The Villa Sophia - Romantic Honeymoon Spa Retreat

• Fabulous Pool House with a Tuscany Feel

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  Fabulous Pool House with a Tuscany Feel

  • Guest Johanne and Mario from Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
  • Date of stay 03/30/13
  • Review Submitted 04/20/13
  Villa Sophia, what more can one ask for... An awesome pool house in an Italian-style setting. The pool, the spa, the steam room and the landscaping are extraordinary. The view is spectacular. We were so glad to get back to the Villa to enjoy the quietness and luxury of the house. The fireplace, the kitchenette, the Nespresso latte machine, everything was there to satisfy our needs. Sophie came to see us every morning to get her biscuits.... Our daughter was so glad to see her. It was great to be so close to Griffith Park with its endless trails. The best way to appreciate Villa Sophia is to stay in the Loz Feliz area away from the LA traffic. Tim was very discreet, he made us feel at home and was available if we had any questions. We will definitely go back to relax at the Villa. Tim, thanks for allowing us to feel like this was our place for the week.

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• All the Luxury of a Beautiful Hotel Suite

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  All the Luxury of a Beautiful Hotel Suite

  • Guest Bill, Wellington, New Zealand
  • Date of stay 12/21/12
  • Review Submitted 01/25/13
  Absolutely superb accommodation far exceeding any hotel suite you could stay in as you get all the luxury of a beautiful hotel suite with sole and exclusive use of the absolutely beautiful garden, terrace, swimming pool and spa. Truly unbeatable in L.A. Constantine, the owner is a real gentleman leaving you to enjoy his wonderful property as if it was your own. Great location for enjoying walks around the Griffith Park.

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• charm! comfort! views! peace!

  charm! comfort! views! peace!

  • Guest APV
  • Date of stay 11/20/12
  • Review Submitted 01/23/13
  Villa Sophia is a truly charming property; the accommodations are very comfortable (great bed), and well outfitted. Has a wonderful sense of privacy and seclusion, while being in a most handy location. We found it to be very quiet. The outdoor space is extensive, well furnished, and completely enchanting- with a large and stunning tiled pool. However, the view is the most outstanding part of Villa Sophia- exquisite panorama of LA! Tim, the owner/host, was very welcoming and helpful and was on hand to answer questions. This is a VERY special property! NB, there are steps to the property- if that's an issue, you might check with Tim- I'm not sure how many steps there are-

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.

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• Best find ever!

  Best find ever!

  • Guest Mary M.
  • Date of stay 01/04/13
  • Review Submitted 01/11/13
  Although the pictures say it all, you really must be at this incredible retreat to experience all its splendor. This is a beautiful place in an exceptional location in an awesome neighborhood with yummy food and walking distance to a network of paths in the gigantic and gorgeous park. Tim, the owner, was so responsive and always available, yet gave us the privacy to feel as if we had this whole glorious place to ourselves. The light changes every hour and the views are incredible. Every detail within the living space has been considered. I am very picky about bedding, etc. and the bed, sheets, and pillows are lovely. The steam shower is nicer than any I have ever been in. The temperature controls for the hot tub, etc. are right at your fingertips. There is a beautiful gas fireplace to gather around. The kitchen is well equipped. I was there with kids, and Tim was very welcoming and considerate of what they would need (Keep in mind your kids would need to be very proficient swimmers. They slept on an air mattress and loved it. But this place is probably best suited to couples, so romantic...) Everything is very clean, all the time. Not only would I recommend this property to a relative, but I hope to return myself, and it is already part of a beautiful memory for my family.

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• Even More Beautiful than the Pictures

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  Even More Beautiful than the Pictures

  • Guest Jon and Rosie
  • Date of stay 12/14/12
  • Review Submitted 12/26/12
  We had three days at this villa. Ever dream of traveling to Italy? Well, this is one better, right in your back yard (if you are in S. Cal - recommended highly if you are from elsewhere too). The place is even more beautiful than the pictures, in a truly classical old Los Angeles home way. All the furniture and accessories are the real thing - elegant, old school, and comfortable. The pool rivals the tile pool at the Hearst Castle on a small scale. The feeling is so peaceful, and the view of Los Angeles is extraordinary. Nearby you have the endless trails of Griffith Park, and the Griffith Observatory is in walking distance. There is a huge steam bath and ample sized Jacuzzi. The kitchen is small but fully useful - even free espresso for coffee lovers. A huge comfortable bed and Hi-Def. TV with surround sound, plus some videos and books available for your use, round out the experience

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• Transported to Tuscany...

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  Transported to Tuscany...

  • Guest Joe from Masachusetts
  • Date of stay 10/17/12
  • Review Submitted 12/26/12
  What an unbelievable experience I had staying at the Villa Sophia. From the moment you step foot on the property, you are transported to Tuscany. I absolutely love the fact that you are so close to everything in LA, yet there's such a feeling of privacy and exclusivity. You can't ask for a better host than Tim. He greets you immediately; helps you with your bags; explains everything about the property in perfect detail. The pool house is cozy, well-lit, and beautifully decorated. The full use of the pool and hot tub felt amazing after a full day at Universal Studios and Disneyland. I felt so relaxed, and let's not forget about the one-of-a-kind shower; it has a steam room built inside! I have absolutely no desire to stay anywhere else while in the Los Angeles area. I am looking to return next spring and bring my girlfriend along. I have no doubt in my mind that she'll flip when she sees this place. Many thanks to Tim Vlahos and Sophie! See you both soon!

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• 25th Wedding Anniversary, wished we stayed longer

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  25th Wedding Anniversary, wished we stayed longer

  • Guest Martin and Emma, Reading, England
  • Date of stay 09/29/12
  • Review Submitted 11/01/12
  After an extensive search of the internet my wife and I came across Villa Sophia and our first thought was that there had to be a catch.......but no! It is exactly as stated and pictured from our internet viewings. The property was a Hollywood haven with amazing views of LA, its also quiet which we wanted - certainly to start our vacation. The pool and terrace area were lovely and we really felt very at home. The pool house was perfect - comfortable bed, and the views are stunning even from the over sized shower morning or evening! We stayed for 4 nights, and then moved on to San Diego for 4 nights, we should have stayed at Villa Sophia! Los Feliz and its great restaurants are only short (ish) walk away, especially EN Sushi which we loved. Tim you were attentive and the perfect host, at some point we will be back..........THANK YOU!

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• The best place to stay in LA

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  The best place to stay in LA

  • Guest Meaghan and Zachary, Toronto, Cananda
  • Date of stay 10/16/12
  • Review Submitted 11/01/12
  Our one-week honeymoon at Villa Sophia was absolutely perfect. If you're considering booking here, just do it. The property, the view - gorgeous. The pool and hot tub are wonderful. The bed and the steam shower will have you relaxed in no time. The little kitchen has everything you need. It's perfectly situated, close to everything we wanted to visit (delicious restaurnats, a concert at the hollywood bowl, visit to the Griffith Observatory). Tim is a wonderful host. Sophie is a charming visitor. It's really, truly perfect. Seriously, just stop your researching and book it : )

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• lovely and unique

  lovely and unique

  • Guest myra
  • Date of stay 07/20/12
  • Review Submitted 10/22/12
  This was one of the most interesting places my husband and I have stayed, in LA or anywhere else. Tim, the owner, is a pleasure to deal with. As others have noted, aside from the spectacular views, it is the attention to detail that sets this place apart. Everything has been chosen with thought. We only had a few days to enjoy the Villa, but the experience has stayed with us. We will certainly return. Myra and Neil, Toronto, Canada

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

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• A LOVELY PLACE TO RELAX WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF LA

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  A LOVELY PLACE TO RELAX WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF LA

  • Guest Cecile (Paris, France)
  • Date of stay 08/05/12
  • Review Submitted 09/27/12
  We stayed at The Villa Sophia for a full week with our 2 young daughters and had a very good time. The guest house is very convenient, the pool perfect, the garden ideal to enjoy meals and the view absolutely stunning. Los Feliz is a very nice area with all convenient shops nearby and very close from all the spots to visit in the city. We had a very relaxing time and enjoyed all the time spent there. This is the kind of place you want to keep secret to be sure it will be availble when you want to return!

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Additional information about rental rates

The rate is $395/night for two people with every 7th night free. There is an $80 cleaning fee for stays of 3 days or less. There is 14% hotel tax. I charge $75/night for each additional person. The guest house is large but only has one king size bed. There is an inflatable bed for extra guests. No other charges.

Fees:

• Tax Rate 14%

Cancellation policy:

Villa Sophia rental confirmation: The Villa is located at 4565 Dundee Drive, Los Angeles CA, 90027 Home (323) 662-9055 Mobile (213) 300-9055 We would very much like to greet you upon arrival. Please inform us of your estimated time of arrival, when possible. In the case that no-one is available to greet you, your keys will be located in the lock box at the front gate. The combination is "0000". (after adjusting numbers to "0000" pull down black tab to left of dial) Check-in date: February 29, 2013 after 3 pm PST (No early check-in please) Check-out date: March 7, 2013 by 11 am PST (no late check-out ) 1st payment is due immediately 2nd payment is due 21 days prior to arrival There is a damage/security authorization hold of $395 on your credit card which is explained below in the rental rules. The $395 hold will be released within 14 days of completing your stay provided there is no damage. Your Signature_______________________________Date__________ Your Cell phone #___________________________________________ Name of Second Guest____________________________________ Villa Sophia rental agreement: Renters of the pool house at The Villa Sophia have exclusive use of the guest house, pool, hot tub, loggia, terraces, lawn and gardens surrounding the pool. 1. CHECK-IN TIME IS AFTER 3 P.M. PST AND CHECK OUT IS 11 A.M. PST. NO Early Check-ins. 2. This is a NON SMOKING rental. 3. DAMAGE/RESERVATION HOLD- A damage/reservation authorization hold of $395 is required. The hold to your credit card automatically converts to a security/damage hold upon arrival. The hold is NOT applied toward rent; however, it is fully refundable within (14) days of departure, provided the following provisions are met. a. No damage is done to guesthouse or its contents, beyond normal wear and tear. b. No charges are incurred due to contraband, pets or collection of rents or services rendered during the stay. c. All keys are left on the kitchen counter. d. All charges accrued during the stay are paid prior to departure. e. No linens are lost or damaged. f. No Early check-in or late check out. 4. PAYMENT – An advance payment equal to 50% of the rental rate is required to reserve the room. The advance payment will be applied toward the room rent. Please make payments in the form of credit card, traveler's checks, bank money orders, cashiers checks or personal checks payable to: Constantine Vlahos . The advance payment is not a damage deposit. The BALANCE OF RENT is due twenty one (21) days before your arrival date. 5. CANCELLATIONS – A sixty (60) day notice is required for cancellation. Cancellations that are made more than sixty (60) days prior to the arrival date will incur no penalty except if deposits were made via credit card. All credit card cancellations are subject to a 5% cancellation fee or $50 whichever is greater. Cancellations or changes that result in a shortened stay, that are made within 60 days of the arrival date, forfeit the full advance payment and damage/reservation deposit. In other words, in the case that cancellation is made between 60 and 21 days prior to arrival, the initial 50% deposit is forfeited. In the case that cancellation is made between 21 and 1 days prior to arrival, the entire 100% payment is forfeited. Cancellation or early departure does not warrant any refund of rent or deposit. Owner has the same sixty day cancellation rights as the renter. 6. MONTHLY RESERVATION CANCELLATIONS – Monthly renters must cancel one hundred twenty (120) days prior to check-in. Monthly renters who make a change that results in a shortened stay must be made at least ninety (90) days prior to check-in. 7. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY- The maximum number of guests is limited to two (2) persons unless otherwise agreed with owner. 8. INCLUSIVE FEES – Rates include a one-time linen-towel setup. Amenity fees are included in the rental rate. 9. NO DAILY MAID SERVICE – While linens and bath towels are included in the poolhouse, daily maid service is not included in the rental rate however extra maid service is available for $80 for a full 4 hour cleaning and laundry. We do not permit towels or linens to be taken from the property. 10. PERSONAL LAUNDRY - the housekeeper can do personal laundry in addition to the extra maid service. The charge is $20/hour. 11. FALSIFIED RESERVATIONS – Any reservation obtained under false pretense will be subject to forfeiture of advance payment, deposit and/or rental money, and the party will not be permitted to check in. 12. WRITTEN EXCEPTIONS – Any exceptions to the above mentioned policies must be approved in writing in advance. 13. PARKING – Vehicles are to be parked on the street. There is plenty of street parking as Villa Sophia is located near the end of a dead-end street. Please park two spaces up the street from the red painted curb area at the front gate, leaving one space open for my neighbor's car. Parts of the street are designated "Red Flag" zones. This means that on certain hot and windy days we are not allowed to park in these spots. Pay them no mind. We will let you know if and when those days occur in which case you may then park about 35 meters up the street instead. As a reference, there have been a total of 4 "Red Flag" days in all 2011 thru November. 14. HOT TUB – No children under the age of 12 permitted in the Hot Tub at any time. When using the Hot Tub, remember there is certain health risk associated with this facility. The hot tub temperature is set at the recommended 104 degrees but can be adjusted to your preference. Use at your own risk. 15. LIABILITY - Guests hold Owner harmless and releases Owner from all liability in the event of any accidents, injuries or illness arising from the Guests use of the premises, the property or its facilities (including exercise, croquet, yoga, swimming and pilates equipment). The owner is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or valuables of the guest. Guests recognize and acknowledge that the property rests atop 15' (5 meter) walls. By accepting this reservation, it is agreed that all guests are expressly assuming the risk of any harm arising from their use of the premises or others whom they invite to use the premise. 15.5 CHILDREN - The Villa Sophia is not a "child friendly" property as there is a swimming pool, lots of stairs and the property rests upon 15' high (5 meter) walls. Owner must be notified if any visitors are children under the age of 16. 16. GRIFFITH PARK - The Villa Sophia is located next to a 4310 acre (1740 ha) municipal park located on the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains. There are Coyotes, Mountain Lions, Bobcats, Rattlesnakes, Black Widow Spiders, Bees and Birds of Prey in the area. The owner is not responsible for any accidents, injuries or illness that occurs on the premises as a result of contact with wildlife. 16.5 POOL - The pool is 8.5' (3 meters) deep. There is no lifeguard present. Swimming is at your own risk. 17. POOL HEAT is not included. In the case that you would like to heat the pool, extra charges apply. The pool will be heated to 85 degrees. (minimum stay of 3 nights required) Pool Heat Charges: $75 for the first night and $40 each additional nigt May 1 - October 31. $110 for the first night and $60 each additional night November 1 - April 30 * to heat pool at temperature above 85 degrees add $4 per degree per night ex. $20/day extra charge for 90 degrees pool heat 18. FILMING and EVENTS - The Villa Sophia is occasionally used for still photography, filming and special events. Any filming or event at The Villa Sophia on any day during your stay that requires use of the rear garden or pool areas entitles the renter to the full re-imbursement of their daily rental fee. You stay for FREE on any day that there is filming in your designated area during your stay. Events or filming that take place in areas not designated for guests, such as the main house and upper terrace, does not entitle guest to re-imbursement. 19. In the rare case that filming or an event at The Villa Sophia requires use of the pool house itself, guests will be compensated by receiving a full refund of the daily rental fee PLUS an equivalent amount as compensation for being asked to find accommodations elsewhere. (nightly rate x 2) 20. ENTERTAINING - Owner must be notified of any planned guest visits and be provided the names of the guests in writing. Staying at the Villa Sophia does not automatically entitle guests to use the property to entertain guests. Visits by more than two guests per visit is not permitted without prior consent. Also, The Villa Sophia is not a "child friendly" property as there is a swimming pool, lots of stairs and the property rests upon 15' high (5 meter) walls. Owner must be notified if any visitors are children under the age of 16. guests: date: minor: a) ____________________________________________________________________ _______________ ___Y___N___ b)_____________________________________________________________________ _______________ ___Y___N___ c)_____________________________________________________________________ _______________ ___Y___N___ d)_____________________________________________________________________ _______________ ___Y__N___ 21. PARTIES/GATHERINGS/DINNERS - There may be charges for any gathering hosted by a guest at the Villa Sophia that exceeds 4 total people. Owner must be notified and agree to the gathering at least 24 hours in advance. If the owner permits the gathering, guests are generally charged $100 per each visitor beyond 2 visitors. 22. FILMING/PHOTO SHOOTS - the Villa Sophia is a highly sought after location for filming. No filming or photography shoots are permitted at the Villa Sophia without prior written permission. Guests are given a discounted rate. Permits, certificate of insurance and a location manager are the responsibility of the production company. 23. PAPARAZZI - In the case that photo journalists are "camping out" in front of the Villa Sophia with express purpose of photographing guests, owner reserves the right to request that guest find alternate accommodation (please see item 25). 24. SOPHIE - Sophie is the house dog. She can be kept out of the pool area by closing all 3 gates. If permitted, she likes to venture down to the guest house and say hello. There are dog biscuits for Sophie in the cookie jar by the front door. If possible, please limit Sophie to 3 biscuits/day. 25. In all matters, kind consideration for the neighbors is appreciated at the Villa Sophia! Please enjoy your stay! By Signing Below, I agree to all terms and conditions of this agreement Signature:_______________________________________________Date__________

100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.