Vacation Rentals by Owner

Diamond in the rough

Guest: David G.
Date of Stay: 01/16/12 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

This condo worked out great for a recent business trip to meet with a client in Santa Monica. I was traveling with a colleague and this condo was less expensive than getting two hotel rooms plus the living area and kitchen gave us common area space for conference calls over a home cooked breakfast. I call it a diamond in the rough because the condo itself is a gem, but the neighborhood may be considered a rough spot by some travelers. I give it a 4 star rating because the description is accurate and the value was good for the money. My rating is not a "luxury" rating. I travel frequently for business and if comparing to hotel properties, the fit, finish, furnishings, location etc, are more in line with 2 1/2 to 3 star properties like a Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, etc. Pros: The description is accurate (not sure if it is "brand new" - if not, it seemed like it was refurbished in within last couple of years) as are the location, amenities, etc. It is not a "luxury" property but it was clean and well maintained, the bedrooms reasonably sized with comfortable king beds, the kitchen equipped with the basics including a dishwasher, there was free wi-fi and wired internet access and cable TV, the owner was available, friendly and responsive to requests. The location relative to the airport, freeways, beach, Venice restaurants, etc is good. Cons: The only detractor is the neighborhood. It is not the "hood" nor is it a tree lined, picture perfect residential street. There are nice multi-family apts/condos next door and across the street and some not as well maintained single family homes along 7th Ave. I would describe it as "transitional" - some places are fixed up and nice (like this one), some are in various states of rehab and some need rehab badly. The neighborhood felt plenty safe during the daytime, but I wouldn't feel comfortable walking very far from the condo alone at night, especially if a single female. Nothing happened during our stay and I felt safe leaving my car on the street, it was just more a "feel." In conclusion, I would rent again. It is a good value for your $ and Alice (the owner) was friendly and easy to work with.

Owner response:Dear Valued guest and anyone else reading this review, I'd like to take this opportunity to respond as I think there are some valuable points here that this reviewer mentions we can respectfully respond to and clarify for our potential guests. Venice Beach is not a normal holiday destination that you might find up and down the coast of California; any potential visitors should understand that this is an urban environment, in that the City of Los Angeles is like any other city-with a world class beach on the Venice side. There are problems here that exist in any city and cannot be avoided, such as the occasional homeless person and certain areas that are better than others. In fact Venice has undergone great changes for the better in the last ten years and continues to improve, become safer, cleaner and more 'up scale'. This is an expensive area to live in. The reviewer didn't point out that we are right next to a Park, which during the daytime is full of parents and children. The park has recently had 6 trees added to it and it's very pleasant.At night time like any other park there's not many people there, but as a dog owner we walk the dog every night and we have never in many years had any trouble or been disturbed.To the other side is a Wholefoods Hypermarket open until late and security guards are frequently in the area. It's not that they are needed but the security guards are often around to say hello to! I understand the 'feel' might not be terrific but as I mentioned before this is an urban place so if you are looking for something different you might consider somewhere like Cambria further up the coast,however you won't be near to the amazing attractions the place has to offer and I can vouch that in 14 years I have never had any trouble with anyone at any time. As for the furniture, I'm afraid the realities of a weekly rental does mean that anything over expensive can get spoiled so we prefer to not invest in expensive items. However, we've never had anyone complain or mention this before but yes, it's not luxury in that sense but then again the place has a style I trust you'll enjoy. We take pride in the place and remain confident you'll enjoy our home..Rose Avenue nearby is now becoming the latest attraction and new restaurants are opening up every week it seems, you'll have to see for yourself. If you love to dine, be in comfort and enjoy a world class beach with distinction then come!And always a warm welcome for all our visitors! Thanks

Recommended for:

Delightful

Guest: RGmom (Harrisburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 01/03/12 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

This was our second visit, and it was just as lovely the second time around. The accomodations are very comfortable and spotless and the owners friendly and accomodating. Location is ideal. We felt at home and look forward to our next visit.

Owner response:We love return visitors and count it a great compliment!

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

Great Place to Stay with Excellent Hosts.

Guest: Sam (Grass Valley)
Date of Stay: 12/07/11 Review Submitted: 12/17/11

Much appreciated the hospitality and the wonderful place to stay. Good people. Great Location. Nice house with modern fixtures/conveniences. Short bike ride to the beach and the bikes are included! This is a huge step up from a hotel if you ask me... Thanks Alice and David.

Owner response:Having a home to stay in beats a hotel every time. Sam and his friends enjoyed the BBQ and patio for some great times.

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

Sydneysiders

Guest: Sydneysiders (Sydney Australia)
Date of Stay: 11/07/11 Review Submitted: 12/17/11

We were able to walk to everything. The beach, Wholefoods, the lovely park right next door great for kids. This townhouse has a really homely feel, we stayed for 4 weeks and it really felt like home. David and Alice couldn't have been kinder or more welcoming. We have family who now live in the Venice area and we will certainly be staying at this property again. Very peaceful and quiet with a lovely private courtyard.

Owner response:It is great to meet people from all over the world and be able to host them for visits with family in the area. We love it when visitors stay for longer visits.

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

Venice Getaway

Guest: Carsoni (Tucson)
Date of Stay: 11/02/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

David and Alice are excellent hosts. They made our stay most enjoyable and were very attentive to our needs. The house was very clean. The beds were comfortable. Everything was there that was needed and then some. Would stay again in a heartbeat!

Owner response:This family combine some work in the area with a family reunion. The rental really lends itself to that with lots of space to be together but get away if you want.

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

Los Angeles von einer anderen Seite

Guest: Daniela777
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 10/12/11

Das Appartement hat uns sehr gut gefallen. Hier haben wir uns wohl gefühlt und konnten alle Ausflüge in Ruhe machen. Venice Beach lohnt sich, auch Santa Monica. Hier ist das Leben noch anders als in Hollywood oder Downtown. Was uns besonders gut gefallen hat, war der Whirlpool und der Whole Foods Market gleich um die Ecke, der größte, den wir bereits gesehen haben. Vielen Dank für alles! Absolut zu empfehlen!

Owner response:It is great to have visitors from around the world and in case you don't read German here is the translation! The apartment pleased us very well. Here we felt well and could make all trips in peace. Venice Beach is worthwhile itself, also Santa Monica. Here the life is still different than in Hollywood or Downtown. Which pleased us particularly well, the Whirlpool and the Whole Foods Market were the largest equal around the corner, which we already saw. Thank you for everything! To recommend absolutely!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great stay

Guest: thierry
Date of Stay: 08/28/11 Review Submitted: 09/03/11

We spent a wonderful three days in the rental of Alice, the house is very clean and comfortable and very well located to enjoy the beach and all amenities of Venice. From France, we were very well received by Alice and description of all the amenities of HomeAway complies. This is a great alternative to a hotel even for a short stay there. If I ever go back to venice, I will not fail to return home Alice thank you again Thierry

Owner response:One of the great parts of this business is getting to meet people from around the world. Sometimes language is a a bit of a barrier but so happy to know the warm welcome we offer is always understood. Our aim is to make your stay one you'll enjoy and want to return.

Recommended for:

Review of property 238327

Guest: Shannon (Madison WI)
Date of Stay: 08/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/17/11

Our family of five had an excellent stay. The listing description was accurate and the photos accurately reflected this home's lovely amenities. The owners were kind and helpful. Our teenage daughters appreciated the use of "extras" like the boogie boards. We enjoyed seeing the Venice canals, Griffith Park observatory, and Santa Monica Pier.

Owner response:The rental is 1 mile from the 405 and 10 freeway so easy access to get to major attraction. We provide all you need for a great beach vacation and 2 free bikes to use also.

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

GREAT PLACE FOR FAMILY HOLIDAY LOVELY OWNERS

Guest: J (England)
Date of Stay: 08/03/11 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

We stayed here in August 2011 with my daughter and her two young children. It was a very comfortable place to stay with more than everything we needed. The owners are delightful and very helpful. The children were safe in the garden as the gate has a very high lock out of their reach. It is a minute from a lovely park for the children. A minute's walk from good food shops, chemist etc. Wihtin walking distance of beach - 10 minutes and in a lovely quiet neighbourhood. We would definitely stay here again and would recommend it highly. You can park in the street but sometimes have to go up the street a little.

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

Hoping to Return

Guest: Jeffrey W.
Date of Stay: 07/26/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

What a GREAT time we had! The property is clean and comfortable. The hosts are incredibly nice and very accommodating. The location is perfect. The proximity to the beach/ocean makes the weather the best. (We escaped mid-west 95 degree plus heat and humidity to the most pleasant days and nights.) My wife and I enjoyed the seclusion of the master bedroom (very comfortable bed) and master bath, allowing us the space we enjoyed away from our (young) adult children and their travel friends. Our daughter and her friend enjoyed the downstairs bedroom made up as twin beds while my son and his buddy shared the futon. We are so thankful to have found this property for our family vacation. (Not even sure how we could have worked out the six of us in a hotel. Not to mention, all of that stress.) This was a great “Home Base” to have for our trip. Close enough to the beach, easy access to the sites we wanted to see yet, far enough away to be cozy. Truly, a great place to decompress after acting like a tourist all day. A well equipped kitchen and outdoor grill made it nice for us to enjoy a breakfast, lunch or dinner in. This allowed us to eat as a group or snack when needed. It really is like a home away from home. My daughter and her friend said the bikes were fun to ride. They also enjoyed the boogie boards at the beach. My son and his LA friends liked the walk down Rose to the beach. We barely scratched the surface of things to do and see. We did make it to Santa Monica and enjoyed the pier and great shopping at the 3rd Street Promenade and Main Street. The dive to Hollywood is very easy should you be so inclined. We did a couple of times. Whole Foods is right around the corner. If Whole Foods doesn’t have what you’re looking for Ralph’s is about a half mile away to the south and Albertson's is about a half mile to the north. The restaurant choices are too numerous to mention. What helped us decide this was the place for our family to stay was all of the fantastic reviews. I am proud to offer my positive review and high recommendation for this property. Alice and David are ‘real’ people and so very pleasant. They surpassed our expectations and made our family vacation a most memorable experience. The best review is a vow to return…

Owner response:Your vacation is important to us and we do our best to make sure you have everything at the rental to make it an enjoyable one. The greatest compliment is our return visitors.

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

N Y C stil California Dreamin'

Guest: Lisa L. (Bronx, New York)
Date of Stay: 06/28/11 Review Submitted: 07/12/11

I invited my young Godson and his wife who live in LA and are both graphic artists to stay with me for a few days at this house,partly in hopes theyd come up with a logo design for my new NYC business. This lovely beach house was way better than I had ever dreamed of- The luxury of having my bedroom upstairs complete with a with deep soaking jetted tub in my own spacious bathroom, plus two lovely private terraces on same level, one with a climbing garden trellis and wind sail valence flowing in the gentle sea breeze, This space made for a heavenly private morning coffee break since I am an early bird and my fellow house mates, er ...not so much. But I am sure they enjoyed having their own private spacious quarters downstairs, enjoying late nights playing cards while I slept without hearing any noise. The design of the house is that the staircase winds over two landings that is what might make it so quiet from one section to the other. (or so my cousin wisely deduced) Along with my cousins sixteen year old who served as my personal tour guide by bike, I speak for us all in saying that we loved the quaint patio and backyard, the easy walk to WHOLE FOODS where we bought fresh and grilled BBQ'd . The bikes were a nice surprise and I got to experience Venice Beach in a way that is only possible when navigating through crowds strolling along the boardwalk . I would love to return in the Fall-

Owner response:We do provide 2 bikes (free) for your use. Getting around by bike is a great option. Santa Monica pier, 3rd St. Promanade (shopping, eating, movies) and all Venice has to offer are all an easy bike ride. We also have a 30 mile bike path along the beach for those more adventureous. More bikes can be rented on the beach 8 blocks from the rental. Our garden is a great place to unwind after a long day of site seeing. We have a BBQ, patio furniture and table/chairs for a wonderful meal. Whole Foods provides amazing food to grill.

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.

CLOSE BUT NICE AND QUIET

Guest: Julie H. (Leicestershire, UK)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/09/11

This is a lovely house to rent if you're going to be exploring the LA area. It is just off Lincoln Blvd giving you easy access to all major routes around the city but the residential area is lovely and quiet so you can get away from all the hub-bub when you feel you are ready to. The property itself is very clean and spacious - I actually don't think some of the pictures do it justice. Parking is on the street and we never had a problem finding a space over the 5 nights we were there. If you are staying over a Monday or Tuesday, make sure you park correctly for the morning refuse collections - just be guided by the parking signs to avoid getting a ticket. There's plenty of information that the owners have made available regarding places to visit, eat, shop etc and the wi-fi works perfectly. During our stay there was blossom on the trees and the jasmine in the garden was beautiful and fragrant. We didn't manage to use the bikes, the boogie boards or the gas BBQ but they are all there and available for use any time. We walked to the beach and Venice Boardwalk which probably took us approx 15 mins - the terrain was mainly flat but with one incline to get up and down. I thought the walk was nicer going along Ozone Ave and on to Marine St rather than all the way on Rose Ave. There is a good bus service around the immediate areas of Venice, Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey and also plenty of public parking particularly in Santa Monica. Our stay here was very enjoyable and I think it was a great alternative to those expensive and impersonal hotels.

Owner response:We have a lot of new restaurants coming near by on Rose Ave. within walking distance. One of my newest favorites is called Oscar's, moderately priced and attention to detail with their menu options. The bus service is just 2 blocks away and will take you all around our area. As stated above the beach is a short walk away and we have all you need for a relaxing visit. Or just hang out in the garden and have a BBQ. Would love to have you come stay.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful owners, wonderful rental

Guest: Aimee (Lindale, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/17/11 Review Submitted: 05/30/11

We stayed in this rental on a recent trip to LA. We are a family of four and this rental is great for families! It is spacious, beautifully done, the garden and terrace are beautiful. Venice Beach is only a couple blocks away and we had fun riding tandem bikes and digging in the sand. Santa Monica Pier is a must see for kids and for shopping 3rd street Promenade can't be beat. All of these are very close. Griffith Park Observatory and planetarium is a great place to take the kids and the view of the Hollywood sign and city are wonderful. One thing that was very important to us was that there was good wi-fi in the rental as my husband had to use it for work while we were there and we never had any problems with it. We had a wonderful vacation and would recommend this place to anyone!

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

Fab-u-lous!

Guest: Kevski (Wiltshire, United Kindom)
Date of Stay: 04/27/11 Review Submitted: 05/15/11

This property is absolutely terrific. Not only is it well-equiped (there was even washing powder and detergent for both the washing machine and dishwasher), well-proportioned, clean and well-maintained, it's only 20 minutes walk from Venice boardwalk, and under ten minutes by cab to Santa Monica Pier (eat at The Lobster!). Two big, comfortable beds - american King size! - quiet neighbourhood, just off Lincoln, which means it was easy to get anywhere. There is internet available, but no wi-fi (cat5 only). We stayed a week, but didn't want to leave, even though we were only half-way through our trip. Round the corner on Rose, I guarantee that you will love Groundworks Coffee, and further down there's the Rose Cafe (I recommend the egg sandwich - it's unlike anything I've had before). Shop at the supermarket round the corner on Lincoln (Wholefoods) for wonderful food for a BBQ in the garden (gas-fired, so it's easy-peasy). The recommendations by the owners for local food should definitely be taken up (the Thai is the best I've ever had, and my girlfriend says that the massages next door are amazing). Don't be afraid to visit the taco stand on Lincoln! I have to say that I fell in love with this property, Venice itself, and even got proposed to (and accepted) whilst staying here. What better recommendation could I make?! I would stay here again at the drop of a hat.

Owner response:We do have wi-fi and have just purchase a new router so all should be well. In order to make sure your internet connection is available we also have a Net gear AV line that can be plugged into any plug in the house and provided internet connection. We try to make your stay a memorable one.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great for families!

Guest: Ali (United Kingdom)
Date of Stay: 04/06/11 Review Submitted: 05/04/11

An excellent location for visiting LA; close to beaches, a park right next door, and convenient for shopping & local bus routes. We relied on public transport during our three week stay, and found this to be an extremely good location from which to explore. Buses to & from the airport and Santa Monica are frequent and inexpensive and there is a bus stop just around the corner. It is easy to get transfers to other areas & our trip included visits to Malibu, Hollywood, Universal Studios, Disneyland, Redondo Beach & San Pedro. The property itself was extremely comfortable with plenty of homey touches. Although only two bedrooms, it felt deceptively spacious and there was plenty of room for ourselves and three lively boys. Our children particularly enjoyed the great selection of videos and the sand toys, and the neighbouring park, which was a great place to hang out after a day at the beach. We also enjoyed using the bikes, which were a real bonus especially for our eldest son. Alice & David provided great customer service & the communication before our visit was exceptionally good. We had a fantastic time here and would definitely recommend it to others.

Owner response:These visitors spent 3 weeks with us and never had a car. It is doable in LA. There is a lot to see and do around the rental. Many of our visitors choose to rent a car for a few day (Enterprise car rental agency within walking distance) and then just hang out around Venice / Santa Monica the rest of the time. There is also a bus line just 2 blocks away. We're happy to answer any questions you might have. Your vacation is important to us!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great communication

Guest: TJF (Kalispell, MT )
Date of Stay: 03/29/11 Review Submitted: 04/09/11

This was our first time rental a vacation home and the owner's communication, tips, and advice through ou the process were great. The house is a long walk to the beach, but proximity to Whole Foods, the $99 store, a fantastic mexican restaurant and Lincoln Ave make it a best of both worlds. We recommend this house!

Owner response:We are 6/10 of a mile to the beach about a 15 min. walk. You can also drive if you wish and there is parking available for those who do not wish to walk. Easy to be in the midst of the beach energy and then draw away to your private garden at the rental. Lots of amenities right around the corner.

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

WONDERFUL BEACH HOUSE

Guest: viv (brandywine md)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/11

I was very impressed at all the amenities, outdoor spaces, the size and the landscaping.. the location was in perfect proximity to the beach as well to lots of places to eat, the grocery store and the .99 store. It truly felt like a home "away" from home!

Owner response:We have a wonderful patio just outside the kitchen with seating and a BBQ, just right for a great meal and a glass of wine after a long day of site seeing. Or unwind on the upstairs balcony with a morning cup of coffee and watch the world go by. We are close to the beach but far enough away to avoid the crowds. We're also close 2 two major freeways for easy access to all major attractions. We are situated 1 mile from the 10 freeway and 1 mile from the 405. Come and spend some time in your "home away from home!

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

Would Readily Return

Guest: kmf (Goleta, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/18/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

I stayed here with my spouse, another couple, and a fifth person for four nights in mid-March, and we were all extremely happy with the choice and would return in a heartbeat. Location: This homeaway is within two minutes' walk of a Whole Foods, a CVS, and the Groundwork Coffee Company, which offers all the quality that your group's coffee enthusiasts could ever dream of. Walk about 10 minutes southwest and you'll be on the Venice Beach boardwalk, where we spent a morning admiring the craft fairs, watching surfers and skaters, and later on took in a lovely sunset. It is also super-accessible from LAX, which was very convenient for us. We used this homeaway as a base to visit many LA sights from the Huntington Library in Pasadena to the Long Beach Opera, and it was always a great comfort to return to it in the evening. The house: The owner could not be more conscientious about the house or her guests' needs. We found everything from laundry and dish detergent to black tea bags and movies waiting for us on arrival, and a couple of hours later the owner stopped by and dropped off an additional set of linens and a dishwashing sponge. That she thought of such details at all was wonderful, but that she felt the need to apologize for not having had those things ready for us on arrival was a testament to the high standard of hosting that she maintains. There is a note next to the door reminding visitors not to have their cars parked by certain sidewalks on certain mornings owing to street cleaning, and then the night before the mornings in question the owner left an additional note on our door with an additional reminder. She really tries to think of everything. We are grateful for the time that we spent here, and would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. Thanks so much Alice!

Owner response:We are very close to lots of major attractions as well as all the local areas such as Venice Beach (10 min, walk) or Santa Monice pier or 3 Street Promanade. We try to make the rental an oasis to come back to. Your vacation is important to us and try to treat you the way we want to be treated on vacation.

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

I would recommend this

Guest: Debi Wells (Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/11/11 Review Submitted: 03/24/11

I stayed with my 3 daughters and had a friend visit with her daughter. Was a bit cramped with 6, but the balcony and yard still gave us space to get away from each other. The neighbourhood is very close to the beach, a nice walk from the farmers' market and the shopping on Abbot-Kinney kept our girls happy. We became 'regulars' at the coffee shop on the corner and bought our groceries at Whole Foods at the end of the street. The place was clean, the owners helpful (how DOES the remote work?) and the bikes that were locked in the backyard got good use. To top it off someone forgot some clothes in a drawer and the owners are helping us get them back. It was a great place to stay - we feel that we saw the best of Venice Beach from this location.

Owner response:Lots to do in Venice. We are nearby and try to be responsive when needed. We want your vacation to be a memorable experience

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

Wonderful all the way around

Guest: Bethany (Augusta, GA)
Date of Stay: 02/16/11 Review Submitted: 02/21/11

Could not have asked for a better vacation rental for my family and I! Alice, the owner, was always quick with a response when I had a question and was wonderful from beginning to end. The condo was exactly as described and super comfortable. My husband is still talking about how comfortable the bed upstairs was. We loved having the separation of the bedrooms which allowed each of us to have out privacy.To say that it was clean and well maintained would be an understatement. The location can not be beat. It is super convenient to have the Whole Foods, CVS and a .99 Cent store within a 3 minute walking distance. We ordered dinner one night from the Thai place across the street and it was delicious and not very expensive for the amount of food you get. Not only will I be recommending Alice's condo to anyone wanting to stay in the Venice area, but I look forward to renting from her again in the future!

Owner response:There are numerous good restaurants within walking distance all very good with reasonable prices. Of course Whole Foods is amazing with a wine bar and several different types of food from the prepared foods or pick out your meat or fish from the counter and have them cook it up while you have a beer or wine and then eat it there. Many people talk about that bed upstairs, comfy! Especially after a relaxing jacuzzi bath.

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

Lovely

Guest: Terry (Harrisburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 02/09/11 Review Submitted: 02/19/11

Everything about the place is lovely. The owner provided so much valuable information, before and during our visit. The place itself is cheerful and bright. A great location, close to things, but quiet and residential. All the conveniences of home. It even came with a frequently seen hummingbird in the garden. Highly recommended.

Owner response:Even though we are right in the city we are in a neighborhood and try to make the private garden a little oasis in the midst of LA. The garden has a BBQ and outdoor seating to enjoy a bit of sun in the midst of flowers and trees. We are close to all the attractions in Venice and greater LA but feel free to pull away and just enjoy the rental as well!

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

At Anytime Again

Guest: Carmen (Germany, Berlin)
Date of Stay: 02/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/20/11

We had a great stay at that place. Alice is sooo easy and friendly to deal with. We felt more being a guest than a customer. The property is also perfect for families - it's peaceful and quiet but close to the center. We would rent that property anytime again. Carmen

Owner response:We value each of our renters. You are the heart of our business and try to treat each customer as we would want to be treated when we travel. Your visit is important to us and we'll try to make it a memorable experience.

Recommended for:

Nice Place

Guest: alecjane (Eugene Oregon)
Date of Stay: 01/26/11 Review Submitted: 02/14/11

This was our second stay at Alice and David's place. We like the place, the location plus always get a warm friendly welcome from Alice and David. Home away from home. As we travel with our dog it is particularly convenient as there is a fenced yard plus a little park next door. Highly recommended.

Owner response:We strive to make your stay a happy one and a place you will want to return to. We love return visitors! Or first time guests as well! Your business is important to us.

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

Wonderful Venice getaway

Guest: Alison (Edmonton)
Date of Stay: 01/11/11 Review Submitted: 01/21/11

"We really enjoyed our stay. It was close enough to walk to the beach but far enough away to enjoy a good night's sleep. We very much appreciated the availability of the baby gate, playpen and high chair...it made the trip so much easier not having to cart those things around. The condo is airy and comfortable. We loved all the decks and private patios...they gave us and our dad time and space away from each other, which is important in maintaining the harmonious spirit of a joint-family holiday ;) All in all, it was a wonderful stay. Alice was a gracious host and we appreciated all the local tips and recommendations. Highly recommended!"

Owner response:THe rental is a 10 minute walk to the beach which puts you close enough to get their quickly but nip back to the rental for a rest or a bit to eat. The rental is big enough for privacy and yet a great space for a family get together. With the upstairs roof deck and the patio out the kitchen there is lots of private spaces.

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

Beautiful, peaceful setting

Guest: Kimmer (Saskatoon, SK Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/14/10 Review Submitted: 12/18/10

We had a fabulous week in Venice! Loved the duplex! It was exactly as represented, very clean and comfortable, and a perfect fit for our family. It was very private, we felt safe in the neighbourhood and enjoyed lots of walks and the wonderful park next door. Convenient location and lots of good information on hand to help to explore the area. Having clothes washing facilities was a real plus when travelling with kids. Plus all the close shopping was a huge benefit.

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

A wonderful retreat

Guest: Sharman (United States)
Date of Stay: 11/01/10 Review Submitted: 11/05/10

Very quiet with lots of outdoor space. The owner was VERY helpful.

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

Felt like home. Can't wait to return again.

Guest: Adventurous Mom & Grandma (Sarasota, FL)
Date of Stay: 09/07/10 Review Submitted: 10/02/10

Although there were many amenities mentioned for young families, my 80+ year old mother and I stayed here for four nights in September. The property was safe, secure and in a quiet and convenient neighborhood. We walked to Whole Foods, which was one block away! We had a lovely vacation visiting my son and daughter-in-law who live in the area and joined us for dinner at the rental. The kitchen had everything we needed and the grill was great! Mom and I enjoyed breakfasts on the patio and I watched a humming bird every morning. One day, while my son and I took a long bike ride on the Venice Beach boardwalk, Mom was comfortable enough to remain at the rental to relax on her own. It really did feel like home for both of us. It was easy and convenient working with the owner, Alice, to make our reservations and secure the rental beforehand, and it was a real pleasure to meet her while we were there, as she confirmed all our needs were met. I definitely recommend this property and hope to return.

Owner response:Many of our guests take advantage of the 2 bikes we provide free of charge. Venice is a great biking city. We love it when families come who have relatives in LA and we get to play host and help make a great vacation.

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

Love this place!!!

Guest: Seargent Pepper (Granada Hills)
Date of Stay: 08/23/10 Review Submitted: 04/02/11

Close to the beach, amazing accommodations and wonderful hosts need I say more... For the same price as staying in a hotel this place is definitely a better deal. There was so much to do in the surrounding area and Whole Foods Market is right around the corner. I would definitely return without question.

Owner response:When you consider all you get with a vacation rental it is certainly a deal. Being able to cook and have your own food with save you lots of money. With Whole Foods around the corner you have the worlds foods at your fingertips.

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

TOP APARTEMENT !!

Guest: Hardy (Germany)
Date of Stay: 07/26/10 Review Submitted: 09/28/10

Hey, this is a very nice apartement with very nice renters, thank you very much Alice and David ! We liked the time in your house very much - recommendation !

Recommended for:

Awesome Experience!!

Guest: NOLA Family (New Orleans, LA)
Date of Stay: 07/23/10 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

Thank you Alice and David for the wonderful 3 night stay at your beautiful house! The kids loved having so much space, and we enjoyed breakfasts out on the patio. LOVED having Whole Foods within walking distance, as well as Groundwork organic coffee on the corner. We will definitely be wanting to book vacation time again here next year!"

Owner response:Wonderful restaurants surround the rental. Whole Foods is great to get anything you want to eat. And Groundworks is right on the way to the beach.

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

Awesome experience!!

Guest: NOLA Family (New Orleans, LA)
Date of Stay: 07/23/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/10

Thank you Alice and David for the wonderful 3 night stay at your beautiful house! The kids loved having so much space, and we enjoyed breakfasts out on the patio. LOVED having Whole Foods within walking distance, as well as Groundwork organic coffee on the corner. We will definitely be wanting to book vacation time again here next year!

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

Great location and house!

Guest: sasha (sonoma, ca)
Date of Stay: 06/17/10 Review Submitted: 06/23/10

The perfect beach town rental - laid-back owners, close to the beach and around the corner from Whole Foods. We used the bikes to get around during the day but always returned for dinner on the patio. Thank goodness for the grill! We will be back!

Owner response:We do have 2 bikes for your use and 1/2 mile away is a bike rental where more can be rented if you wish. A BBQ on the patio is a taste of real California living. We provide all you need for a great cookout just bring the groceries. With Whole Foods 1 blook away you have a wonderful choice of things to cook.

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.

Wonderful Place to stay!

Guest: Aimee (Lindale, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/04/10 Review Submitted: 06/13/10

This is a beautiful vacation home with all the comforts of home and more. We had a fabulous time in LA. My two children and I especially liked the aquarium in Long Beach, which is a must see if you have kids. We have stayed here twice and will keep coming back every time we are in the LA area. The owners Alice and David make it a very warm, hospitable place. You'll love it!

Owner response:The Long Beach Aquarium is located about 25 miles south of the rental. It is a great place to visit. Located right near the Queen Mary and lots of great restaurants too.

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

It's great - book it!

Guest: Susi and David (England)
Date of Stay: 03/19/10 Review Submitted: 05/11/10

We really found a gem here - just as good as we had hoped and more! The photos of the property do not do it justice - it is even better in reality. Spacious and clean, good location as a base to get out and about. Owners lovely and very keen to make your stay a good one. We travelled with my mother and our two children (3 and 7 yrs) and the property offered just what we needed. We hired a car and were very glad that we had done so - it made everything that much easier with the children.

Owner response:Having a car is nice in LA but not 100% necessary. We have had guests use bikes only or public transport too. A car will give you much more flexibility of course. We are 2 blocks from a bus line.

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

Quaint property in a wonderful location!

Guest: Amanda and Phil (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/28/10

We really enjoyed our stay at your lovely place, located in a great neighborhood. We ate at Flake a couple times and the Whole Foods nearby was really convenient! We put on our running shoes and ran from the house down to Venice Beach one day - very close. We loved the fact the property had 3 bedrooms and 3 baths for everyone in our family to be comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked - very nice touch to leave us a bottle of wine and fresh flowers! We heartily recommend this lovely property and are sorry we didn't get to meet Alice - next time!

Owner response:Flake is a great little restaurant just a few blocks away. Whole Foods is one block away and has to be seen to be believed.

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

Nice Place

Guest: alecjane (Eugene Oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/08/10 Review Submitted: 03/29/10

My wife Jane, our dog Sunny and myself stayed at Alice and David's place for four nights in March 2010. Alice gave us all a warm welcome plus told us where to find the great close by Whole Foods market and the local dog park. We all soon settled in to our home away from home where we totally enjoyed our stay. The place is charming, the location is quite, parking is generally available. All in all if you are looking for a place to stay in the Venice Beach / Santa Monica area you can't go wrong with Alice and David's place. Enjoy your stay.

Owner response:There are lots of dog parks in the area. Santa Monica and Venice are generally very dog friendly.

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

Very pleasant and charming place

Guest: zachb (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 03/04/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

I live in Los Angeles and rented this place for my family to come and stay. Alice not only helpful but the place was great, we had dinners there, rode bikes along the Venice bike path, and basically my family was able to have a nice relaxing time while they visited. I checked out about 4 other places and this was the best one I found. This easy to get to but also tucked away so that you're not dealing with a ton of traffic on a major street. I recommend this location to anyone looking to stay in Venice Beach - a wonderful experience!

Owner response:We've had several families in the area rent for visiting family. It works out great, lots of together time and yet enough space when you need it.

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

Guest: Nancy A. (Corona, Ca.)
Date of Stay: 02/23/10 Review Submitted: 02/23/10

Location, location, location! Wow, what a great vacation rental home! This home is located on the border of Venice and Santa Monica, so not only is it convenient, but there is so much to do. I doubt you will find a better value; so look no further. The home is spacious, comfortable, clean, and has everything you could possibly need. I doubt there is a home this nice and spacious in the area for the price. Alice & David have added so many wonderful "extras" in addition to providing a great home. From the roof deck, to the jacuzzi tub (loved it), to the beautifully serene patio setting with BBQ. I cannot say enough about this vacation rental, and plan to recommend it to all my friends; I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Thank you Alice and David! Blessings, Nancy Anderson

Recommended for:

Great family property

Guest: Bill (Madison, WI)
Date of Stay: 01/26/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

Alice, we really enjoyed the rental. Venice is a fun place to visit and the unit worked out great. It was very easy to access the sights in the LA area from it. Nice services very convenient with CVS, Whole Foods and Albertson's. Unit was very clean, well maintained and furnished. Only thing lacking was a win in the Rose Bowl!

Owner response:We are in a great location for lots of sporting events, golf, basketball, baseball and of course the Rose Bowl. Lots to do around the rental as well as easy freeway access to all of LA and beyond. When you come home to the rental, lots of convenient things you'll need within walking distance, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies and of course the beach.

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

Great Location - Great Value!!!

Guest: meheather (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/28/10

We really enjoyed staying this delightful Venice Beach house. The house is perfectly situated in Venice, a very short 8 block walk to the beach and even less time to get to Main Street - with tons of restaurants and pubs. We really enjoyed the local coffee shop on Rose and 7th. Great neighbourhood!! The house has everything you'd need, including games which we enjoyed on Saturday before going out. The tiny backyard has a lovely patio table where we enjoyed breakfast both mornings. If we ever return the the Venice beach area (preferably in the summer), we would definitely stay at this property again. Oh - and it should be noted that Alice, the Proprietor of the property was great! Very helpful, nice and friendly. Overall great value!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/15/10

This location was beautiful! Alice was very patient and kind with the changes in our travel plans due to the crazy winter weather. Everything we needed and more were found in the townhome. Had a wonderful time and will definitely look into this location again when we visit. Thanks for a wonderful trip!

Recommended for:

great location

Guest: Michelle B. (ballarat, victoria ,australia)
Date of Stay: 01/11/10 Review Submitted: 02/03/10

4 NIGHTS HERE WAS NOT LONG ENOUGH. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PROPERTY IS POSITIVE, LOCATION, COMFORTABLE,CLEAN AND GREAT HOSTS. WOULD LOVE TO RETURN AND STAY LONGER TO EXPLORE ALL THAT VENICE BEACH HAS TO OFFER.

Owner response:Lots to do around the rental as well as Venice and LA in general! We're happy to answer questions if you have any.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Guest: Katie60 (Birmingham, UK)
Date of Stay: 12/29/09 Review Submitted: 12/29/09

We had a great stay at Venice 701, the rental is really comfortable (we had to buy a new bed on our return to the UK as the bed was so comfy!) and close to some great facilities (beware of going crazy in Whole Foods). It was like a home from home and was great seeing David and Alice again. There is so much to do in the area that we will definatley go back, there is no question that this is the best place to stay. The location is great for the beach and for getting around the rest of LA. Hopefully be back soon.

Recommended for:

Aussies enjoy stay

Guest: scratchie (Australia)
Date of Stay: 11/15/09 Review Submitted: 11/26/09

My family, which included 2 teenage boys, loved our stay here. The proximity to public transport was good, we were walking distance to Venice Beach and Santa Monica and we were close to shops for the daily essentials. The house had everything we needed and was extremely comfortable. I also found David and Alice to be so very helpful...Alice even offered to taxi me to one of my appointments downtown when I just arrived which was great. Thanks again for a very enjoyable stay.

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

Birthday Weekend!

Guest: ms. regina (Savannah, GA, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/12/09 Review Submitted: 11/24/09

For my 30th Birthday weekend, my 5 friends and I rented this lovely apartment from a local couple. It took forever for me to find the right place for us on the web; i was a little nervous about any scams that could occur while doing this over the internet. But Alice set my mind at ease, we emailed back and forth, we spoke on the phone, she sent the rental agreement and i sent the check. SO SIMPLE! The pictures of the apartment do not do it justice! Its quaint, comfy, clean, well put together and with all the ammenities you'd really need. We found that the most used and greatest asset to the apartment was the fenced in porch area plus the two balconies upstairs. it gets REALLY chilly at night, but we spent most of our time outside. The location was absolutely perfect. 3 miles from our friends house and a mile from Venice Beach....without all that Ridiculous Traffic they have up in Hollywood. With a Whole Foods on the next block and parking on the street available, the place was terribly convenient. It seems that the owners live in an adjoined apartment, i felt confident that they would be available to take care of anything that arose, but nothing did. They were gracious enough to give us an early check-in by 3 hours without a penalty, provided 2 bikes and even left us a bottle of wine as a sweet welcoming. If I headed out to L.A. again, I would absolutely choose this over staying in a hotel! Thank you for making my Birthday Weekend and Our Family Reunion WONDERFUL!

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

Feels like home

Guest: Natalia & Scott (Santa Monica, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/20/09 Review Submitted: 11/06/09

My husband and I spend wonderful two weeks at this rental. We were happy to find this property on the first place (we live in Santa Monica and due to out-of-town guests who stayed at our apartment, we wanted to rent a vacation home that was close by, clean and comfortable for a good price) and we were really grateful to feel right at home. The moment we walked in, we were welcomed with flowers, card and a bottle of wine as well as a binder full of information what to do in the area. In terms of the details, the property is spacious, with great outdoor patio and balconies, there are lots of windows and light. The place was very clean, including clean sheets and towels; the king bed in the master bedroom was very comfy; we were able to use internet for work and jacuzzi for fun; the parking was available on the street, which we had no problem with; the kitchen was fully equipped; there is a great grocery store and coffee shop right around the corner; the place and the street were not noisy... I can go on and on... This is a very nice place for a great price. Thank you, Alice!!!

Owner response:We have had many local families rent for out of town guests which works well. Close but not too close and space to get away if you need to!

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

Guest: Rowena3 (Chatsworth, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/12/09 Review Submitted: 09/12/09

It was the perfect place to stay in Venice! We were blown away as soon as we got in, everything was organized and the kitchen was unbelievably convenient, not only was there a refrigerator to put our food in like you would normally find in a decent hotel, but there were utensils and pans for us to use and a grill in the patio. I love the roof deck, it was so nice to sit there and relax at night and the bed was especially comfortable. The pillows felt like it was made of gel and as soon as I slept in there I just went straight to sleep without having to toss and turn. The jacuzzi was a plus to us because not only was it private, the bathroom looked great! Everything was great, if there's a time we would be staying in Sta. Monica or Venice, I would definitely rent again. Thank you Alice!

Owner response:It is a perfect place for a romantic get away!

Recommended for:

Guest: Laurie Hubbard (Paris, France)
Date of Stay: 08/26/09 Review Submitted: 08/26/09

What a lovely little oasis tucked right on the border between Santa Monica and Venice! Our three kids loved the park next door (with a slide, swings and climbing structures) as well as the sand toys and boogie boards. It's the perfect beach launching pad and a lovely terrace for barbecuing after!

Owner response:We love having families. The park also has a large green space to relax in or throw a ball. Just the right place to let the kids wind down after a day of beach or site seeing.

Recommended for:

Guest: The Whitney Family (Ontario Canada & Tas Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/13/09 Review Submitted: 08/13/09

What a perfect vacation rental for a family. There isn’t anything that wasn’t thought of to make the vacation home a place that was comfortable, clean, relaxing and totally functional. The beach toys for the children, the bikes, board games, every detail was considered in order to make functioning from there easy and very affordable for all that was included. What a great master bed and ensuite. We loved the multi level outdoor areas to eat and relax in. Thank you Alice and David for your hospitality and great insider tips on local things to do and places to eat.

Owner response:We love families! We're happy to help with answers to your question.

Recommended for:

Better than described

Guest: mayday0707 (France)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 08/08/09

We spent 5 nights at Alice's place and were delighted. The house is very well equipped, very clean and comfortable. The neighbourhood is quiet and prim. The major routes are easily accessed. We would definitely recommend staying there for a visit of LA. Thanks again.

Owner response:May and her family are from France and it is a delight to have foreign visitors as well as our American visitors. We aim to represent our property as it really is and are always trying to improve as we are made aware of the needs of our visitors. Come see for yourself, we'll give you a warm welcome!

Recommended for:Sightseeing