My husband and I needed a place to stay for three nights while we helped move two of our children back home.
We knew that our days were going to be spent packing, and pretty much all we needed was a place to sleep each night. The Best Western in Scotts Valley was well over $100 per night to basically rent a bed.
So, we read the reviews of Nick's Redwood Retreat on Airbnb and made the reservation.
The house is located at the end of a short winding road, nestled in a lush forest of Redwoods and ferns. As we unloaded our car and carried our bags towards the front door, we picked a few blackberries from a nearby bramble. We acquired the key through a simple arrangement, and entered the home. We were immediately impressed by the bright and airy rooms, and the new wood floors. All of the energy efficient, dual pane windows took full of vantage of the green forest.
The house is set up to accommodate two individual parties at a time. The main entrance was at the second floor level. A living room with flatscreen and DVD, bedroom, full private bathroom and a full kitchen (shared with the downstairs guests) were located on this level.
Downstairs there was a second rental available. It also had its own living room with a flatscreen and DVD, and a full private bathroom.
We rented the upper floor bedroom, which had a sliding glass door that looked out to an expansive deck, and the forest canopy beyond. The queen futon was comfortable, and the soft sheets were incredible.
We wish we could've spent more time relaxing on the deck and exploring the area, but packing and moving our children out of Scotts Valley and San Jóse took up most of our time.
A third bedroom was dedicated to the home's two wonderful cats. Speaking from experience as lifetime animal lovers, we thoroughly enjoyed the cats. They were clean, well behaved, affectionate, and quiet. They have full run of both floors, but are not allowed in any of the guest bedrooms.
Like other shared Airbnbs we have stayed in, we rarely saw our downstairs guest because he was out most of the day exploring, and we were out working.
If you are looking for a clean, peaceful, beautiful place to stay while you are in the Santa Cruz area, well, you found it.
Thanks, Nick!