Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great place to stay

Guest: win (fredericksburg, va)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/17/12

My wife and I and three kids stayed her in June 2010. We had a wonderful time. This house is close to everything. The kids loved the hammock in the back yard. We are thinking of going back this year.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

More than a dream

Guest: Robin from UK
Date of Stay: 06/09/11 Review Submitted: 08/05/11

Anastasia, I wanted to thank you for your lovely groceries you left us. It was a welcome after a long plane ride. Your lovely home was far more than we expected. Large, lovely, and so well stocked with cooking and spice supplies. It was absolutely the best stay I've had in the states at a rental

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The very best!

Guest: Iain & Family
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 09/03/11

Hi Anastasia – just a note to say the accommodation was great, with some extra-nice touches like the welcome pack. We regularly rent apartments in Australia for short breaks and some operators here could learn from your approach! We’ll certainly look-up the website again next time we are in LA. Iain & Family

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What a Suprise

Guest: Heather (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 11/23/10 Review Submitted: 12/07/10

This is a very nice Bungalow in a very peaceful neighborhood. We had 6 people and fit comfortably. The welcome Basket was a very Nice surprise. Next vacation that I am in need of something larger than a Hotel I will definitely stay there. Thanks for everything Anastasia.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A DREAM COME TRUE

Guest: Juanita (Queensland Australia)
Date of Stay: 10/20/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

WOW This is an amazing property, we stayed here in October 2010, the best i have ever stayed at, It was clean and very comfortable, close to everything, we had a little problem with one of the doors not shutting properley, and the owners where there to fix it before we could count to 20.. NOW thats service...I loved my bedroom, and i loved the lounge chairs, i wanted to bring them back to Australia with me, What can i say ..... This is the BEST, I hope everyone gets to stay here THANKYOU VERY VERY MUCH Juanita

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great visit with my family

Guest: Fran C. (San Mateo)
Date of Stay: 09/04/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

We rented the retreat from 9-4 to 9-10. It was a very nice vacation property and we had a great time. In addtion the welcome package was a wonderful touch and we really appreciated it.

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

Peaceful Retreat

Guest: TGal (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/11/10

Trying to find affordable yet spacious accommodations for 5 people is time-consuming and difficult. BUT when I stumbled upon this "gem", we'll definitely return here when visiting SoCal again. After a full day of enjoying the nearby sights, it was very comforting to know that we could come back and relax in peace away from the noisy, hustle and bustle of busy LA. The house is centrally located to all the sights we visited: Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, USC, Universal Studios, Griffith Observatory, etc. We are a movie-watching family and when the DVD player stopped working, the owner *secretly* replaced the DVD and I witnessed happy faces on my kids when we returned for the day. Each bedroom had it's unique personality and appealed to each of my kids. I love the location of the house in the area, the private, outdoor sitting/resting area with hammock, the fluffy towels, and the comfy living room.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Incredible experience

Guest: ethel G. (stanton,ny)
Date of Stay: 03/03/10 Review Submitted: 04/24/10

My father, mother, husband and I stayed the the Marina Retreat for a week in April. When we arrived we were incredibly happy that the house was even more beautiful than we expected. The pictures don't do it justice. The living room and bedrooms are so cool! The backyard was incredible. Everything you ever could think of was there for us. I can't imagine staying anywhere else. It was my pleasure to do a review when they invited me to do so. Anyone who stays here should feel lucky

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

There's no place like home ! Not true

Guest: Emilyfoundit (UK)
Date of Stay: 01/13/10 Review Submitted: 04/24/10

The saying there's no place like home doesn't hold up with me anymore. Anastacia made us feel so at home having every ammenitie we could think of. What a great open kitchen and living space. It was decorated so cool but super comfy and contemporary. We didn't want to leave. The living room round lovers chair was awesome! Every bedroom was so unique, i loved this place and can't think of a negative thing to say. We have been disappointed so many times and never does a place exceed our expectations but the retreat did

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Cheers to the Zen Retreat

Guest: Anastasia I. (Uk)
Date of Stay: 07/13/09 Review Submitted: 09/09/09

Me, my husband and our two little girls have been coming to Los Angeles to visit my folks 2 or 3 times a year for the past 5 years. We wanted to be a few minutes by the beach and a place for the kids. All we can say is WOW! We want to thank Anastacia for making the visit the best in 5 years! No kidding! What a gorgeous place. When I got an email from the her inviting us to comment on our stay I did not hesitate for a second. Any one that chose this retreat would be giddy when they arrived. For couples, families , singles. I wish all the vacation rental owners took such care and pride of ownership as she does.!! Cheers!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Robin Brouse (Boalsburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/12/09 Review Submitted: 07/12/09

This was an amazing find. We were traveling with another family and decided VRBO was a good idea -- after being at the Zen Retreat -- we know it was a GREAT idea. The house was perfect - we prepared all our meals in the fantastic kitchen, relaxed in the wonderful backyard -- the entire place is very well equipped and easily accommodated 6 adults. It truly was a good experience -- highly recommend. Our son moved to LA so this will definitely be where we stay when we visit California again. And the owner was very responsive to inquiries and questions. EXCELLENT - Thank you!

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Guest: Raquel Musgrave (los angeles, ca.)
Date of Stay: 07/09/09 Review Submitted: 07/09/09

Our son and his family visiting from Taiwan stayed at the Zen retreat this past week, and we were able to join them. I was very impressed with how well the kitchen is stocked, and we cooked some lovely meals, and baked great treats for our grand daughter. Also, choosing this home over a Hotel made the visit 100% more personable and we made some lasting memories! Thank-you Anastasia!

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Guest: Bill Colligen (Chino Valley, AZ)
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

This is a most beautiful, comfortable and relaxing home. The kitchen is wonderful with every convenience. I loved the bathrooms with the skylights and the decor of the entire place. Also, so close to the beach and Santa Monica/Venice/Marina Del Rey. Thank you for providing such a retreat for us!

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Guest: Robyn20 (Sydney )
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

My husband & I stayed here in March. We were ? coming to visit his parents in Santa Monica. Instead ? of it being a "meeting the parents" trip it turned out ?to be a romantic and relaxing vacation thanks to ? the Zen Retreat. They had a great tray laid our for ? us with wine,cheese,fruit,chocolates and homemade ?muffins! They dont even advertise this as an ? amenity. They also had mini baskets in each ? bathroom with lovely lotions and soaps. I would ? recommend this vacation rental to everyone. ? Thanks guys!!

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Guest: Bobby E. (-)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

What a lovely and relaxing vacation spot! We loved all the back yard nooks and crannies, fountains and outdoor "room" for quiet moments. We highly recommend Zen Retreat.

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Guest: Hilary8 (Alberta Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

My husband & I stayed here in March. We were coming to visit his parents in Santa Monica. Instead of it being a "meeting the parents" trip it turned out to be a romantic and relaxing vacation thanks to the Zen Retreat. They had a great tray laid our for us with wine,cheese,fruit,chocolates and homemade muffins! They dont even advertise this as an amenity. They also had mini baskets in each bathroom with lovely lotions and soaps. I would recommend this vacation rental to everyone. Thanks guys!!

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Guest: ozzie2 (Lafayette CO)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

One could not hope to find a more beautiful place in Venice to spend a holiday. There is much magic at the Zen Retreat.

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Guest: Stephanie102 (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

My family stayed at the Zen Retreat in January for a week. It was a perfect retreat! Of course the weather in LA was gorgeous and we took full advantage of it in the beautiful back yard. The house was stocked with everything we needed and the location is very convenient. We will stay here again the next time we come to LA.

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Guest: Frank30 (Mesa, AZ)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

My family and I had a wonderful time during our week's stay. The house was very nice and Anastasia and her husband were very helpful. We had some problems getting the TV to work and he came right out to help us figure it out. My only suggestion is for owners of large vehicles to exercise caution when entering the driveway as the entry space between the walls can be a little tight. I have a Lincoln Continental and it was a tight squeeze getting in and out of there.

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Guest: Susan P. (cc)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

My husband, myself and our two little girls have been coming to Los Angeles to visit my folks 2 or 3 times a year for the past 5 years. We wanted to be a few minutes by the beach and a place for the kids. All we can say is WOW! We want to thank Anastacia for making the visit the best in 5 years! No kidding! What a gorgeous place. When I got an email from the her inviting us to comment on our stay I did not hesitate for a second. Any one that chose this retreat would be giddy when they arrived. For couples, families , singles. I wish all the vacation rental owners took such care and pride of ownership as she does.!! Cheers!

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Guest: Jeffrey Compton (Forest Hills, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

We stay in a lot of rented houses, and this property is on the top of our list. It is very roomy (the master bedroom suite is huge), there are two bathrooms, the kitchen is large and very well stocked - you cannot beat it. Plus the neighborhood gets a steady ocean breeze. One tip - if you coming to LA for the first time, consider getting a GPS if you plan on doing a lot of driving.

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Guest: Alexi1 (Detroit Michigan)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

My daughter found this home for us to stay while we were visiting her for her graduation. I was skeptical not staying in a hotel but this was the most beautiful home! Even more beautiful than the pictures she sent me. It was so peaceful. We had wonderful family dinners in the dining room and the backyard. Everything was thought of in this home. It had everything I could imagine a home could have. I felt like I was at a member of the families. Loved Loved Loved it!

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Guest: Yongjin Cho (los angeles, california)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

I stayed in the Zen Retreat for 4 days with my parents. The owner gave me a great rate and we could enjoy the peaceful stay there. For me, everything was much better than it appers in the pictures. The exact amout of the deposit was delivered to me on time.

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Guest: Edward10 (-)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

This home was everything as advertised and more. It is centrally-located. The backyard "zen" garden with the cozy fire pit was a big plus with my two elementary-aged daughters. I will definitely stay here again the next time I'm in Los Angeles!!

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Guest: rachel84 (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

This place is AMAZING! We stayed here while in town for a wedding. All of our friends who had decided to stay at hotels were jealous! I would definitely recommend it. The home and the gardens are beautiful, clean, and peaceful. the location is also great for beach days and is not too far from other attractions (Beverly hills, hollywood, universal, etc) for day trips. We were able to see a lot of LA in a only a few days and had a great place to come "home" to.

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Guest: robert 7 (canada)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

Loved it! The best place I have ever stayed! Must stay!!!!

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Aussie Bliss

Guest: Heather oo (sydney)
Date of Stay: 05/11/09 Review Submitted: 07/10/09

My husband & I stayed here in March. We were coming to visit his parents in Santa Monica. Instead of it being a "meeting the parents" trip it turned out to be a romantic and relaxing vacation thanks to the Zen Retreat. They had a great tray laid our for us with wine,cheese,fruit,chocolates and homemade muffins! They dont even advertise this as an amenity. They also had mini baskets in each bathroom with lovely lotions and soaps. I would recommend this vacation rental to everyone. Thanks guys!!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Zen Heaven!

Guest: Susan P. (cc)
Date of Stay: 04/05/09 Review Submitted: 06/22/09

I have stayed at vacation homes for the last 10 years of my life. I stay at them for business and pleasure instead of hotels. This home exceeded my every expectation I had. It is so well equipped with every thing I could want. It was also so beautifully decorated. I felt as if I was staying at my best friends home, not a rental. The most beautiful backyard with this great bed and gazebo. i have reccommended this to my family and they loved it too.!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Best vacation ever!!!

Guest: Lucyloveszen (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 03/05/09 Review Submitted: 06/20/09

I can't believe how beautiful this house was. We travel about 30 times a year for our business and always stay at homes. This was the best experience we have ever had, no kidding! The house was equipped so beautifully and was so gorgeous, like a 5 star hotel except in a home. Great backyard and firepit. Fantastic barbeque and outdoor rest area. We are totally spoiled. We hated to go home.

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

home away from home

Guest: lun (xx)
Date of Stay: 01/12/09 Review Submitted: 06/25/09

I loved my stay at at the zen retreat. it was like being at home but better. (my house isn't as nice) I loved the master bath and jacuzzi tub! The house was centrally located and easy to get to the beach. Soooo gorgeous. Kudos to the owner!!!!!! They didn't forget a thing. If I were to show up with nothing, it was all there for me. Fantastic Vacation Renters book with brochures you take with you! Thanks for the best stay ever!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.