Vacation Rentals by Owner

Beautiful oasis in the city

Guest: Kate and Kevin (St. Paul, Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 05/17/12 Review Submitted: 05/22/12

We rented the Terrace apartment for a four night visit to San Diego. Our son lives in North Park so the location was excellent. We were able to walk to his place from ours and parking was also easy and available. Our daughter, who is an avid runner, started her runs at the front door of our place and was at Balboa Park in a short block. The apartment was wonderful! A great kitchen, attractive furnishings, comfortable beds, secure setting - you couldn't ask for a better place to stay. The grounds are truly a paradise - a quiet oasis hidden from the street and bustle of the city. We enjoyed sitting on the terrace with a glass of wine and looking out at Kent's beautiful gardens. We travel to San Diego often to see our son and granddaughter and at last have found a place that makes our visits feel like a luxurious vacation and a home away from home at the same time. I would definitely recommend it and hope to stay there again in the future.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Joy & Alan

Guest: Joy & Al (Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/17/12

We had a wonderful time. The property was fantastic, it was everything the photos promised and more. Kent, the owner, was great, so personable and friendly. He printed off a list of many attractions, restaurants and places to grocery shop, it was so helpful. We would, without a doubt recommend this property to anyone looking for a great place to stay in San Diego. When and if we go back to San Diego we would definitley want to stay here again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Place!

Guest: Mary (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/07/12 Review Submitted: 03/15/12

We spent a week here in March 2012 and could not have been happier with this place. The property is absolutely lovely, gorgeously landscaped, private, peaceful, secure, and well-located. The description and photos are accurate but the place is even better than it looks in photos. The 2-bedroom apartment was spacious, clean, comfortable and thoughtfully appointed. Great location just 1/2 block from the north boundary of Balboa Park in a very nice, quiet and safe neighborhood. You can easily walk a few blocks to a full service grocery store, and are within easy driving distance of Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and a wealth of restaurants and shopping. Access to freeways for longer jaunts is close by, and the best part is returning to the apartment at the end of the day. Kent (the owner) was helpful and friendly. Highly recommended!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Tropical Hideaway near Balboa Park!!!!

Guest: Julie (Elk Grove, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/09/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

Our stay in San Diego was perfect due to the place we stayed at! In fact, it was so great we're coming back next year for an even longer stay. The owner's property is in an ideal location to see all the historical sites and eat in all the best places in town. The owner is such a wonderful host and so knowledgeable and helpful in getting us started quickly with sightseeing and eating! This owner has created such a beautiful place to stay at with many amenities not provided elsewhere. His rentals are within walking distance of Balboa Park and the neighborhhood is quiet and inviting. Everyone we spoke with was helpful and friendly! To be able to sit on your balcony or in the gardens enjoying crackers and wine in peaceful relaxation cannot be provided by any hotel with the same sense of privacy and quiet. The beds were comfy and the furniture relaxing and inviting. The kitchen amenities and supplies were well provided and a washer/dryer is there for longer stays. If you want an ocean view or city view, go elsewhere, but if you want peace, quiet, and beauty in between all the sightseeing, then you absolutely must stay here! Remember you can always take your rented car to the beach or to see the city any day during your visit. Parking is free with this rental and that is not the case for most of the hotels and motels in San Diego. We found it easy to get anywhere from this place as it is centrally located. This is truly a tropical paradise and it is fun to just see and learn about all the plants surrounding this property. We highly recommend this vacation rental!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful property

Guest: Michele (Buffalo, New York)
Date of Stay: 09/22/11 Review Submitted: 09/30/11

What a great place to stay in San Diego! The place is beautiful, and Kent has done a great job of decorating the place. So much nicer than staying at a hotel. You are close to everything, and the area is just great. We will return to this again, and when we retire, we will be renting by the month. Everything you need is provided, and the area is very nice, close to the parks, zoo, Balboa park. Thank you Kent. I would recommend this to anyone.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

A GREAT place to call home while in San Diego

Guest: Greg, Renee and Tabitha (Tacoma, WA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/29/11

My husband and I stayed here for 5 nights and enjoyed every moment of our stay. We found Kent's place to be a comfortable tropical retreat from our San Diego sightseeing and appreciated the gated privacy/security around the home. Evenings and mornings are quiet, lending a real sense of serenity and peace. It's an excellent location for jumping on various freeways and driving straight into downtown. We appreciated the proximity to Balboa Park, which we think must be the most beautiful city park in the US. We went there daily. We appreciate the little map you left, Kent, showing us the best way to access the Hillcrest area shopping/restaurants and for recommending Peet's coffee and Bakery and Cie. We did those two each morning after becoming addicted the first morning! We also appreciated the bottom drawer in the living room being full of maps, books and brochures for fun things to do in San Diego. We will be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Stay!

Guest: Michael H. (Long Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/03/11

We had a wonderful stay in this home. Everything was very clean and felt comfortable, like a home away from home. The grounds were immaculate and made you feel like you are in Costa Rica, yet you are in a very central location to everything in San Diego's trendy neighborhoods. The place is very private so you feel like you have the place to yourself. There is plenty of parking on the street, but off street parking is available as well. We will definitely consider this our first choice when visiting San Diego in the future. Kent is a wonderful host. He was always very responsive via text messages when we had a question or needed advice on bars or restaurants in the area. Highly recommended!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The real Crown Jewel of San Diego !

Guest: Gerhard (Germany)
Date of Stay: 04/21/11 Review Submitted: 05/04/11

"There are only two kinds of class: First class and no class"(David Selznick) Believe it or not.Balboa Park is not the Crown Jewel of San Diego.The real Crown Jewels are the "Secret Garden" of the Mississipi street, and of course Kent. We live in a play and plug world today.This tropical hideaway is an analog seduction like listening to Diana Krall on a Thorens turntable or enjoying a vintage Amon-Ra Shiraz. Highly recommended for connaisseurs with love for detail and those who seek privacy.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Our Fourth Visit-- It's always great!

Guest: new englanders (portland maine)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/25/11

If you're looking for a home away from home, then this is the place to be. The apartment is spacious, well designed and handsomely furnished, plus has all sorts of amenities (WiFi, TV, DVD player, laundry - even use of bikes). From your window you can gaze out onto a secluded, lush garden below. Or you might just prefer going outside to the terrace itself - soaking up afternoon sunshine in a cushioned lounge chair. Kent is a gracious host, always available to attend to any issues, answer any questions, or make recommendations. But the fun and convenience do not cease here. Only minutes away by car/bike is the Hillcrest district, known for its trendy grocery stores, shops, restaurants and farmers' market. Also nearby is Balboa Park, site of the San Diego Zoo, countless museums, the Globe Theatre, and a Japanese Friendship Garden. Finally - at only a 5-minute ride - is downtown with its Gas Light District, Symphony Hall, and famous harbor. We've stayed in other parts of the city, but this location and accomodation tops them all --- hands down. We'd recommend this rental to friends and family ad infinitum!

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Peaceful hideaway

Guest: East Coast traveller (New Castle, NH)
Date of Stay: 12/02/10 Review Submitted: 12/15/10

We spent a very comfortable week in the spacious and well equipped Terrace apartment with panoramic views of the tropical gardens. Our host was helpful and very pleasant.We recommend this accommodation to adults looking for a quiet retreat in the heart of the city.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Pictures Don't Do It Justice

Guest: Jerry (Lassen Co. California)
Date of Stay: 11/21/10 Review Submitted: 12/20/10

Really fortunate to have found such a beautiful place to stay in a beautiful city. Located in an area of restored and well-maintained homes in an older area of San Diego, this property stands out. Kent has lovingly restored this home, beautifully decorated it and lavishly landscaped the property. Just a short distance from Balboa Park, the Zoo and many many wonderful restaurants, it was a perfect location for our Thanksgiving week vacation. I would recommend this property to anyone who wants a "home away from home" to return to after sightseeing, visiting family, or whatever your reasons are for being in San Diego. Kent is a great host, able to answer most any question you might have about the area. Truly an enjoyable experience.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

November 2010 Stay

Guest: TWC (Burnaby, British Columbia Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/05/10 Review Submitted: 11/21/10

found this VRBO with normal internet search. Contact via email, and found Kent to be exceptionally gratious and accomodating. The property was exactly as advertised. It was clean, peaceful, spacious with a wonderful garden ( mini paradise ). Kent was a great host - nothing to much to help out yet gave us lots of personal space. The unit is in a quiet residential area within a few steps of the park, about a 30 minute walk to the zoo, and about 10 minutes to excellent transit connections. We did not rent a vehicle for the entire 8 day stay. Grocery shopping is 10 min away at a major chain store. We have this now marked as a favourite for a return visit.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Vacation Retreat Review

Guest: Sam K. (Grand Haven, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 10/23/10 Review Submitted: 11/12/10

My wife and I had the pleasure of staying in this property and were impressed by the location, the accommodations; the beautiful landscape and the proximity to shopping, attractions, and easy access to main thru ways. It was quiet, the yard and deck extremely inviting for sheer relaxation and enjoyment. We were very impressed with Kent and the attentiveness and clearly apparent desire to satisfy our every need. We have travelled a lot over the years and stayed in many places and I would rank this among the elite. Highly recommend

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Retreat

Guest: Marjo (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 08/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

As soon as my husband and I opened the gate, we felt we were in a tropical paradise. The one-bedroom unit was immaculately clean, tastefully decorated with understated elegance and had a well-equipped kitchen and a comfortable bed with smooth high quality sheets. Each morning we woke to looking out windows filled with palms and flowering plants. What a treat! And the place was quiet and private. We ate breakfast and lunch out on the balcony because what restaurant could top that! Balboa Park is a half a block away containing winding trails, a public swimming pool, tennis courts, and picnic areas. Kent was helpful, friendly, and accommodating in every possible way. We had the most relaxing stay. Nearby are restaurants, bakeries, and stores such as a CVS. We especially enjoyed dining at Alexanders, Cardamon Bakery, Urban Solace, and Smoking Goat. A produce market and Parkside Market are nearby selling local goodies. A twenty minute car ride away is Torrey Pines State Park with a fabulous beach and cliff walks. We have rented many VRBO places, but this is the best. We are coming back in December.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Retreat

Guest: Marjo (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 08/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

As soon as we opened the gate, we thought we had entered a tropical paradise. Only a half a block to Balboa Park, this rental is heaven with understated elegant decorating, comfortable, classy furniture, superbly smooth sheets, fully equipped kitchen, and beautiful views of palms and flowering plants out every window. The windows were wide-open each night, and yet all was quiet. We completely relaxed. Each of the three units has complete privacy. The property was immacuately clean when we arrived. The description is accurate, yet the pictures do not do not fully capture the remarkable spirit of the place. Kent was a friendly, helpful host in every way. A public swimming pool and tennis courts are a block away. Hiking trails wind through the park. And nearby are grocery stores, excellent restaurants, and a bakery. We especially liked Cardamon Bakery and Cafe, Alexanders, Smoking Goat, and Urban Solace. Torrey Pines State Beach -- a 20 minute drive away -- is beautiful. We have stayed in several VRBO places, and this one is by far the best. We did not want to leave.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Summer escape from Tucson

Guest: DeeDee (Tucson, Az)
Date of Stay: 08/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/22/10

My husband and I have spent two glorious months in a San Diego urban paradise. Ideally located near Balboa Park, all highways and shopping and with the best host in town. Educated and well traveled and extremely knowledgeable about the area, events, directions. Presents an immaculate property with mature landscaping all designed by the owner. Very private, quiet with great amenities. We have booked another visit next summer and would recommend the property highly.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great apartment and beautiful garden

Guest: Magic (Kriens, Luzern, Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Dear Kent We had a great time at your wonderful apartment and your beautiful garden. We can only highly reccomend your apartment. We hope to come back one time. Thanks a lot.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our California Garden Eden

Guest: Gabriele H. (Düsseldorf, Germany)
Date of Stay: 06/01/10 Review Submitted: 06/19/10

We have to stay severel times in a year in San Diego and so we looked out for a place where we could find a kind of a home, and what we found is one of the most beautiful places in the world: three attractive and lovely furnished apartments in a magnificent garden and additionally a nice and perfect host, who always has an open ear to the wishes of its guests. We have stayed already three times in Kent's "paradise" and we love to come back and stay with you again. Und für unsere deutschen Freunde: Aus beruflichen Gründen sind wir mehrmals im Jahr für einige Wochen in San Diego und suchten deshalb ein kleines "Zuhause", was wir gefunden haben, ist heute für uns einer der schönsten Orte der Welt: Drei sehr ansprechend möblierte Wohnungen, ein großartiger Garten und dazu ein wundervoller Gastgeber, der jederzeit ein offenes Ohr für die Wünsche seiner Gäste hat. Wir waren nun schon dreimal in Kents "Paradies" und kommen jederzeit gerne wieder. Gaby und Lutz Heinemann aus Düsseldorf

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Julie ( New Hampshire)
Date of Stay: 10/23/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/10

Back in New England almost a month during which time we've been buried deeper and deeper in snow and ice. Oh -- for the warm-er, sunnier, and green-er San Diego! Our week at your place was wonderful. What a fantastic job you've done decorating and outfitting it. WE like to think of it as an Oasis surrounded by city. We look forward to staying with you again sometime. We'll be in touch. Our best wishes, Julie

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Guest: Chris and Gary (Steamboat Springs, CO)
Date of Stay: 08/18/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/10

We have enjoyed the last two weeks more than we can express. You have a lovely home and we are so pleased that we were able to stay here. We love the neighborhood and your city and hope to return soon. Kind Regards, Chris & Gary

Recommended for:

Guest: LeVon & Don (Healdsburg, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/09/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/10

Hi Kent, I meant to write you sooner. We so enjoyed our visit to your lovely property. You truly feel as if you make yourself at home -- comfortable, private, wonderful yard, spotless, and well supplied. We will defnitely be back -- hopefully next year -- and will try to stay longer next time. Thank you so much for renting to us. Take care, Le Von and Don

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Testimonials from recent guests

Guest: LeVon and Don
Date of Stay: 08/09/09 Review Submitted: 12/08/09

Hi Kent, I meant to write to you sooner. We so enjoyed our visit to your lovely home. You truly feel as if you make yourself at home here -- comfortable, private, nice yard, spotless, and well supplied. We will definitely be back -- hopefully next year -- and will try to stay longer next time. Thank you so much for renting to us. Take care, LeVon & Don (Healdsburg, CA) You made my stay at 3442 very special indeed. I'm already looking forward to next Winter -- Warmest regards, Cynthia (Boyertown, PA) Accommodations were awesome!!! You've got a wonderful place and I'd definitely reserve a spot at "Chateau Mississippi" if I ever find myself in San Diego again. So enjoyed the Coyote (Fox?) as part of our welcoming committee -- she made sure we were entertained & well protected...:) Thanks again, Craig (Eagan, Minn) We have enjoyed the last two weeks more than we can express. You have a lovely home and we are so pleased that we were able to stay here. We love the neighborhood and your city. We hope to return soon. Kind regards, Chris and Gary (Steamboat Springs, CO) Dear Kent, Back to New Hampshire almost a month during which time we've been buried deeper and deeper in snow and ice. Oh, for warm-er, sunny-ier, and green-er San Diego! Our week at your place was wonderful! What a fantastic job you've done decorating and outfitting it. We like to think of it as an Oasis surrounded by city. We look forward to staying with you again sometime. We'll be in touch. Our best wishes, Julie We wanted to thank you againf or your hospitality this past week. We had a great time -- very relaxing! Thw weather was perfect for us -- we were loathe to come back to 105+ Your home is beautiful -- and I am in love with the back yard! Thank you again. Lyndsay (Mesa, AZ)

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Guest: Lyndsay (Mesa, Arizona)
Date of Stay: 07/13/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/10

We wanted to thank you again for your hospitality this past week. We had a great time -- very relaxing! The weather was perfect for us -- we were loathe to come back to 105 + degrees. Your home is beautiful -- and I am in love with the back yard! Thank you again, Lyndsay

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