hairs on the pillows on the bed when we got there (we are not blond).. were the pillowcases washed then? Dishes and cutlery were clean however.
3. Communication
Messaged host 2 weeks and 1 week before with question- no reply. Messaged again 2 days before since we didn't receive any check in instructions- finally received reply from host. There was a huge natural gas leak in the neighborhood (due to the construction) which was on the news. Neighborhood was evacuated. We had to book a hotel last minute. Host did not message until we told him about the situation which was on the news. After returning to the place the day after, and waiting for gas/hot water to be restored, we finally called the host to ask if he could help turn on the gas. It was only then that we told us there would no hot water. Again had to book a hotel last minute. We would have appreciated a heads up. However we understand the whole gas leak was not the hosts fault and we really appreciated the refund of the last two nights (helped with cost of last minute hotel rooms and buying emergency toiletries/diapers etc).
Unfortunately half of our vacation was more stressful than we planned. Hopefully your stay will be more enjoyable!