Great, easily accessible location that is close to everything. We walked a few blocks to the brew pub as well as the grocery store and a playground down the street. The drive to/from the airport, zoo, and ocean (for scuba diving and also up to La Jolla) were all under 20 minutes (well, except when we hit MVA-related freeway traffic on a Friday afternoon).
The house itself is very clean and well-appointed with a great layout and very comfortable beds—there was plenty of space for everyone and the kitchen is quite nice: 6-burner gas stove with griddle, fridge with lots of features, mutable microwave, Keurig machine—we left behind a few Starbucks k-cups and a variety of teas. I forgot to note for Ann that there isn’t enough seating for all 8 potential guests to have dinner around the table at the same time, but we didn’t have more than 5 people in total so with the high chair at the end for the toddler we were fine. Ditto with outside seating (there are only 4 chairs and a small table unless you want to get in the water), but some of us were always in the pool plus we brought a traveling hammock with us so we didn’t have any issues.
Speaking of the pool, it was *perfect*. We opted for an additional fee to have it heated with the waterfall turned on, and we are so glad we did because we used it so much. The table/seating area (like a circular booth) in the pool with the umbrella is a really great and useful idea. There are a few inflatables and other toys, too, and Ann thoughtfully ordered a pump while we were there to help air up the floats. And the firepit was a true treat in the evening (we bought a lighter that is now in the utility drawer to the left of the refrigerator). A cat or two strolled across the yard enroute to somewhere else while we were outside, but they didn’t stop to visit.
Thankfully, the weather cooperated as we had only one day of rain and cold temps (high of 60) during our 10-day stay in mid-February so we were able to take full advantage of the wonderful outdoor space. Ann very considerately did not charge us the pool fees for that cool day (which we spent at the zoo in rain coats—much shorter lines! :)) or other days when there was a power outage and road construction being done right in front of the house that created a fair bit of noise and odors, even though those were issues over which she had no control.
The neighborhood is generally quiet (despite being so close to everything), safe, and as noted above easily walkable. There is plenty of parking and a gate as well. Check-in and -out were a breeze. Trash and recycling pick-up was on Friday morning. There is a George Foreman grill in the back yard but we didn’t use it as we usually got takeout from the various local eateries (Tio Leo’s tacos were great!) or went to The Corvette Diner for dinner, but the kitchen was quite handy for breakfast and lunch.
The on-site washer and dryer were indispensable, especially with all our towel usage. We bought a couple basic beach towels to take with us to the ocean as we didn’t want to risk losing one of Ann’s, but we didn’t want to pack them home so they are there for future guests to use for the same purpose if they’d like. Ditto with a CD player for those who still use such relics and a step stool so the toddler could more easily reach/use the sink.
Ann’s house was much better and more convenient than any hotel, and the value was great. We highly recommend it and would gladly stay here again.