This is a lovely unit. We were quite taken back by the Host's excellent communication, attention to details, cleanliness expectations, and easy checkout procedures. The location is very close to so much the area has to offer. We wanted to experience some local cuisine, hit the coast, and play in the city. All location (other than Santa Cruz) were within 15 minutes or less. Santana Row, just a few miles west is an excellent spot to shop and eat. Back to the rental. I'm a bit of a late bird and will send messages in later hours just so I don't forget to communicate any issues. There were some questions about how some things worked in the unit (check out the mood lighting). Michelle (Host) responded almost instantly when I wasn't expecting those messages to be seen until the next day. Her response to my surprise, "I stay up late and will answer any questions you have. So, please send me messages whenever you feel like it." We felt very comfortable here. The rooms were perfect. The beds were perfect. The kitchen area was awesome (equipped with a easy to use espresso maker stocked with a bunch of flavors) with lots of table settings, glassware, cooking implements, a dedicated clear glassed drinks fridge (aside from the huge side by side), and super comfy common areas.
A couple hiccups which were barely an issue:
1) The on-demand water heater did need to be reset from time to time. Michelle was very clear about this being a new unit and there was some electrical stuff that was getting worked out. But it was not a problem after the initial restart. And the water was hot throughout (strongly suggest you go to the unit and turn up the temp to 140).
2) MIchelle has specific trash receptacle requests in the kitchen area. We didn't catch on at first and had to go back through the cans to separate the dry trash from the wet trash. But we figured it out on day one. I call this a hiccup because I didn't recall any directions the "House Rules" manual regarding this. It seemed important and we want to be as compliant with such an excellent host.
The plusses (and all around the best parts of the unit).
1) AWESOME HOST. Michelle is the most attentive Host I have every rented from. I've had some good Hosts in my time, but she is stellar in her response time, sincerely enjoys communication with the tenants, and repeated back to me for clarity any concerns I mentioned. She was really the best part about the stay when it comes to the comfort level in attentiveness and handling.
2) We really loved the gated driveway, the patio areas (lovely lighting at night and so comfy), and the sense of security. There is motion sensor lighting all the way around the building. And they aren't some dinky LED lights, they are bright and noticeable. The driveway gate has a coded lock on it but they were working on changing it out to something more reliable. But just having that locking gate was very comforting and we were able to park two cars in the gated area. Be advised, the gate obstructs any street views from the front of the house. Also, there was plenty of parking in the front of the house with space for two more cars on the property and lots of space on the street.
3) The showers are all awesome! Fun fixtures, completely stocked, and nice linens. I wouldn't have minded a couple extra towels. Michelle does have it posted that if you need more linens, just let her know and she will provide them and I can only imagine that she will RESUPLLY ON THE FLY. (you can use that one Michelle :)
4) Cleanliness A+. And it showed. The place was spotless. And I mean SPOTLESS. Upon communicating with Michelle before arriving, she was very clearly concerned about being sure the unit was completely sanitized. Once we arrived, several workers were just departing the unit. So, it was very obvious she had several people there to clean up and she was there to supervise it closely.
OVERVIEW
I've been to a lot of really nice AirBnb's. This was one of the nicest and the best Host ever! I would only ask one thing (and it would be from those of us who rent these spaces) be respectful of this unit. This Host deserves to be in this business and the unit deserves the utmost respect and care from it's users. And don't be afraid to communicate with this Host. She is so nice and so attentive. I hope this helps you make a good choice for your next vacation rental! Have Fun and thank you Michelle so much. Blessings to you and your family.