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Travel Writer's Pad

Photo gallery for Travel Writer's Pad

Outdoor dining
Property grounds
Property grounds
Terrace/patio
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 61100 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
La Mesa, CA
  • Place, Computer Museum of America
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, The Salvation Army Kroc Center
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Mission Trails Regional Park Lake Murray
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Travel Writer's Pad

Hello, Bonjour, Hola, Ciao, Ni Hao!
Welcome to Travel Writer's Pad. It’s a pleasure to have you as my guest.

For the past two decades my career as a travel journalist has taken me around the globe. I’ve stayed at thousands of accommodations, where I learned personal touches create a comfortable home away from home. Certain places I visited offered extra special amenities. Green tea at a Japanese Ryokan; chardonnay infused bath salts at a Mexican posada; pink sugar at California’s Madonna Inn; and more. I’ve collected many goodies on my travels for you to enjoy at this vacation rental.

The house was built in 1946. My family lived in it for 25 years. We added modern day amenities and appliances, but kept the historic integrity of the sweet bungalow. The property has a 1/3-acre park-like, fenced backyard surrounded by citrus, fig, and persimmon trees, whose fruit you’re welcome to enjoy. Adirondack chairs sit nearby for you to relax, sip coffee and watch your children or dog run around the lawn.

A secluded patio extends outside the dining room French doors. Vine covered walls, blooming flower beds, and a Mexican terra-cotta chiminea are the perfect setting for grilling and dinner at the outdoor table.

The kitchen is equipped for all your cooking needs. There are five TVs, including one in the bathroom. Central air conditioning and heat throughout the house. Linens and towels provided. Washer, dryer, and dishwasher, also.

The location is easily accessible to San Diego highlights — the San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado, beaches, Balboa Park museums, Petco Park, Seaworld, and the airport. Yet, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Plus, the added benefit of being close to hiking and mountain biking trails.

Our house is a five minute drive to popular La Mesa Village with it’s trendy restaurants and boutique shops. Grocery stores and Starbucks are within walking distance. And, San Diego State University is two miles away, with concert venues and sports stadium.

Enjoy!

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Large, fenced backyard for kids to run and play.
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Events

No events allowed
Inform owner if having party. Ten attendees max.
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
$100 pet fee per dog, per stay.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
$75.00 pet fee per dog, per stay.

Important information

You need to know

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
Note from host: Inform owner if having party. Ten attendees max.
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

Located in La Mesa, this holiday home is in the city centre and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Balboa Park and Mission Bay, while San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum are popular area attractions. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Snapdragon Stadium or Petco Park. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like hiking and cycling.
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Map
La Mesa, CA

What's nearby

  • Computer Museum of America - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • The Salvation Army Kroc Center - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Mission Trails Regional Park Lake Murray - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • La Mesa Memorial Fine Arts Center - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • San Diego Police Museum - 4 min drive - 3.0 km

Getting around

  • Old Town Transit Center - 17 min drive
  • 70th St. Trolley Station - 17 min walk
  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Better Buzz Coffee - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Chuy's Taco Shop - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Denny's - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Travel Writer's Pad pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Travel Writer's Pad?

As of 12 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Travel Writer's Pad on 15 Apr, 2026 start from S$247, 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.

How much is parking at Travel Writer's Pad?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Travel Writer's Pad?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Travel Writer's Pad?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Travel Writer's Pad located?

Located in the heart of La Mesa, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater, San Diego State University and Viejas Arena. Cowles Mountain and Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala are also within 6 miles (10 km). 70th St. Trolley Station is 17 minutes by foot and Alvarado Station is 25 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leonard L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Nice property, Clean and prepared for all our family needs including our dog. Lovely outdoor space and very quiet neighborhood during the day & night.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I enjoyed this charming property very much. The hosts are gracious and helpful. My dog loved the big backyard.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

very comfortable stay

The home is extremely comfortable and the patio and back yard is terrific for a relaxing vacation (we used the outside extensively). The host met us on the 1st day, walked us around and through the property, has a wonderful personality and made us very confident that this was a terrific choice for a stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sweet home away from home

Cute place with beautiful back yard
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome host/house

The host and house were amazing, huge back yard for the kids to run around.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Find!

If you're looking for a centrally located gem this is it! The house was clean well decorated the yard is beautiful and let me tell you Maggie has thought of everything to make your stay peaceful and worry free!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joyce O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved Our Stay

This home was adorable. The yard was perfect for our dogs. Very clean and had everything we needed. Communication with Maggie was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

HERI V.

Very impressed

The property was very nice and cozy. Was very clean and organized enjoyed all the amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Annie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2nd time stay

This is the second time staying here. Always a comfortable place to stay. We really enjoy the backyard. It is a large yard for your dog to romp around on.
Stayed 15 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

La Mesa Charmer

This charming cottage was very comfortable. The 1940/1950 construction has been well preserved and maintained. The patio was cozy and the huge back yard was amazing. The location was perfect for East San Diego activities and there was easy access to Hwy 80.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home, quiet neighborhood

Stayed here for our daughter's graduation weekend. Quick drive to campus from this neighborhood. House was very cute, yard was huge and very beautiful!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best home ❤️

My husband and his came to San Diego to visit our daughter. The Traveler Writer's Pad is the peaceful, we decided to spend a whole day resting and enjoying the serenity of the back yard. We are very grateful to have found this gem in La Mesa.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Maggie is a fantastic host & The Travel Writer's Pad is a charming & comfortable place to stay. We especially liked how clean it was & the yard was perfect for our little poodle. The back patio & yard is a great place to hangout. Just like the photos show, it is lovely. There are so many special touches & amenities, we didn't lack for anything. The neighborhood is nice & in a good location, with many restaurants & stores close by, along with many attractions & beaches just a short drive away. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Cecilia who gave us a informative tour of the house & grounds. This was a very nice touch. Unfortunately, we stayed at a place in Oceanside that was nothing like the photos. It was horrible. That is not the case with The Travelers Writer's Pad. The photos show what a lovely place this is. We highly recommend a stay here.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pam O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just AWESOME!!

The property is lovely-spacious, attractive and spotless. The host is delightful and provided little amenities to make our stay special. She also did an in-person walkthrough. This was great as I was was traveling with my two young dongs and was able ask her questions in person. Total thumbs up/paws up! We look forward to returning!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

T R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway

Best getaway my family has had in a long time. We all LOVED this house. And our dog did too. The backyard is enormous, lots of space for our dog to run around/lay in the sun. We loved eating outside on the patio every morning and at night playing games. Maggie is the perfect host, she literally has thought of everything, The Travel Writers Pad has it all. This house was absolutely wonderful, quiet neighborhood, close to everything and to say we had a great time is an understatement. Next time we are in San Diego, we will be staying here.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol E.

San Diego Fun Times

Maggie's place is beautiful! The whole house and yard are immaculately clean and tidy. Maggie thought of everything to make your stay welcoming, fun, and interesting, with so many little touches that make you feel at home. And it is perfect for bringing your dogs! The yard is large and private. It's completely fenced, with flood lights at night, which makes it safe and easy to use. Plus, it is very centrally located, making it super easy to get around San Diego. We loved staying here and hope to return again and again! Thank You Maggie, for everything!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Trenton R., San Diego

Delightful place to stay! Feels like home!

Outdoor Oasis is wonderful. It is a very nicely kept home in a quiet neighborhood in La Mesa. The home is stocked with everything you need for a weekend stay or a week long vacation. The decoration of the home is travel themed and very warm and welcoming. The bedrooms are comfortable and quiet. Plenty of tv's for entertainment. The yard is outstanding - huge and private, with little covered seating areas and places to enjoy the weather. I enjoyed watching the sun rise from the patio. The location is pretty central in La Mesa, with easy access to Rolando Park, La Mesa Village, SDSU, MIssion Trails, etc... Walk to local Terra for a good meal or Tako Factory if on the run and want tasty takos. . Maggie was awesome and was helpful when we checked in. She was very responsive when I had a question. Overall a wonderful stay. I would go back for sure! (Oh - very pet friendly property!!!!! :)
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Donna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was beautiful. The yard was amazing. Maggie was great on all the details. We were so happy that it had air conditioning as it was HOT for San Diego. My kids and grandkids came; they loved the big yard, barbecuing and playing in the sprinkler. It was a wonderful time had by all. Thanks, Maggie.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a FANTASTIC place to stay. Our hostess was the mostest! She has created the perfect place where doggies are taken into consideration. An enormous back yard to play and throw the ball, a little dog park in the back area I. The back and so many different places to sit outside and relax and a great BBQ was available for a great outdoor dining experience . Inside the house is spacious, clean, roomy and cozy at the same time. Great sized refrigerator/freezer. We were never at a loss for supplies. The kitchen was fully loaded including a Keurig with plenty of various coffees and creamers. There is a washer dryer outside in the garage but we didn’t get around to using it. The WIFI was strong enough to host six of us using it at the same time without a glitch or slowdown. We are looking coming back to this La Mesa treasure again in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

SHANNON C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect place

Maggie is a great host with an awesome oasis. I loved exploring the home's decor and uniqueness. I highly recommend this clean and comfy place.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay in La Mesa, CA

We had a great time at Maggie's. The property was clean and comfortable. We enjoyed all of her memorabilia. One friend who visited for breakfast called the house charming, which it is. Also, the beds are very comfortable. and the yard and seating areas are fabulous. Thank you so much!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy La Mesa Bungalow

First time for us in the La Mesa neighborhood. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw how nice this home was. For it’s small size, it had unique charm and pride in ownership. The yard was beautiful and very spacious with lots of fruit trees. The region is very close to downtown and the beach-20 minutes. The town boasts great food and shops and we walked only 2 miles to get there. The host provided great neighborhood recommendations for trails, and restaurants in a nice booklet. The only things I would suggest changing would be to have a better seating arrangement around the TV with one additional sofa or couch on the opposite side for family, and a 4 slice toaster. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful yard, wonderful host

Maggie was by the way the best host I’ve experienced with a rental! Her communication, thoughtfulness, etc were wonderful. Her home was just right for our family vacay. The backyard is amazing and perfect for kids, too!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Annie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Will stay here again

The owner had everything we needed. It was perfect for us to visit with family and friends. Very nice backyard.
Stayed 13 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful 'home away from home'

Maggie's place is exceptionally beautiful and peaceful. I highly recommend staying in La Mesa at the 'Travel Writer's Pad'!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Maggie Espinosa

Host profile image
My career as a travel journalist has taken me all over the world. I love visiting new countries, learning about new cultures, and meeting new people. I've been warmly welcomed around the globe, so I opened this sweet bungalow to welcome people to my city.

Why they chose this property

This VRBO is the house my husband and I purchased when we were first married in 1992. We lived in it for 25 years, before moving to a place three miles away. We love La Mesa's community and small town feel.

What makes this property unique

We fell in love with the property's charm and the huge backyard. It is like a private park.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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