This was our 1st experience with Airbnb, and if they all go as well as this one did we'll use it again. Location was perfect, it was a great value for family. Far better than a hotel. Carl was responsive and answered all our questions. You can tell he values his place as it was updated, stocked with all we needed including towels, soap, laundry detergent, etc. Place was well maintained. Beds were comfortable, kitchen had everything we needed to cook and eat. Loved having the washer / dryer. Simple 2 minute walk to the beach, easy 15 minute drive to the zoo, several restaurants and rental places within less than 5 minute walk. We did most our eating in the condo so can't vouch for any of the restaurants.. We rented bikes / body boards from cheap rentals only 1 block away. If you sign up on their website for emails you get 15% off 1st rental. Loved the coffee shop down below. Do make the trek up to Baked Bear for ice cream sandwiches. 5 minute drive tops and they have free parking if you are going there. We had a Nissan Quest minivan and the parking space fit. It was tight but with some reasonable parking skills you can make it fit. Was great having a free designated parking spot.
Had 3 worries before showing up that were all quickly put to rest. 1) We had a family of 6 and thought it might be cramped but we had plenty of room. The sofa bed was large and comfortable for the kids to crash on. They loved the netflix to catch a late night movie after a long day at the beach. 2) Thought we'd prefer to be a mile more north or south to be close to PB pier or south mission beach area. I'm glad we weren't. Fun to go check those places out as they are active and vibrant scene. It's a simple bike ride or drive, but it does get get crowded. The simple 2 minute walk to the ocean from Carl's place had as good or better beach, great waves for the kids to body board, but 1/3 of the crowd. 3) Worried the place might be a bit loud being right on Mission Blvd and shops right down below. We found the place to be quiet and didn't have any issues with street noise. Condo is backset just enough from the street that even with windows open we found it to be a nice calm quiet place to rest.
All in a great stay for us, we'd stay here again and recommend Carl's place as a great value.