Julietta and Rajiv are incredible hosts, and I would strongly recommend booking with them the next time you go to Santa Cruz.
They give clear instructions for check-in, so it's an easy process even if you arrive after dark. They also offer a parking permit so that you can keep your car in front of their house without getting a ticket.
The place itself is lovely. There is a secluded porch with an assortment of chairs and a couple tables. There is also an outdoor shower and some bikes and boogie boards for adventures. Inside, there is a comfortable (queen?) bed and plenty of closet space. The decorations are incredibly tasteful. I particularly like the paintings on the walls, many of which were created by Julietta herself. The bathroom feels very modern, with a stone-floor shower and a sleek sink. Although the place is part of Julietta and Rajiv's house, it has its own entrance and it is closed off from the rest of the house, so it still feels private.
You only have to walk a few minutes to get to Twin Lakes beach, which is my new favorite Santa Cruz beach. It's less populated than the Boardwalk beach, and the waves are fantastic for bodysurfing and boogie boarding. If the water is too cold for your taste, you can rent a wetsuit at Kayak Connection, which is across the street from Julietta and Rajiv's place. If you are up for a longer walk, you can get to the Boardwalk in about 20 minutes. There is a sidewalk the entire way -- just start on Eaton St, cross the bridge, and go around Betty Burgers when you get to it.
The best part of the whole experience was Julietta and Rajiv's hospitality. They went above and beyond in so many ways. They gave awesome recommendations for restaurants and activities. They offered plenty of amenities, including green tea, cruising bicycles, and extra chargers in case you forgot to bring one from home. One afternoon we had a bit of a spill, and they were quick to offer new towels and help us finish cleaning up. They checked in via AirBnB messages a few times to make sure that everything was going well, and they were also thoughtful about giving us space to do our own thing.
If you want to stay in a tasteful space at a great location, and have hosts who go above and beyond, you should book with Julietta and Rajiv.