North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues

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Apartment

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Very good

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 20.1 sq m

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Kitchen
Parking available
Outdoor space

Explore the area

San Diego, CA

San Diego Zoo
‪3 min drive‬
Hotel Circle
‪4 min drive‬
Balboa Park
‪5 min drive‬
San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

Garden

About this property

Retro cottage apartment sleeps 2- 3. Thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between stays with contactless check-in. Perfect for a romantic getaway or road trip destination, a relaxing place to stay close to everything San Diego has to offer. Within minutes of downtown, walking distance to the world famous Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. 15 minutes from my favorite beach, Ocean Beach (OB).
You will walk into a private gated entrance on the community, which leads your private entrance. The cozy bedroom with a queen bed, with private bath, full kitchen, and a beautiful large garden to be enjoyed by all after a long day visiting all the amazing sights San Diego has to offer. BTW- North Park was voted as one of the hippiest communities to live in by Forbes magazine, do come and enjoy!

You will be able to stroll down from the complex to University Ave and engage all your senses in every delight and sight. No matter which direction you may head, you'll find yourself immersed in the pulse of San Diego. Enjoy!

Mosey down 30th street, walk over to the world famous Balboa Park, or catch a show at the Observatory. Check out the popular farmers market on Thursday, maybe visit one of the many new microbreweries in the area. Take advantage of the one-of-the-kind dining experiences North Park has to offer.

The property is very unique and unlike anything in the area. There is a lovely, large community garden with outdoor seating to enjoy the amazing weather that San Diego had to offer.

I live close by, but you will not see me. Myself and my assistant can assist you with any of your needs. Of course, you are welcome to text or call us anytime.

Uber, Lyft, Bird, run, walk, or stroll minutes to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. 15 minutes to the beach, 5 to 10 minutes to downtown, and only 15 minutes from the San Diego airport. Come enjoy!

There is no A/C but there is a portable fan (stored in the closet).

If this unit isn't available, please check my other units at this same property. Thanks!

https://www.vrbo.com/1353709?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=earned:vrbo:sharecopylink:USA&utm_content=1353709

AND

https://www.vrbo.com/1678969?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=earned:vrbo:sharecopylink:USA&utm_content=1678969

Property manager

Nico Melchior

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Outdoor space

Parking available

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Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Please do not smoke on the premises

Please be respectful of the neighbors and tenants in the building. Please read street parking signs to avoid tickets: 4th Tuesday of the month.

Quiet time after 10:00, if you are looking for a party place this is not the spot

Enjoy every moment of 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

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

Property Registration Number STR-07572L, 631976

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

San Diego

Located in University Heights, a neighbourhood in San Diego, this apartment 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. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for USS Midway Museum, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby jet skiing, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.

View more Apartments in San Diego

San Diego, CA

What's nearby

San Diego Zoo - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
Hotel Circle - 4 min drive - 4.9 km
Balboa Park - 5 min drive - 4.3 km
Petco Park - 6 min drive - 6.3 km
San Diego Convention Center - 7 min drive - 7.3 km

Getting around

Mission Valley Center Station - 4 min drive
Old Town Transit Center - 11 min drive
San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬9 min walk
‪Colima's Mexican Food - ‬7 min walk
‪Pecs - ‬4 min walk
‪TapRoom Beer Co. - ‬7 min walk
‪Denny's - ‬11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues located?

Located in University Heights, this apartment building is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from San Diego Zoo and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Balboa Park. San Diego Natural History Museum and Old Globe Theater are also within 2 miles (3 km).

8.2

Very good

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

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9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

8.8/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

8.4/10

Listing accuracy

8/10 Good

Jennifer B.

7 April 2025

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

Great apartment, great location

The apartment was fully appointed, spacious, clean, and comfortable, and easy walking distance to 2 bus lines and Balboa Park itself, as well as coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. The patio was pretty bare of plants and greenery so did not particularly have an inviting garden feel, but did offer plenty of seating.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

joni p.

17 March 2025

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

Warm get away

We arrived late at night, really difficult to find the little house with out a porch light on.Otherwise just fine. The rain had made the patio kinda messy but we still enjoyed the sunshine.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John A.

15 March 2025

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

Perfect for What I Need

As a senior, I need a quiet place to rest in the afternoon and sleep at night. Visiting my son in North Park we were out early and walked 5-8 miles a day exploring different places. Everything (including my son) was an easy walk from this rental. I plan on returning.

Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ardys D.

24 February 2025

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

Excellent location and comfy rooms!

The cottage was perfect for two people and the host was exceptional. Francesca made us feel most welcome, almost part of the family. It was an easy walk to Morley Field, to University Heights, Hillcrest, and South Park. We walked home from the Zoo and Balboa Park Museums, but drove to the Maritime Museum and the Library downtown. We'll definitely be back.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gwyneth C.

20 August 2024

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

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne S.

21 July 2024

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

Great spot! Great host!

We had a very good time here, the host was lovely and gave us some great recommendations :) The space was clean, well looked after, and comfortable. So close to lots of fun things and good food. We would definitely recommend!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

batbara r.

23 June 2024

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

Tiniest of tips

This is a perfectly lovely place to stay and I will come again. You may wish to have a small fan available for bedroom. It was hot this weekend and that would have been the very best thing to have.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

kelly k.

21 March 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Communication

Review

Very noisy in the area and the unit itself especially the furnace. Thin walls could here neighbors.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine P.

5 March 2024

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

Quaint cottage in North Park

Great location near all the eats, drinks, and entertainment. Parking is rough in the evenings. Area is flat so walking from car to cottage was easy. Suggest ubering. Hotspot at the Lafayette Hotel within walking distance.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Cindy M.

2 March 2024

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

Good location, clean, adequate

This little old cottage was just what we needed, had more than we needed and was clean. Wish the parking was better and the heater was updated.

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

2/10 Terrible

Lorraine B.

11 November 2023

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

Double Booked/Did not stay at unit

We booked the unit in July to be close to our daughter when she gave birth in October and arrived to find out the unit had been long-term books and we had not been cancelled. I am unable to say anything about the condition of the unit but the rating system only allows for 1-5 stars. The owner was contacted and apologized profusely, but it did take several hours of phone calls and emails to resolve. Overall, we were disappointed, but VRBO staff did find accommodation for us that first night and we were able to book a hotel instead of a VRBO for the remainder of our visit.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melodi H.

9 October 2023

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

Felicity

I had originally booked for an August trip, and was unable to make the trip, Francesca worked with me to push my reservations to this weekend. Was sent a door code a few days before, it was about 15 mins from airport. The unit was spotless, I am in love with the old kitchen cabinetry. I did at one point have a problem with the Wi-Fi but after checking with Francesca and a few people I knew in SD, it’s turned out that it was my provider. (AT&T) Looking forward to a return trip & hoping to try one of the upstairs units.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Russ R.

20 September 2023

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

Awesome stay for near but out of downtown!

I was going to stay in a hotel downtown and I am SO VERY GLAD I chose instead to try a VRBO outside of downtown. This was a perfect experience. The location was perfect! Walking distance to restaurants and coffee shops (you must try Baja Betty’s) and a very calm and quaint neighborhood. The communication from the property owners was great. They were even flexible and when my dates shifted by a day, since there was availability, they said “No problem! “ and made the change for me. Internet worked great! Roomy shower with really hot water which was great too! Plenty of room for two! If you have a car, be aware of the parking restrictions…posted ONLY at the corners. No parking on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 7 am to 10 am for street sweeping. Got hit with a $56 parking fine. If I have to stay in the area again, I will look for Francesca’s properties!! Thank you so much for a great VRBO experience!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patty K., SAN FRANCISCO

6 September 2023

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

Nice apartment in North Park

This is a small apartment but clean and comfortable. We stayed in this area because our daughter lives close by. It’s residential so I’m not sure if there are places to walk to but it’s a good location. Easy check in with a code. There are a couple of other units. There was good communication. It was quiet. We didn’t have any problems finding street parking.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Wade T., Denver, CO

3 September 2023

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Cancelled hours before stay

I received a cancellation a few hours before my stay was scheduled to begin and had to scramble to find another place for the night. Being a holiday weekend, this was not easy or cheap. Will not attempt to stay here in the future.

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Lauren R.

10 July 2023

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

Great little place to stay

Great place to stay, my only complaint was a hair dryer was listed under amenities but couldn’t find one in unit. Also there were some hanging ornaments above bed that kept bumping into each other at night and making noise, I’d recommend moving these out of the bedroom. Other than that, great location and unit.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ajay S.

19 July 2022

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

Pleasant courtyard, good location

This apartment “Felicity” is between North Park and University Heights, and walking distance to Hillcrest, which is a fun neighborhood. A short 5-10 min drive or a long walk gets you to the edge of Balboa Park. Liked: Adequate for the needs of two people for a short stay; superb, well-maintained courtyard with cool plants and seating make for a great place to relax outdoors in the shade and chat or drink tea or coffee (especially great if you have family or friends staying in one of the other units!); excellent ceiling fan in the tiny living room area makes the room a pleasant place to relax indoors Could be better: no ceiling fan in the bedroom and the window fan is noisy = can get warm in there at night - a tower fan would be welcome; it’s a nice residential neighborhood with a lot of cars so you may have to hunt around for parking on other blocks if you get in late Nice stay overall, and yes I’d stay here again.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

2/10 Terrible

Ron G.

4 July 2022

Liked: Check-in

Disliked: Location, listing accuracy

Small

Pictures were from a different larger unit -- unit was very small - outside was filthy - write up said main places were within walking distince - they wernt - i was very upset about the place & would never go back even if it was free

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rainbow w.

14 September 2021

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

fantastic place for the price and a great area. lots to do in walking distance.

The place was very homey and felt like my historical home in college. The are was great to walk around in. The property had other units rented on it and I had thought it was only just the one at first. however everyone was so nice and kept to themselves, i will definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone who likes the area where your able to walk to the store, to dinner and just to take in all the history of the homes of the area. As an architect I enjoyed staying in this area.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lara B.

23 August 2021

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

Everything you need & more!

This cute little apartment has everything you need & more! When we travel we usually only return to our hotel/rental to sleep so although we did not utilize the apartment very much, but it has everything you need if you want to relax on the couch& watch TV, or cook an entire meal- they had a ton of kitchen supplies. The outdoor area was super cute, the neighborhood felt very very safe at night and it is in an amazing location! We were able to walk to the zoo & walk to coffee/breakfast in the morning. Only 12ish driving minutes away from Little Italy/ Downtown! I will say, the parking at night (on weekends) is pretty tough so expect to park far. And be aware of street sweeping days, the signs are spread very far out and if you don’t look for them you might miss it… we got a ticket this morning :( 10/10 though, thank you!!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Rodney H.

15 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Quaint and clean.

Nice place, calm and quiet. Very comfortable. Parking was tough. Description said lots of parking on the street, but we had to park about a quarter of a mile away every time we needed to park.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anna G.

5 July 2021

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

Highly recommend!

Really enjoyed my stay here. It was the perfect apartment for us. Very quiet neighborhood and easy walking distance to many public bus lines. Plenty of hot water for the shower. Felt like home! There is a coin operated washer/dryer on the property. Only feedback is to add a strainer to the kitchen supplies!!

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

6/10 Okay

Sandi D.

29 June 2021

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

Living standing light not working

Great place to stay bed to close to wall I had to sleep on futon

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

2/10 Terrible

Karen P.

9 June 2021

Liked: Check-in, location

Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

BE AWARE: Not as listed, Not welcoming, Not worth it Never again.

Every day of our 4 night stay there were complications and inadequacies, from lack of parking (daily), unwelcoming residents on property (when outside in community yard, we were in the way of the feeding schedule of feral cats), inadequate sleeping arrangements for 3 adults, conflicting info about wifi sign-in, and ants. We attempted to address this (requested a refund) with property owner thru VRBO and discovered that VRBO best represents their clients, not the consumer. Property owner offered an insulting refund on the rate we paid. Property owner and VRBO left a lasting impression on us. Will never again go thru VRBO. Will never again stay at any property listed with this particular person.

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

7 June 2021

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

Nice

Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

About the host

Hosted by Nico Melchior

I love traveling, as I am the wife of an international airline pilot, so I understand why you love to travel too. I enjoy making all of my guests feel as comfortable as possible and want to ensure that your stay is as memorable and as much fun as it possibly can be.
During your stay, I am happy to be as involved as you would like: Check in with you, provide any recommendations, or help you plan your stay. Hands on or hands off, whatever you prefer.

Why they chose this property

This fully private, one bedroom apartment, sleeps 3. Has a full kitchen, hardwood floors, and a private entrance. No need to rent a car - you can walk to everything North Park has to offer, including the hipster scene. The unit itself is warm, cozy, extremely clean and bursting with positive energy. The property is full of beautiful flowers, greenery and plenty of outdoor patio space with seating. Grab a bike and check out all the new microbreweries and coffee shops. Just a few minutes walk to Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo.

What makes this property unique

The cottage/apartment is newly renovated. The grounds are meticulous. Street parking is available right in front of the unit. The neighbors are friendly and always happy to help in any way.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues

Photo gallery for North Park, charming Garden Cottage by Balboa Park, Zoo, & popular venues

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property