Beautiful retreat in the middle of it all

Kryss S. (California)
Review submitted: April 18, 2013   Date of arrival: March 22, 2013

My friend and I had a fantastic stay at the bungalow. Kelly was prompt, responsive and easy to deal with, and her manager who met me at the bungalow was very helpful.
The bungalow is cosy without being cramped, with two bedrooms and a roomy shared bath. The kitchen looks quite functional though we didn't use it, and there is a comfortable living area though we spent more of our time out on the deck enjoying the amazing weather. There is another rental that shares the property though we never saw the other visitors and the yard is big enough to coexist easily.
The bungalow is in a quiet residential neighborhood full of beautiful houses and gorgeous vegetation. It is a peaceful area but close to lots of activity. We were able to walk to the beach, the Santa Monica pier, Venice Beach and Abbot-Kinney for shopping. Highlights for us were margaritas at La Cabana and dinner at Sunny Spot, a Caribbean place with good food and fantastic cocktails a short drive away. There is also a good coffee shop a 10-minute walk away.
i am very happy to recommend the bungalow for anyone looking to get enjoy a great part of LA while still feeling relaxed.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Great place in Santa Monica

Vasilij (Riga, Latvia)
Review submitted: September 22, 2012   Date of arrival: September 15, 2012

Our family of 4 visited Santa Monica for 5 days in September. As we love Ocean Park, this property was exacly what we needed with a great location, close to the beach and only 15-20 min drive from the airport. The setup of the cottage was perfect with 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and a nice deck to enjoy our morning coffee and evening meals. Everything very clean and fully equiped with towels and linen. Thanks to Kelly and Wendy, they have done a great job, so our booking, arrival and stay were very smooth. And, of course we already miss Charley, who has become our best friend from the first day of staying in bungalow... We will definitely consider this place again!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 4 / 4

Wonderful Santa Monica retreat

DrErinI (Littleton, CO)
Review submitted: May 17, 2012   Date of arrival: April 10, 2012

I stayed here with family members for 2 weeks on short notice when I adopted my newborn daughter. Kelly was so gracious and attentive to our needs during a very stressful time. The home, with it's quirky, cool and colorful design features and fun location near the beach and Main Street shops, provided a lovely sanctuary. We especially loved cooking in the light, airy kitchen and having friends over for dinner in the beautifully landscaped courtyard. Would highly recommend!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 6 / 6

Perfect holiday stay

cj (Dusseldorf, Germany)
Review submitted: November 3, 2011   Date of arrival: August 21, 2011

We had found Kelly's place through this site and from the first email contact on I knew that we had picked the perfect holiday getaway for us. We are a family of four and wanted a quiet and cozy location in Santa Monica close to stores, beach and the main L.A attractions. The bungalow is exactly what we were looking for. It is quiet and provides you with two bedrooms, a nice outside porch and everything you need. Full kitchen, towls, sheets, bath tub, TV, Internet.....
just read the description of it and you know what to expect!
Kelly was very helpful with giving us information on restaurants, sights, free concerts etc. so we felt like locals right away.
The arrival procedure worked well, too and we quickly felt like at home.
We would definitely stay there again. More space than in a motel room, good rate and great location - what more can you ask of?
We are still very happy that we have found this jewel of vacation homes and are looking forward to staying there again one day.

Recommended for: families with young children, families with teenagers, pet-friendly

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Helpful votes: 7 / 7

can't wait for next year :)

susanjohnson (Salzburg, Austria)
Review submitted: September 17, 2011   Date of arrival: August 26, 2011

Perfect little hideaway in the heart of Santa Monica. Clean, and the nicest people around you, you could imagine!
Kelly is a sweetheart so is Wendy thank you guys so so much!
Also Charley is the best cat ever ;)
Thank you guys so much for making my 2 weeks in LA relaxing and comfortable.

-susan

Recommended for: adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 7 / 7

Our Stay in Santa Monica

Boupi (Montreal,Quebec, Canada)
Review submitted: August 25, 2011   Date of arrival: August 5, 2011

We stayed 7 days in this charming bungalow in a secure and quiet environment. It has all the commodity and is well located to travel in and out of the city and is close to one of the nicest beach in the area. It has a nice terrace where you can have lunch in a private atmosphere. Also close to famous Venice beach for those who look for more animation.The airport is only 15 min away wich is very convenient. A car is a good thing to rely on and made us feel free to go around the coast wich has much to offer.

One of our preferred visit has been The Getty museum wich is stunning by its situation and array of beautiful achitecture,and stunning art collection.

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

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Helpful votes: 10 / 10

Just like home, only better

Rose (Clarkston, GA)
Review submitted: August 1, 2011   Date of arrival: July 23, 2011

My husband and I and our two teen kids had a great time in L.A. and our visit was so very enhanced by staying at the bungalow. It was fabulous, frankly. Staying there gave us a taste of what it's like to live in Santa Monica. There were many great things we did during our trip; but the kids' favorite thing was the visit to Hollywood and seeing the Hollywood sign, stars in the concrete and handprints (silly isn't it? But I guess it's a top attraction for a reason!)

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 10 / 10

A Gem in a great neighbourhood

Liz (Los Gatos)
Review submitted: August 1, 2011   Date of arrival: July 28, 2011

Great location and a fun house to visit - Kelly the owner was so helpful and gave wonderful recommendations. Thanks to Wendy who welcomed us and and gave us a great recommendation for lunch "Urth cafe " . Yoga on Santa Monica beach with Brad at 10:30 on Sat and Sunday at lifeguard station # 29 was fantastic

Recommended for: adventure seekers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car

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Helpful votes: 8 / 8

Santa Monica Casita Stay

striquer (Erie, CO, USA)
Review submitted: May 5, 2011   Date of arrival: April 29, 2011

Enjoyed our stay in Santa Monica. The Casita is as described, perfect for one or two that need a comfortable place to stay. Easy in/out of Santa Monica. Loved walking down to the beach.
Recommend Urth for breakfast. Great coffee and excellent food.

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Helpful votes: 14 / 14

The perfect California laid back experience

Tatoz (Bergamo, BG ITALY)
Review submitted: January 11, 2011   Date of arrival: January 2, 2011

I'd recommend this bungalow for those people looking for a true California experience. For us it was like being home, so cozy, romantic, close to the beach (you don't need to use the car) and to everything you need to live your relaxing days. The neighborhood is excellent, very quiet and comfortable. Too bad it was not the season to use the outside dining table, that would have added more memorable moments.
Charlie, the cat, was the unexpected gift, the kids fell in love with him and kept cuddling him all the way to the end of our stay (a spoiled cat now).
Kelly is a wonderful person and we wish we could stay again in the bungalow very soon.

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet-friendly, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 14 / 14

Perfect

lorae (Rogers)
Review submitted: September 13, 2010   Date of arrival: December 26, 2009

This lovely home was a perfect place to reunite with my high school friend after 20 years! Wendy was right on time and perfectly accomidating! We were able to park at the entrance of the bungalow which is where Charlie greeted us, and then snuggled down for a nap with my friend. Very comfy beds!

This location was perfect for chatty brief walks to Venice Beach, downtown tourist sites, and the Organic market! What a great way to catch up!

Thank goodness for the kitchen being fully furnished! What a treat it was to dine & chat more with my girl on the lovely porch warmed by a heater...in December! PERFECT!

*Bonus that these money's fund refugee assistance!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 18 / 18

Proud Grandma!

Proud Grandma (Topeka, KS)
Review submitted: September 9, 2010   Date of arrival: March 12, 2010

The Bungalow was the perfect place for me to stay to visit my daughter and HER new daughter! As a proud new grandma I didn't spend much time in the Bungalow, but it was great for me to head "home" and let my daughter and my new grandbaby get some rest.

The place is cute, a bit small, but everything's here. I was surprised to have free long distance calling, so I could call my husband every night.

I was disappointed I couldn't sty at the Bungalow again this summer -- it was already booked. Hopefully, next time I can move faster.

Grandma Corletti

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 15 / 17

My Writing Retreat ~ Creative Haven

Carole (Buffalo, NY)
Review submitted: September 9, 2010   Date of arrival: January 16, 2010

I stayed a month at Kelly's Bungalow and accomplished quite a bit of writing. It's quiet, comfortable and her cat is a great listener. This was my 2nd stay, and I hope to make this an annual retreat to get some writing done.

Her place just has a good, clear feel to it that really unleashes my creativity. Such beats the Buffalo winter!

I also liked that I could walk everywhere - grocery store, Blockbuster, restaurants down on Main St. - so I didn't need a rental car.

This last winter I met a fascinating Australian documentarian and we've stayed in touch. This is a place to meet really remarkable travelers.

Thanks, Kelly, for making your nurturing home available. Good luck with your book!....Carole

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Helpful votes: 16 / 16

Made our wedding so special, We came back!!!

Genie & George (Santa Monica, CA USA)
Review submitted: September 9, 2010   Date of arrival: June 14, 2010

To accommodate everyone for our wedding, my fiance and I had my family stay at both the Bungalow and the Casita. It was sooo convenient having everyone together, yet with their own privacy....and they had kitchens and all the comforts of home without the nickel-and-diming that goes on at our local hotels. (You know, extra costs for phone calls, internet, parking, tipping....Everything was free and available for us!)

My husband and I loved it so much, we decided to take our own "in-town" vacation while our apartment was being repainted and had a romantic "second honeymoon" at the Bungalow. We liked the deep bathtub. :)

We never met Kelly, but she was fast and detailed with her emails, and Wendy (manager) was awesome!

Genie & George

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 15 / 15

We BBQ'd, Relaxed, Loved It!

Michelle (Hamburg, Germany)
Review submitted: September 9, 2010   Date of arrival: July 17, 2010

We loved the huge porch and had all our meals out there in the secluded yard. The BBQ was great, although we wish there were long tongs. The Bungalow is well-appointed -- very interesting art from Iraqi artists that Kelly has met -- and very, very comfortable. Our 9-year-old fell in love with Charley, who is the most personable cat around. I grew up in Santa Monica and this is by far the best neighborhood for sightseeing -- comfortable walk to the Pier, the Boardwalk, and, of course, the beach! We can't wait to come back next summer!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 13 / 13

Not great for jetlag or young children

Leigh (Toowoomba, Qld, Australia)
Review submitted: July 9, 2010   Date of arrival: June 11, 2010

My husband and I and our 18 month old and my husband's brother all stayed at the bungalow for a few days after arriving in LA travelling from Australia. The place is set up to sleep six, however all beds are not permanent, ie double futon in lounge, double futon in one of the bedrooms, and queen fold out from the wall bed in the bedroom, all of which were extremely uncomfortable. There are skylights in both bedrooms making it very difficult to sleep in due to long daylight hours and difficult for our 18 month old trying to go to bed at 7pm, when it's broad daylight in the bedroom because of the skylight! Television is in one of the bedrooms, and not in main living area, making it difficult to watch unless you want all persons staying in the bungalow in your bedroom! So all in all, not a great choice of accom for jetlagged travellers, especially those with young children...or those wanting to sleep in a comfortable bed I suppose either!

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Helpful votes: 6 / 22