Just home after two weeks in Devin's cute house (bungalow). Have had an amazing holiday in San Diego and Devin's place contributed to that.
Check-in was straightforward once I'd found the well disguised key box, which wasn't easy in the dark! But once inside it's really quite spacious, with everything you'd need. The garden area outside is just as cute, although I didn't use it as I was out all day, every day with San Diego friends. But it was pretty to look at from inside. And a special mention must go to the most melodious wind chimes I've ever come across which hang on one of the trees.
I was staying there on my own and slept in the back bedroom: lots of storage space for clothes and plenty of coat hangers. Lots of hot water from the shower every day in the ensuite bathroom. And for those of us who have to shave, plenty of bright light too. The bedroom itself gets light early in the morning due to the blinds not blocking it out. Not a problem for me as I always travel with an eye mask, but worth mentioning I think.
The kitchen has everything you'd need in terms of crockery and cutlery etc as well as a fridge/freezer, microwave, coffee machine (and coffee), dishwasher and an old-style gas cooker. Talking of old, the washing machine was probably the oldest I've ever used, although entirely in keeping with the vintage of the house. But I had to study the instructions to get the hang of it. And pleased to report it then worked really well and was quick.
But for me, the very best thing about the place was that it was blissfully quiet at night, possibly the quietest place I've ever stayed in. This is the main reason I chose it and it must be due to its location: an entirely residential area of cute streets full of similar-vintage properties. Despite its location, however, it's also only a six or seven minute walk to Trader Joe's and Ralph's supermarkets and about a 10-minute walk to the bustle of Hillcrest. The best of all worlds.
However, the reason I only gave Devin's place a score of 4 out of 5 stars needs a quick mention too. I accept this isn't entirely the fault of the owners but there was a bit of a problem with ants, initially in the bathroom I was using but then also in the bedroom. When mentioned to my hosts there was a quick response and anti-bug spray was delivered to me. I sprayed liberally where I'd seen the ants and the problem appeared to be dealt with. But I'd have preferred them not to be there and would have preferred not to have to check under the pillows every night before I got in to bed.
Deal properly with the ants and you'll have the perfect holiday property. And next time I'll award it five stars.