Entire home

Charming 1920s Mariposa Cottage Heart Of Hillcrest

Photo gallery for Charming 1920s Mariposa Cottage Heart Of Hillcrest

Outdoor dining
Exterior
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Living room with flat screen tv and queen pull out sofa

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
San Diego, CA
  • Hotel Circle
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • San Diego Zoo
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Balboa Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Guest bedroom (Bedroom 2)

1 Queen Bed

Guest Bedroom (Bedroom 3)

1 King Bed

Guest Bedroom (Bedroom 4)

1 Queen Bed

Living Room

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Master Bedroom (Bedroom 1)

1 King Bed and 1 Crib

2 bathrooms

1st Floor Guest Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs Guest Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming 1920s Mariposa Cottage Heart Of Hillcrest

This beautifully restored California cottage offers four equally comfortable bedrooms—two with king beds and two with queens—providing a perfect blend of space and style. Thoughtfully remodeled, the home features two brand-new bathrooms and a modern kitchen, all while retaining its 1920s charm. Enjoy coffee in the flower-filled front courtyard or host a BBQ on the rear deck under the trees. The downstairs king bedroom even includes its own private patio for added relaxation.

Tucked into a peaceful canyon setting—rare for such a central location—you’ll enjoy a serene retreat just minutes from the vibrant neighborhoods of Hillcrest and Mission Hills. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance, making it easy to explore without a car. Outfitted with premium linens, gleaming hardwood floors, and vintage San Diego touches throughout, this home offers the ultimate Southern California getaway.

Property manager

Jane

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed, service animals permitted
There is a $100 pet fee per pet.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There is a $500 non refundable reservation fee for any reservations canceled prior to 60 days of arrival date.
Quiet hours are 9 pm - 8 am. Absolutely no loud noise or parties of any kind day or night. Any noise complaints may result in cessation of 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
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
Property Registration Number STR-00456L, 624585

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

San Diego

Located in Hillcrest, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this holiday home is near theme parks. Port of San Diego and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit San Diego Zoo and Waterfront Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Petco Park or Pechanga Arena.
Map
San Diego, CA

What's nearby

  • Hotel Circle - 4 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Marine Corps Recruit Depot - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • San Diego Zoo - 5 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Port of San Diego - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Balboa Park - 7 min drive - 6.8 km

Getting around

  • Washington Street Station - 3 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 10 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Urban Mos Bar & Grill - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Panda Express - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Bronx Pizza - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Bread & Cie - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Upscale Urban Retreat near the Heart of Hillcrest! pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

What time is check-in at Upscale Urban Retreat near the Heart of Hillcrest!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Upscale Urban Retreat near the Heart of Hillcrest!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Upscale Urban Retreat near the Heart of Hillcrest! located?

Located in Hillcrest, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from UC San Diego Health and within 3 miles (5 km) of Marine Corps Recruit Depot and San Diego Zoo. Port of San Diego and San Diego Convention Center are also within 3 miles (5 km). Washington Street Station is 26 minutes by foot.

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. 31 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Trisa Greg R.

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

Great location, lovely home

We picked this home to be our sanctuary during Comic Con. It was well-appointed, super clean and cute, and in a great location. We appreciated the off-street parking for two smaller SUVs, and the central AC was greatly appreciated. Comfy beds, soft towels, and a great living area to unwind in. Quiet neighborhood. House had lots of amenities that we didn’t use but it was cool to see them: beach towels, baby items and gates. The stairs are steep - not a problem for adults. We really liked staying here!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric C.

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

Highly recommended!

The home was lovely and worked great for my family's stay in San Diego. Very comfortable accommodations and no small detail was missed. The homeowner was communicative and helpful and quickly jumped on a small (quite inconsequential) inconvenience when brought to her attention. I certainly recommend this property to anyone looking for a quiet, comfortable home right in the heart of San Diego.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caroline D.

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

Quaint and comfortable stay!

Overall we were very happy with our stay at this house in Hillcrest. It was very clean and comfortable and plenty of space for our party of seven; five adults and two children. We rented a car but many places were within walking distance. The house was very comfortable to return to after a long day on our outings. Great place! Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

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

Perfect San Diego Getaway

The house was well appointed and very cozy. The outdoor spaces are lovely. The neighborhood is perfect - short walk to restaurants and shops yet quiet. The bathrooms are newly remodeled and very nice - bidets in both bathrooms was a major bonus :-) Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jen H.

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

Beautiful Home

Perfect location & beautiful home. Jane was a great host. Will definitely come again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shannon K., Mokelumne Hill, CA

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

Wonderful

This house was beautiful and comfortable. It’s the nicest VRBO I have ever stayed at. Jane was a pleasure to work with too.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine O.

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

Beautiful and comfortable

This is an amazing property on a quiet street but walkable to great Hillcrest spots. Kitchen was well stocked and there were thoughtful touches throughout. Also loved the two outdoor spaces!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Helen H.

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

Very clean and well-equipped!

We stayed in two different VRBO properties in San Diego, and the first thing my son said walking into this property was "this is so much nicer than our last place!" The bedrooms were great and the kitchen had everything we needed. The bathrooms had all the basic toiletries and everyone liked the heated toilet seats! The outdoor areas were so cute - too bad it rained too much for us to use them. Hillcrest is a very convenient location for seeing all of San Diego! I highly recommend staying at this rental!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia H.

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

Most Pleasant

Our group was very comfortable and location was perfect for business and pleasure.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Gabriela M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family friendly

The home was beautiful. Located in a very nice neighborhood . We enjoyed the proximity to a lot of the downtown attractions/activities and the beach . The only negatives were that there were small spiders and spider webs in the downstairs bedrooms , a drawer was missing a handle and a remote had no batteries. The batteries were dropped off to us as soon as we made the property manager aware so that was very nice . Overall a great rental for a family getaway !
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sally H., Columbus Ohio USA

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

Amazing location

Loved everything with this 4 bedroom 2 bath home. Evenings grilling on the patio. Can walk to grocery store and Mexican cafes for breakfast. 5-10 min drive to all the major attractions. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

sohail k.

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

Loved the stay here

Good location, great home - would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Fiona W.

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

Perfect base to explore but you may not want to leave!

The property is great. Well presented and a great set up with everything you need for you stay. Sitting on the balcony, watching one of the huge TVs or eating around the kitchen table, everything was great. Jane, the host is lovely and can’t do enough for you. The perfect hostess! Property location is great. Close to the airport but not too close to hear the planes. Close to loads of neighbors and the freeway so getting anywhere is easy. We will be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Valarie B.

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

Great stay!

This place was perfect for a girls weekend! Very spacious and adorable!! Jane was amazing and very responsive

10/10 Excellent

wendy c., vail

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

wedding weekend

Our family was in San Diego for a long weekend for a wedding. The location, the home, everything was perfect. Highly recommend it!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn B., Los Angeles

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

Fantastic stay in San Diego!

This property is exactly as the photos indicate: charming, very roomy King bedrooms (Queen bedrooms were smaller, but also very nice), clean, enjoyable outdoor areas & great location! We were 5 women on a girls weekend and the house was just perfect - it made our stay in San Diego. Jane was wonderful to work with and very quick to respond to communication. We hope to be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mia C.

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

relaxing Bach weekend

This rental place is wonderful, owner Jane was really nice and answer our questions right away always. My group of friends all came from different states for a bachelorette weekend. We end up going to a baseball game, zoo, beach, gaslamp, little Italy with out any problem since everything is pretty much 15 mins away. Wonderful stay. highly recommended for anyone. all 4 rooms were very clean and comfortable as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Vicki S., Morgantown

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

Perfect base of operations for exploring San Diego

This property is exactly as advertised -- cute, comfortable and clean. We traveled with three sons (25,19 and 17) for Comic-Con and to sightsee for a few days. We'd stayed in Hillcrest before, so we knew we'd love the neighborhood. Anything we needed was within walking distance, and Ubers were quick to respond anytime we ventured farther out. We had traveled from Pittsburgh so were exhausted after so many hours on the move, and Jane let us drop off our bags while the housekeepers finished their work from the previous guests. We killed a few hours with lunch, then Jane texted to tell us we could check in 2 hours early. It's a little thing, but it was so appreciated! Each of the boys had their own rooms, and two of them shared the downstairs bath. They were happy for their privacy, and so was I! The house was immaculate, the kitchen had all the basics, and the master BR and LR had great smart TVs set up with Hulu, Netflix, etc. It was the perfect place to rest and unwind between adventures. The neighborhood is ordinarily quiet and peaceful, too. I can't recommend it highly enough. The only downside for us was something that was clearly beyond Jane's control: There was a huge sewer and water construction project literally outside our front door that started with jackhammers and trucks at 7 a.m. Fortunately, we are early risers, and the boys sleep like the dead, so it didn't bother us too much, but if you're staying anytime soon and are NOT an early riser, I'd recommend checking with Jane to make sure the work has been completed. We loved it here and will definitely seek it out next time we visit San Diego!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jason A.

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

Stellar stay!

Everything about this listing is spot on, the property is perfect in every way. Clean, cozy, comfortable, and the location can’t be beat! 8-10 mins to the airport, walking (or scooter It’s fun!) distance to the heart of Hillcrest. Jane was extremely helpful and made my first rental experience a very high bar to beat! We had 7 people in the house and barely knew it. Looking forward to visiting San Diego again and staying in my new favorite house!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jeff G.

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

2019 4th of July

Awesome place. Awesome experience. Everything we needed was provided. Great time!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Betsy M.

As advertised

This is a great location and a wonderful house.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gracie S.

Great Location and Stay!

Each year a dear friend and I get together to have a girls retreat. This year we picked San Diego. The best part was staying at the Hillcrest house! It was clean, beautifully restored, warm and inviting, well appointed, and the location was great. I would not hesitate to stay here again. Jane was great to deal with and very responsive to any questions we had.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin F.

Amazing experience!

Beautiful home! A group of friends and I stayed at Jane's. It was such a lovely experience and I highly recommend staying here in you are visiting the San Diego area!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sonali Z.

Wonderful home and host

Jane's home is beautiful and was very comfortable for our whole family! Jane was also a really great host and super helpful when we needed it. The house is in a great central location in San Diego and was super convenient to get to Gas Lamp, Little Italy, and anywhere else we wanted to go. I would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Janine V.

Great location! Great home! Great host!

House is a sweet 4 bedroom home that was perfect for our group of 8 adults and 2 kids. It was very clean and tidy. Bathroom is updated with subway tiles and marble. Shower head was a Hansgrohe. Even the shower soap dispenser was a Simplehuman. My point is the host (Jane) didn't go cheap because it's a rental property. The faucet handle in the bathroom of the bottom floor was broken but it didn't hinder its performance. Hot water gets hot real quick so that was nice for morning showers :-) Something as simple as that makes such a difference to a stay. You can tell that Jane put thought into your convenience such as USB power outlets and luggage racks. I know others have noted but the wine, chocolate and nuts was a very nice touch. The location is fantastic. It is near everything. Took us minutes to get to SeaWorld, La Jolla, downtown, etc. Vons, WholeFoods, restaurants are just minutes away. You can even walked to nearby restaurants for a few drinks if you didn't want to drive or Uber. Jane is very quick to respond! She was easy to deal with and very accommodating to your requests or questions. I definitely recommend and certainly will book again without hesitation. Keep up the great work Jane!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

About the host

Hosted by Jane

Host profile image
I am an artist, gardener and rare native San Diego ambassador! I love San Diego - America’s finest city and La Jolla is a true jewel. I live and work in the village of La Jolla and love the European feel of village living and healthy lifestyle - walk everywhere!

I truly enjoy hosting our homes and helping my guests create lasting memories. I traveled extensively for many years in my previous career and know what is required for an outstanding guest experience.

I adore historical homes and have 5 that I have lovingly updated and maintained as well as creatively decorated with attention to every detail and comfort. All of my homes are happy, bright and sunny - elegantly furnished, sparing no expense! I love excellent food, beautiful surroundings and interesting people. I would be honored to host you as my guest.

Please come stay with us. Everyone is welcome!

Why they chose this property

Hillcrest is one of San Diego’s most vibrant, eclectic, and welcoming neighborhoods. Known for its diverse culture, historic charm, and lively atmosphere, it’s a haven for foodies, art lovers, and free spirits alike. Here’s why Hillcrest stands out:

Food and Drink Paradise: Hillcrest boasts a bustling culinary scene with everything from trendy brunch spots and international eateries to classic diners and craft cocktail lounges. The famous Hillcrest Farmers Market is a weekend must, offering fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet street food.

Walkable and Bustling: This neighborhood has a true urban village feel. Stroll down tree-lined streets filled with unique boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and local businesses, all just steps from your front door.

Inclusive and Welcoming: Known as the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community, Hillcrest radiates inclusivity and warmth. It hosts the city’s annual Pride Parade, one of the largest in the country, along with year-round events celebrating diversity and love.

Nightlife and Entertainment: Whether you’re looking for rooftop bars, live music, or late-night dancing, Hillcrest has you covered. The neighborhood comes alive after dark with its vibrant nightlife scene.

Central Location: Minutes from Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Downtown, and the beaches, Hillcrest is perfectly situated for exploring all that San Diego has to offer.

Historic Charm: With its mix of early 20th-century architecture, lush canyon views, and historic landmarks, Hillcrest captures the essence of classic California living.

Healthy and Active Lifestyle: Enjoy nearby hiking trails, bike paths, and fitness studios, or join the local yoga crowd at a neighborhood park.

What makes this property unique

Rare Canyon Setting: Unlike typical urban homes, this cottage offers a lush, secluded canyon backdrop, providing a peaceful, nature-rich escape just minutes from the vibrant neighborhoods of Hillcrest and Mission Hills.

Private Outdoor Spaces: Enjoy a flower-filled front courtyard perfect for morning coffee and a tree-shaded rear deck ideal for barbecues and outdoor dining. Plus, the downstairs king bedroom boasts its own private patio for added privacy.

Modern Comforts with Vintage Charm: Originally built in the 1920s, this fully remodeled home blends historic character, like gleaming hardwood floors and classic San Diego decor, with modern conveniences, including two new bathrooms, a fully updated kitchen, and luxurious linens throughout.

Prime Walkable Location: Ditch the car and explore nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants, making this an ideal choice for those seeking a truly walkable Southern California vacation.

Languages:

English