The good:
- we were given clear instructions for self-checkin which was very smooth
- the blue room was a decent size although no chairs or couch and had a balcony
- the ability to use the kitchen and living area was a great option
- very nice gardens around the house
- house is centrally located and 5 minutes walk to Little Italy and to Balboa Park (in the other direction)
The bad:
- the house is directly under the flight path of planes landing which are VERY loud. It feels like they are going to land on the roof and you can almost touch them!
- the house is very close to the freeway and there is constant traffic noise.
- the house is old and the corridors are a little tired and in need of renovation. There was stuffy/damp smell in the corridors. The room and other parts of the house were fine
- shared bathrooms with other guests and the bathroom on the upper floor is cramped
- the area in the near vercinity is not the nicest and there are quite a few homeless people wandering around or sleeping under the nearby freeway bridge which you walk under to get to Little Italy. We felt ok but some people might feel a little unsafe in this area (especially if walking alone).
Although the gardens around the house were very peaceful (including running water) they did not make up for the constant freeway traffic noise and planes landing which did not create a relaxing environment for us and our sleep also suffered as a consequence. We would have enjoyed it much more without all the noise.