We stayed for a week in mid-Summer and enjoyed it! The place is in great shape, location is fantastic, and the off-street parking is clutch if you're staying in Capitola during tourist season. If you have little kids, you'll want to read my section about kids as I have a 3 year old and 5 year old.
PLUSSES
- 2 minute walk to beach and right in the heart of Capitola Village
- Off-street parking. While the space is tight, a 3-5 point turn should get you in and out. I rarely saw a parking space during the middle of the day so was glad we had garage access.
- Unit is in great shape (despite likely being at full occupancy!)
- Unit is tucked into a court yard so you have a space to decompress without all the tourists walking by.
- They supply beach towels, chairs, and a wagon - very helpful!
- Washer/dryer in-unit is amazing
- We didn't have to reach out to the property manager which is always a good sign since it means the unit is kept in good shape.
THINGS TO BE AWARE OF (mostly if you have little kids)
- Some of the windows extend close to the floor (maybe 2'-3' up) so there's a chance (albeit a slim one) that a young/klutzy child can fall out of the window. When my kids were around, I wasn't able to open all the windows fully. Not a big deal but something to be aware of.
- The second bedroom windows open right at the bed so we had to keep them closed at night since our kids roll in their sleep a lot. There's a fan in the room so not that big of a deal but if you like that natural air flow, you probably can only get a minimal amount at night.
- Construction next door: This was mentioned in some of the reviews but a unit right next to the kitchen is under construction. They were installing the roof while we were there so lots of nailing. Closing the windows does the trick.
- Low deck wall: My oldest (5) kept climbing onto the patio furniture to look over the deck wall (which is probably 3.5-4' high). That was stressful when he was out there but enjoyable when he wasn't!
- The next door neighbor just joined a band. I'm not joking. On Thursday night, the band played/practiced from 7-10pm and it was loud given that it was the unit next to this one. I met the lead singer the day after (by chance) and he told me that he just joined the band and tonight (Saturday) is their first live show. Not sure where it is but if it's at their house (the yellow one), you'll have seats to the concert :)
BOTTOM LINE: We'd definitely stay here again!