Vacation Rentals by Owner

Very Lucky!

Guest: Susan T. (Erie, PA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/12 Review Submitted: 02/13/12

My son was moving to LA and I am soooo happy that we stayed there while trying to find him an apartment and get him settled. Ben and Javier were wonderful. I truly love those guys. I don't know what we would have done without them. I will definitely stay there again!

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

Great experience

Guest: Marti (Italy)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11 Review Submitted: 11/14/11

We had a marvellous time at the 1b bedroom. Ben and Javier are incredibly kind and always present in case of need and for a good chat. Wonderful apartment, perfect location and views. Thank you Ben for sharing interests, for helping us with tons of things and for Frank and Bella who are part of the family. :) We wanted to give you 6 stars, but here there's only "excellent" which is not enough. Thank you so much and sorry for the broken wine glass :p martina and davide

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A GEM IN THE CITY!!

Guest: Jen (Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 10/14/11

We are a family with 2 young children (ages 4 and 2) and we wanted to find a place in LA that was central, safe, and walking distance to many attractions. We did not want to spend our holidays stuck in LA traffic! Ben and Javier's place was a great find! This was our first VRBO experience and we were extremely pleased with our stay. We stayed in the 1 bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor (1 queen bed in the bedroom and 1 sofa bed in the living room). We found the apartment clean and spacious. The kitchen was awesome! It made it very convenient for us to eat in when the kids were tired. This place is better than a hotel (especially if you have children) - full kitchen (with everything that you have at home), free wifi, cable, and lovely swimming pool! The property is surrounded by fabulous restaurants, grocery stores and great shopping. If you have kids, Griffith Park is only a 15 min drive and is not to be missed! Our kids loved the pony rides just as much as Disneyland! Thank you so much Ben and Javier for a wonderful stay. We have been to LA many times and this was the best experience we've ever had. It really makes a difference where you stay.

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

Fantastic stay in a lovely studio

Guest: Mell (London)
Date of Stay: 09/11/11 Review Submitted: 10/27/11

I stayed with Ben & Javier from Sept 11-14th with my mum in the studio apartment. It was absolutely lovely. They have thought of everything..lovely flat screen TV and a brand new bathroom. The apartment had no kitchen but did have microwave, kettle and lots of cups/plates etc. Ben also recomended lots of good restaraunts which were within a 5 minute walk from the apartment. The location was very convenient for hollywood sightseeing and shopping. Ben and Javier were very welcoming and helpful and i would deffinitely stay there again!

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

Excellent stay at a perfect location!

Guest: A. (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 10/10/11

My daughter and I stayed at this lovely home from September 2 - 20th of 2011. We loved the location, it was so central between Hollywood Blvd. and Sunset Blvd. There was street parking, a washer and dryer in the home of the owners Ben and Javier. They open the doors of there beautiful home to all who stay, and make you feel very welcomed. The beds were very comfortable, and they have a great shower, and a walk in closet, which was so nice to unpack all the clothing we brought for such a long stay. They have two adorable dogs, that are loves. I felt very safe at this location, I would go back and stay again. Thanks again Ben and Javier for a wonderful experience!

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

Exceeded Expectations

Guest: Sharon (St. Paul, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/24/11 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

Just had a fabulous trip to L.A. with my thirteen year old son and one of the highlights was staying here and getting to know Ben and Javier. I had high expectations based on the photos and reviews and my communications with the hosts, but they were exceeded. Not only were the accommodations extremely comfortable and beautiful, with the lovely landscaping and pool/jacuzzi, but Ben and Javier were extremely hospitable hosts (and this is coming from a southerner, and we take hospitality seriously!) who were very helpful offering suggestions about things to do/see in the area. I'm already planning my next trip to L.A. and looking forward to staying here again.

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

Fabulous Experience!!

Guest: Robin (Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

My family and I had the very distinct pleasure of an extended stay with Ben and Javier and would jump at the chance should we return to the LA area. The apartments are comfy, clean and well appointed. The hosts are both thoughtful and accommodating. The location is quite convenient and near to the freeway. And let's not forget about the FAB pool- my family loved it-the backyard feels like a private oasis. A good time was had by all- so relaxing and fun-thanks Ben and Javier!! By the way, their dogs are adorable.....

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

Truly a great find

Guest: Katie (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

I had the pleasure of staying at Ben and Javier's beautiful home this past weekend. I was traveling with my 21 month old son and they did everything possible to make my stay comfortable and enjoyable. They even invited me down to dinner with their family one evening which was a real treat. I was able to meet Ben's 3 sons (all very adorable by the way) and get to know their very tight knit family. I hated leaving as their home truly is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city, but in the heart of the action so you won't miss a beat. I most definitely recommend this place to anyone traveling to the L.A. area and looking for a place with charm, comfort and relaxation. Ben and Javier were superb hosts and I hope I get the pleasure of visiting them again during my next trip to L.A. Thanks so much fellas! And there is an extra bottle of Prosecco in the fridge for you :) Enjoy

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

Fantastic Stay

Guest: Joe (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/15/11

My daughter and i stayed at Bens for 4 nights and it was absolutely perfect! From the time we walked in we felt welcomed and relaxed! The pool, hot tub and room were absolutely delightful! We even made new friends with other guests! Our next visit will absolutely include this property! It very conveniently located and Ben is very knowledgeable about restaurants and things to do!

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

Staying at Ben's home is an absolute joy!

Guest: Dana (Portland, oregon)
Date of Stay: 05/04/11 Review Submitted: 05/20/11

I rented the bottom unit of Ben's guest house from May 4th-13th 2011, and had a wonderful time! My husband stayed with me for the first part and my mom was with with me for the second part (I was in town for some medical treatment). Ben is the kindest person you could ever hope to meet, and he and his sons and aunt made us feel like we were part of the family. His dogs are delightful too! I didn't get to meet Javier because was out of town, but I'm sure he is as wonderful as Ben. The unit is clean, comfortable, nicely-decorated, and well-stocked, and the wi-fi works great. The garden and pool are absolutely beautiful! The neighborhood is beautiful, quiet, and safe, and there is plenty of free street parking. The location is excellent too - it's less than a mile to the Walk of Stars and Grauman-Mann Chinese theater (I recommend that you walk there), and it's less than 5 miles to Universal Studios. There are also numerous grocery stores, drug stores, and restaurants nearby (and Ben wil give you great advice about which restaurants to try). The condo is closer to the Burbank airport than LAX, so you might might want to fly into Burbank. I do recommend that you get a rental car, beause there are so many interesting places to visit! I also had a GPS, which was a lifesaver. Make sure you pay attention to the meter laws in the different parts of town, becuase they differ from place to place and the tickets are steep! I write this review with the fear that Ben's place will become so popular that it won't be available to rent again in the future, but I wanted to be honest about what a wonderful place it is to stay!

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

Enchanting.

Guest: AGH (Mountain View, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 04/14/11

I love vacationing in L.A., and this property is situated to take advantage of my favorite bits: Fairfax District, Hollywood, and hiking in the hills. But we hardly needed the city outside the fenced yard of this guesthouse to make us feel like we were on vacation. It was like a tiny private resort. Ben and Javier made us feel welcome and were a wealth of information. The one bedroom unit, where we stayed, is cozy, comfortable and beautifully decorated. The weather was good, so the seating area around the pool was like having a whole other room--my favorite room of them all. I loved bringing my novel and morning coffee outside at breakfast, or sharing a bottle of wine with local friends around the teak table in the evening. (Our L.A. friends liked the grounds so much, they preferred coming to “our” place over entertaining us in their own.) My teen and ‘tween daughters loved having other rooms to escape to when grownup conversation got boring, and we loved having a place to stash them when we wanted peace and quiet. Our puppy loved playing with the resident dogs, so there was something for everyone. It’s hard to feel like you’re “getting away from it all” when you travel with kids, but our stay at Ben and Javier’s guesthouse came as close to that as any parent could desire.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful setting, perfect location, wonderful hosts!

Guest: ErinAdam (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/06/11 Review Submitted: 06/15/11

My husband and I stayed at Ben & Javier's place for 5 days in April 2011. We had the Studio Apartment (no kitchen). It was the perfect size for the two of us. Extremely clean and well maintained. The property itself is beautiful as well. Such a pleasure to wake up in the morning and look out over the lush garden and pool area. The location is also amazing. Right off of Sunset Blvd, near Hollywood and Highland, very convenient to go sightseeing in LA. We had a rental car, which I would recommend. We saw the Kodak Theatre, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Warner Bros Studio, Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Pier, Malibu, Arclight Theatre, and much much more. Ben and Javier are a wealth of information about the area and things to see and do, as well as great restaurants to try. (Cheebo was our personal fave, and it's within walking distance.) This was our first visit to LA and we fell in love. We will be back to stay at Ben and Javier's again in the future, as it was a perfect experience!

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

Book Now! You won't be disappointed!

Guest: Julie and Carly (Minneapolis MN)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/20/11

My 19 year old daughter and I stayed at this property for one week. There are many adjectives that I could use to describe the property...simply an amazing place. The pictures posted of this property accurately represent the listing. The property is well maintained and lush in the backyard/pool area. We rented the lower apartment and it was very comfortable, CLEAN, and safe. The location of the property to area attractions could not be better. We enjoyed Universal Studios, Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, Hollywood, Madame Tussauds, Starline Tours, Santa Monica Pier and more. Numerous places to eat within a 2 mile raduis. I have stayed at other rentals properties and must say that Ben (owner) stands out and was very helpful in getting us acclaimated to the area. Ben, thank you for contributing to this wonderful vacation. I highly recommend this property and it exceeded our expectations.

Owner response:Dear Julia and Carly, Thank you so much for your kind and glowing review. I enjoyed having you stay with us and hope you added much to the memory bank of your Hollywood trip! ( Even if you didn't get to see the A list celebrities!! ) Wishing you good health and happiness....Ben

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

Hidden Hideaway close to everything

Guest: Kathy I (Oldsmar, FL)
Date of Stay: 01/05/11 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

I had a fabulous vacation while staying in the first floor apartment Jan 2010 while visiting family in the LA area. The apartment is a large room with futon, queen bed, kitchen area (fully stocked), and a separate bathroom and walk in closet. The apartment is clean and comfortable. The property is absolutely beautiful. The owners Ben and Jav are attentive and caring that my stay was a good one. Ben was so helpful in making suggestions on where to go and what to do. The hiking in the Hollywood Hills (from the apartment) should not be missed with amazing views of luxury homes and the LA skyline. I felt as if I were in an oasis while the hustle and bustle of LA was just blocks away. Very convenient to all Hollywood attractions: Melrose, Sunset, Grauman's, Walk of Fame, Kodak theatre, Griffith Park, Universal, and fab eateries. Also went to The Getty: Incredible. Highly recommend. Can't wait to come back.

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

If we are again in LA, this is were we will choose to stay.

Guest: Peter & Burg (Brisbane, Queensland. Asutralia)
Date of Stay: 12/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/23/11

My family and I stayed at this address while we were in LA before we started our trip around the States and Canada in early December. The rooms were very comfortable, it was clean and the kitchen was great as was the surroundings. There was a lovely pool but due to it being winter we did not use it, but it was very inviting. Ben and Jay were the perfect hosts as they assisted us with where to go and places to see and were always helpful, and nothing was too much trouble for them. Ben very kindly took us for a drive around the area and was kind enough to drop us off at Universal Studios one day. We were so taken with the friendliness of the hosts and the property that we booked it for our daughter and her boyfriend to stay in when they were visiting LA in January. From all accounts they enjoyed their time there as well. If you are in LA and want a place to stay, that is both comfortable and in a great location, this is it..I can say no more.

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

Enfolding oasis in Hollywood

Guest: Leanne & Keith (McCrae, Victoria, Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/20/10 Review Submitted: 08/27/10

This listing delivers everything described & more. The gardens, pool & appartments are well appointed & tastefully decorated, our appartment gave us privacy with room to relax, unwind & unpack. Our bed was so very comfortable that we slept well every night. Ben & Jav are warm & generous hosts, willing to help in any way they can. We enjoyed walking the dogs with Ben, meeting the neighbours & hearing stories about the area, swimming in the pool & chatting to other visitors. We appreciated advice on where to eat, what buses to catch & what was the 'must see & do' while we were there. It amazed us that this oasis could be located so centraly between Sunset & Hollywood Blvds, we could walk to great eaterys & site seeing. Cheebo's would be our favorite place to eat & Cantaloop or Pink Berry for frozen yoghurt on a hot day especially after a swim in the pool. We are already recommending Ben & Jav's home to our friends, just hope there is room for us when we want to return.

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

Beautiful Home Away From Home

Guest: GS (Akron, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 08/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/22/10

I recently spent a week at this property in Hollywood and found it to be a very charming and comfortable place to stay. The home and guest apartments are beautifully appointed and very private. The apartment I stayed in was very clean and comfortable. The owners, Ben and Jav couldn't have been nicer and provided everything I needed to make my stay comfortable and enjoyable. The pool and spa are awesome and immaculate! I am already thinking about my next visit to the area and would definitely stay here again!!

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

EVERYTHING YOU CAN ASK FOR AND MORE!

Guest: sylvia&zeejay (EDMONTON AB CANADA)
Date of Stay: 08/09/10 Review Submitted: 08/26/10

my husband and I spent 4 nights at the studio apartment as part of our one week trip to LA and we absolutely loved it. we chose this place based on other traveler's reviews recommendation, location, price and we loooooooooved it. the location is excellent and if hollywood blvd up the hill or sunset blvd down the block is not enough for you than I'm not sure what is. it's a walking distance to cafes/restaurants and major tourist attraction such as hollywood walk of fame, kodak theatre etc, the room was spacious and very well taken care of. the whole property was an 'oasis' in otherwise very busy LA. we enjoyed the pool on a few occasions and the jacuzzi. ben and javier couldn't be more generous or hospitable hosts. we were treated to tea every morning! we also socialized with other guests but you can choose to be private and you won't be bothered. trust my recommendation! i did my research prior to booking this place and couldn't have wished for a better experience. BEN & JAV :THANK YOU both for your hospitality, 'personalized map' of the local knowledge, car deal, IKE sushi, john kelly's chocolate and all of the above.

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.

THE BEST PLACE in LA and THE BEST FRIENDS

Guest: chefvary (Firenze - Italy)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 09/02/10

We write this review in two languages so that the Italian friends that others can read. (In English will be a little imaginative .... but ...) The house is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Hollywood. The palm trees that surround this house make the environment even more fascinating. The thing we loved most, besides the swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants, the heated Jacuzzi, a comfortable kitchen were his hosts: Ben and YAV (also Mrs. Sheerly!). You will feel more at home that their disruptive sympathy and sense of hospitality will make your stay unforgettable in LA. Go there this home is the right choice. SUGGESTIONS: John Kelly down the street fantastic chocolates, 5 minutes drive Ralphs supermarket, 10 minutes walk Yogurt froze, 900mt Kodak Theatre and Huge Shopping Center, 5 minutes by car Bristol Famr other stocked gourmet supermarket. The area is safe and easy parking

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

STOP SEARCHING... YOU HAVE FOUND YOUR APARTMENT

Guest: Lisa (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/29/10 Review Submitted: 07/06/10

I am almost a little scared to tell people how good this place actually is incase there is no availability next time we want to come and stay! The location is amazing. You are right in the middle of everything in between Sunset and Hollywood Blvds. Walking distance to pretty much any attraction and if you don't want to walk you can just jump in a cab or catch a bus. We stayed in the bottom apartment which opens straight out onto the pool and Jacuzzi. The bed is super comfortable and the kitchen has everything you could possibly need. The apartment is open and provides alot of natural light, its very clean and well looked after, just like a home away from home. Ben, the owner, would have to be one of the most warm and generous people you could meet. He can provide you with a wealth of local knowledge, the kind of information you won't find in tourist guides. He is friendly and funny and makes you feel so welcome. Nothing is too much trouble for him. Due to there being a couple of apartments available to rent, you can choose to socialise with other guests or just do your own thing. I don't think I will let any of my friends or family visit LA unless they stay at this place. We were only meant to do 5 nights but we ended up staying 7! (lucky Ben was so accommodating) I have no hesitation in recommending this property to ANYONE! You would be crazy to stay in a hotel when you can experience Ben's Tropical Oasis hidden in the middle of Hollywood. I can say without any doubt in my mind that my 'partner' and I will be back!!

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

Gorgeous place and superb hospitality!

Guest: Marianne (Malmö, Sweden)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/08/10

Both me and my husband love this place, we loved it so much that we chose to stay here even the second time we visited LA. I recommend everybody to choose this little oasis, not only because of the beautiful apartments and settings but the great hospitality and the friendly people. Miss you all and would love to come back again sometime!

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.

A luxurious and peaceful home away from home

Guest: Aussie director (Sydney)
Date of Stay: 06/07/10 Review Submitted: 06/27/10

I've spent three weeks here and couldn't have wished for a more pleasant experience. They are the most hospitable, discerning and kind hosts and they take great pride in making sure everyone's needs are met. The pool and garden are gorgeous and the guest houses are incredibly well maintained. You can be private or social. The advantages over a hotel are obvious - it's incredibly well situated, there is on street parking, it's close to supermarkets and great cafes/restaurants and it's a stroll to Runyon Canyon. It's a home away from home.

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

J & J

Guest: J N J (Corvallis, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 05/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/10/10

Wonderful hospitality in beautiful neighborhood. We could easily walk or take a cab to destinations or just relax by the pool. Home owners were helpful and enjoyable to visit with and made us feel very comfortable. Thanks!

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

Wonderful Oasis in Hollywood

Guest: Ruby V. (San Leandro, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/10/10 Review Submitted: 05/26/10

I stayed in the lower-level studio unit with my mother on a recent (May 2010) trip to L.A. to visit relatives. The property fit the bill for all our needs: a quiet, comfortable, safe place that was central to the areas of L.A. we were visiting, walking distance or short driving distance from shopping and restaurants, and reasonably priced. Having a hot tub right outside our door was a huge plus too! The owners were attentive and friendly hosts, making sure we had whatever we needed and providing any information we needed about the area, traffic, etc. When I mentioned after the first night that the sofa bed was a little hard, they went out and got a memory foam topper - subsequently I had the most comfortable sleeping experience I've had in years! Top-notch towels and linens too. Street parking was sometimes a little challenging, but I never had to park more than a block away and usually found space close to the house. I didn't do much sightseeing on this trip (not my first time in L.A. or Hollywood), but I plan to come back with my husband and stay in the upper unit. Mostly ate out with relatives in other areas, but we ate twice at Sunset Thai down the street - excellent food and the owner was very nice. Also, don't miss stopping in at the John Kelly Chocolate factory, also very close by. The only caveat I would mention is that this might not be the right place if you don't want to interact with your hosts and other guests. I personally enjoy that and much prefer a homier environment than a hotel. I would definitely recommend this property.

Owner response:Thank you Ruby, It was a pleasure meeting you and your mom... Regards, Ben & Jav

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

Guest: Nilton Santis (Sao Paulo , Brazil)
Date of Stay: 10/18/09 Review Submitted: 10/18/09

Staying at Ben´s was surely my best choice. The house is beautiful and a cozy place to stay. I'd recomend to anyone . It´s like staying at your on house or probably even better

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