Travel Writer's Pad

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6102 sq m

Popular amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Enjoy the area

La Mesa, CA

San Diego State University4 min drive
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater4 min drive
Viejas Arena4 min drive
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

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!

Property manager

Maggie Espinosa

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Kitchen

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Microwave

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Large, fenced backyard for kids to run and play.

Events

No events allowed

Inform owner if having party. Ten attendees max.

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total

$100 pet fee per dog, per stay.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

$75.00 pet fee per dog, per stay.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your 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. Travelling with kids? Make time for Waterfront Park, or head to an event or a match at SDCCU Stadium. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like hiking/biking trails and cycling.

La Mesa, CA

What's nearby

San Diego State University - 4 min drive
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater - 4 min drive
Viejas Arena - 4 min drive
Balboa Park - 11 min drive
San Diego Zoo - 13 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

Starbucks - 13 min walk
Norm's Cocktails - 14 min walk
D Z Akin's - 18 min walk
Starbucks - 19 min walk
Jack In The Box - 16 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Travel Writer's Pad pet-friendly?

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

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?

This family-friendly La Mesa holiday home is located in the mountains, within 3 mi (5 km) of Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater and San Diego State University. Viejas Arena is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) away. 70th St. Trolley Station is 17 minutes by foot and Alvarado Station is 25 minutes.

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Annie H.

12 April 2024

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

Michelle G.

27 August 2023

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

Pam O.

14 August 2023

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

Verified traveller

5 July 2023

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

Kimberly M.

14 June 2023

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

About the host

Hosted by Maggie Espinosa

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.