A great place in a 2xduplex gated area. It feels exactly (and is) a typical San Diego apartment, with mission style outside as is typical of the area. The apartment was clean and typical amenities of an apartment. One little nit pick is that the back patio area isn't very useful as it's a bit overgrown and feels claustrophobic, but overall not bad. Apartment is plenty spacious for 2 people and dogs.
Location is good, depending on what you're after. It's a block away from Balboa Park, and a few blocks away from coffee and a few restaurants and bars. Hillcrest proper is about a 5-10 min walk, but the area is much more quiet than being in Hillcrest main area.
Check in was very easy as you get sent a gate code and a code to the apartment key lock box, so you don't have to worry about arriving and having to find people to exchange anything with.