I have to admit to being a bit conflicted writing a review for Lori’s Seaside Beach Shack, because I don’t want to make it too hard for me to book going forward. My wife and I have stayed here twice, love it, and are already booked for a return visit in June. Our son and daughter in law live in OB, so we visit a few times each year. We have stayed in three prior OB vacation rentals, and Lori’s place is just right, and not just because its location is the best of the four (two blocks away from our family). It is a two story unit, decent sized great room downstairs and queen bedroom with bath (nicely remodeled since our stay last year) upstairs. There is enough room for four to comfortably watch TV downstairs, or share an informal meal. The best part of her rental though is the outdoor spaces. There is a large seating area downstairs, with a decent BBQ, as well as an upstairs rooftop deck. The latter is undeniably the best place to hang out, watch the palms sway, catch the sunset, and even get a peek of La Jolla. Coffee in the morning, wine at sunset! The property is furnished nicely and the bed is comfortable. Best of all is that this is the first OB rental where I have been able to sleep until 9 am. For those not familiar with OB, morning airline traffic starts around 6:15 am, and in the past it has meant early mornings for us. For some reason (better windows and insulation, or perhaps the location vis a vis the airport flight corridors???), Lori’s place is significantly quieter than at the other places we have stayed in OB.
Lori has been very responsive on the rare occasion where we need to contact her. As an aside, she also rents out the front unit (two bedroom/two bath/large outdoor space). This may be an option if two families want to stay close by. Her location off Voltaire gives quick access out of OB, and puts one within short walking distance of the beach and the North OB commercial district. In this district is 3rd Corner (a 10 minute walk from Lori’s), which we strongly recommend for those who like food and great wine, but are put off by the typical restaurant wine markup.
I strongly recommend Lori’s upstairs unit, best size wise for a single or a couple. I do believe though, that she has a portable crib for someone with a recent young addition to their family.
Robert and Paula K.