This small beach cottage was in a great location. The beach cruisers and surfboards were a nice touch, and the back yard is private and has much potential with a cute and comfy table and chairs and hammock.
However, we found this rental to be overpriced for what we got. It was grungy - not truly unclean, but worse for the wear and in need of a deep clean, updated appliances and beds, as well as a fresh coat of paint on the walls and baseboards.
While we loved being close to the ocean, because this cottage borders a vacant lot, it is also a prime spot for unhoused individuals living in old school buses, vans and cars, camped out adjacent to the house. We had a view of these “neighbors” for the entirety of our 4 night stay. They basically were right between us and the ocean. They were our view. I know this is Santa Cruz, but really?
There was also mold on the bathroom ceiling, shower door frame and tile grout, old and worn out pots and pans, and a rickety dishwasher.
The hot tub location is incredibly public right in the driveway, plus it never heated up hot enough to use.
We considered leaving after seeing this space, but last minute rentals in Santa Cruz are hard to come by and we were loathe to lose our money.