Charming Hilltop Home · Private Pool · Arcade · Close to Downtown La Mesa
Welcome to our 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom private pool home with one king bed and two queens. This stunning retreat offers ample space for your entire group, with large windows flooding the home with natural light and panoramic views of rolling hills. Our home features an open-concept living space, chef's kitchen, indoor fireplace, private patio and pool, 14-game arcade, and a dedicated office—everything you need for business and pleasure. A short stroll to historic La Mesa Village's shops and cafes, 15 minutes to Downtown San Diego.
The space
Traveler's Dream Master Bedroom: One king-size bed with large windows looking out to the swimming pool 2nd Bedroom: Queen-sized bed, large windows 3rd Bedroom: Queen-sized bed Living Room: Queen-size sofa bed
~ Dining Area Fully equipped kitchen: Utensils, plates, stove, oven, microwave, fridge, blender, coffee maker, kettle, and more Kitchen Dining Table: 8 Seats
~Living Room Large 65' inch flat screen TV with Fire stick streaming options/live TV High-speed WIFI internet Central AC/Heating Unit Fireplace Sofa bed (queen size)
~Balcony Outdoor dining table (seats 6) + additional lounge seating Solar-powered lights Overlooks the swimming pool BBQ grill
~Patio Swimming pool Lounge chairs Pool toys/equipment
~Office 14-game arcade Dedicated workspace (desk + chair) Yoga mats Small weight set Pool towels
Guest access Our smart lock system provides guests with the convenience of keyless access throughout their stay. This means that you can enter the entire home, including the backyard, front, and side yards without any hassle.
Other things to note - Our property is truly one-of-a-kind. ~ After a day of exploring San Diego's attractions, treat yourself to a cozy night in our home, nestled right into the hilltop. A mix of vintage charm and tasteful interior design, our home will feel like a truly unique stay and experience. Whether your intention is quality time with family or creating unforgettable memories with friends, this space is the perfect haven for both.
~The property is conveniently located near many of San Diego’s top attractions: Downtown La Mesa Village: 3–5 minutes Mission Valley / SDSU: 10–12 minutes Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo: 15 minutes Downtown San Diego / Gaslamp Quarter: 15–18 minutes Beaches (Mission Beach, Pacific Beach): 20–25 minutes La Jolla Cove: 25 minutes
~ Please observe our HOUSE RULES. ~ We have these rules in place to maintain the highest quality stay for our guests! Unplug all unused appliances, hair curler, laptop chargers from socket when leaving the home. Turn off the stove, oven, and AC/heater. No Smoking of ANY KIND inside/outside of property/driveway ($1,000 Penalty) No parties, events, birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette stays Check-in time is 4:00pm - 10:00pm No Extra/ Overnight Guests. Please message us beforehand for confirmation. No Mail Delivered here No moving or rearranging of the furniture No unplugging of the electronics No Pre-Check in Bag Storage No disturbing neighbors No parking anywhere other than assigned spaces described No loud noise or music past 9:30 pm •10:00 am is check-out time.
Other things to note Property Disclosures:
General - This home is intended for quiet, relaxing stays only. - No parties, events, or gatherings beyond the registered guests.
Maximum occupancy: 8
Noise & Community - Please be mindful of our neighbors and the surrounding community at all times. - Quiet hours are observed in the evenings in accordance with local guidelines (10PM - 6AM) - Excessive noise, amplified music, or disruptive behavior is not permitted.
Guests & Visitors - For everyone’s comfort and to comply with local guidelines, the property is limited to the registered number of guests. Please let us know in advance if you have questions about visitors.
Pets - We are pet-friendly with prior disclosure (pet fee will apply). - Pets must not be left unattended outdoors or on furniture unless protected. - Guests are responsible for any pet-related damage or extra cleaning.
Safety & Property Care - Please use amenities responsibly, including the hot tub, pool, fire pit, and game equipment. - No fireworks, open flames beyond the designated fire pit, or illegal activities. - Please respect the home and leave it in good condition at checkout.
Compliance - These rules help us remain compliant with local regulations and ensure a peaceful stay for all guests. - Failure to follow house rules may result in cancellation of the stay without refund.
We have two, actively recording cameras overlooking the front entrance and backyard patio which records video and audio upon live motion movement in the area. There is also a smart home device in the hallway which actively records noise decibel levels. The smart home device does not record audio or video. All camera devices are on the exterior of the property and in no way, shape, or form point inside the house to protect your privacy. Devices are on 24/7. There are no indoor cameras.
We reserve the right to cancel your reservation and enforce fines if our rules are broken. Booking of this property is acceptance of our house rules.
Important days and times to note:
Tuesday is trash day so if you are able to take the trash cans out to the street on Monday night, we would so appreciate it. **Those staying longer term will want to keep up with the trash so they have empty cans for the rest of their stay.
The pool cleaner comes weekly on Friday mornings for about an hour but will not disturb you. The pool vacuum may make noise throughout the day but that just means it is working well! We have it on a daily timer to run from about 9AM to 4PM. The pool is not heated**
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Pets must be house-trained. Pls pick up after them
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
To assist our housekeepers, please do the following:
-Check out on time by 10am
-Please place any used towels, bath mats, or hand towels on the bathroom floor.
-Turn off all lights, TVs, and AC/Heater
-Close all windows and curtains
-Make sure front door is locked before leaving
-Please do not lock any other doors within the house.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 5096198vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
La Mesa
La Mesa is home to this holiday home. USS Midway Museum and Pechanga Arena are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include San Diego Zoo and Waterfront Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Petco Park or Snapdragon Stadium.
La Mesa Memorial Fine Arts Center - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
The Bancroft - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
San Diego State University - 6 min drive - 6.4 km
San Diego Convention Center - 16 min drive - 19.8 km
San Diego Zoo - 17 min drive - 21.3 km
Getting around
La Mesa Boulevard Station - 12 min walk
Old Town Transit Center - 20 min drive
San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
Nachos Taco Shop - 3 min drive
Wendy's - 3 min drive
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters - 3 min drive
Spring Valley Inn - 4 min drive
Starbucks - 15 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Charming Hilltop Home · Private Pool · Arcade · Close to Downtown La Mesa have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming Hilltop Home · Private Pool · Arcade · Close to Downtown La Mesa?
As of 8 Oct, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Hilltop Home · Private Pool · Arcade · Close to Downtown La Mesa on 4 Jan, 2027 start from S$1,350, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Charming Hilltop Home · Private Pool · Arcade · Close to Downtown La Mesa pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much is parking at Charming Hilltop Home · Private Pool · Arcade · Close to Downtown La Mesa?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming Hilltop Home · Private Pool · Arcade · Close to Downtown La Mesa?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming Hilltop Home · Private Pool · Arcade · Close to Downtown La Mesa?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Charming Hilltop Home · Private Pool · Arcade · Close to Downtown La Mesa located?
Situated in La Mesa, this holiday home is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Sharp Grossmont Hospital and within 6 miles (10 km) of San Diego State University and Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater. Mount Helix Park and Viejas Arena are also within 6 miles (10 km). La Mesa Boulevard Station is 12 minutes by foot and Spring St Trolley Station is 24 minutes.
Reviews
8.0
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This property for our family’s needs well. We enjoyed hanging out by the pool and grilling in the patio overlooking beautiful views. The kitchen was nicely stocked too.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Sept, 2026
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for the kind words about our home. It was a pleasure hosting you and your family!
We really enjoyed our stay at this lovely home. The pool was awesome and the covered deck and barbecue was perfect for enjoying meals with friends and family and cozy nights under the stars. The home was sparkling clean, the beds were so comfortable and each room had a big tv. It happened to be one of the hottest weeks in San Diego yet we were cool and comfortable. La Mesa offers a Farmers Market on Fridays we all loved visiting. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect home.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Sept, 2026
Thank you for this glowing review of our home! It brings us great joy to hear that the home was 'perfect' for your needs, that everything was sparkling clean, and the beds were super comfy. We're glad you could beat the heat with the pool, the covered deck, and the AC inside the home.
Thank you again for staying with us — you are the best part of what we do and we can't thank you enough for being communicative and respectful guests. Please do come back anytime!
Thanks for the review and for taking good care of our home, Maiyra!
Verified review
2/10 Terrible
Keith G.
12 Aug, 2026
Liked: Location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy
This was the worst experience we have ever had renting a house. We could not get the shower to work, We could not get the television to work (no instructions were left as to how to work either) There were multiple door knobs hanging loose from their openings. The floor tile in the half bath is cracked and separating. Paint is peeling from kitchen cabinets and drawers as well as from walls. The driveway is so steep we were afraid of damaging our rental car.The swimming pool does not have any handrails for getting in and out safely. We plan on inquiring of the City of La Mesa to determine if this is a legal issue for rental situations.Although we had rented the house for three nights we left after only one due to the conditions and checked into a hotel. The owner has refused to consider any refund.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Sept, 2026
We're disappointed this experience played out the way it did as it was entirely avoidable had there been any communication from the guest during their stay. We reached out multiple times asking if anything was needed and received no response for over 24 hours, only hearing from this guest after they had already checked out.
Shower instructions are clearly documented in our VRBO welcome guide. A quick message to us would have resolved this instantly. The TVs require only a power button on the remote. The driveway is at a decline with a one-way sign clearly posted and noted in our welcome messages. The pool and its entry points are clearly shown in our listing photos.
The guest-host relationship depends on two communicative, good-faith parties: one opening their home to strangers, and those strangers engaging respectfully with that trust. Ignoring a host's messages throughout an entire stay and then cataloguing complaints after checkout is not only fundamentally unfair, it causes harm to small, family-run businesses like ours who pour time, care, and resources into creating a quality experience for every guest.
We pride ourselves on responsiveness and problem-solving and would have happily addressed every single one of these concerns had we been given the opportunity. Sadly, we were not.
To future guests: we are highly responsive hosts with a strong track record and would love the opportunity to host you and demonstrate that firsthand.
About the host
Hosted by Job Merkel
I'm an athlete, husband, and tennis fanatic who loves to travel and meet new people. My partner and I enjoy welcoming guests and take pride in thoughtfully designed, well-maintained homes across the U.S.
Why they chose this property
We love this home because it is the perfect escape. It's got city and mountain views. You can hunker down into this hillside home if you want privacy and quiet or drive 3 minutes to La Mesa downtown for great cafes, restaurants, and things to do.
What makes this property unique
Our home is truly unique because it is built into the hillside in historic and charming La Mesa. Our neighborhood has an intimate feel to it and the home is one-of-a-kind. But you'll have to decide that for yourself!