Just got back from 1 week in Emmett's house in Venice, where my wife and I and our 3 kids (18 to 23) had an amazing trip.
Firstly, I am highly impressed with how organized and responsive Emmett is. We had a bit of a glitch in getting the key when we first arrived, but even though Emmett was out of town, he kept on top of phone calls and emails until everything got sorted out. It wasn't Emmett's fault - the cleaning person who was supposed to leave the door open inside the garage forgot and instead locked it. But Emmett's info sheet he had emailed me had names and numbers of neighbours, who were very helpful. Also, he has now set things up so this won't happen again.
Bottom line, the pictures are very accurate, and the place is gorgeous. The decor, furniture, even art on the walls made this a beautiful house - even nicer than our own house! The bed in the master bedroom was one of the most comfortable we have ever slept on. The entire place is immaculately clean. For the cost of one hotel room, we had out own 3 bedroom house. If we go back to L.A., we wouldn't want to stay anywhere else.
The location also is ideal. You are a 2 minute walk from Abbot Kinney blvd, the main street of Venice, loaded with cool shops and fantastic boutiques. My daughter told me she read that the best men's clothes shops in L.A. are on Abbot Kinney, and I can see why they say that (although the prices at some are shocking!) We are foodies, and every restaurant we passed on Abbot Kinney looked amazing - no golden arches in sight ! (although there is an In and Out burger 5 mins drive away, which we made it to - had to try this famous L.A. place) We had brunch at 3 Squares Cafe, which was probably the best brunch I've ever had. We lucked into a table at Gjelina without a reservation - it's supposedly one of the hottest Italian restaurants in L.A. and the food doesn't disappoint - not cheap, but the wood oven pizzas were mind-blowing. Lunch at Lemonade is also highly recommended, and the pizza from Abbot's was great. You can walk to the beach and even to Santa Monica (if you don't mind an hour's walk). Venice is so laid back, beautiful and non-commercial - I am very glad we stayed there rather than Santa Monica. My daughter found this amazing vintage clothing store, and I checked out the Friday morning Farmer's Market. You are 10 minutes to the airport, and fairly central to head out anywhere in L.A.
