Travel Writer's Pad

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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

Dryer
Fireplace
Washer
Kitchen
Parking available
Pet-friendly

Explore the area

La Mesa, CA

The Salvation Army Kroc Center
‪2 min drive‬
San Diego State University
‪4 min drive‬
Viejas Arena
‪4 min drive‬
San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)
‪17 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

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

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La Mesa Vacation Rental | 2BR | 2.5BA | Townhome | Steps To Access | 1,450 Sq Ft

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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.

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. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Snapdragon Stadium or Petco Park. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like hiking and cycling.

La Mesa, CA

What's nearby

The Salvation Army Kroc Center - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
San Diego State University - 4 min drive - 3.5 km
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
Viejas Arena - 4 min drive - 3.6 km
San Diego Zoo - 13 min drive - 12.8 km

Getting around

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
‪D Z Akin's - ‬18 min walk
‪Denny's - ‬16 min walk
‪Starbucks - ‬19 min walk
‪Super Oscars - ‬19 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?

Located in the heart of La Mesa, this holiday home is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theater and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from 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.

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

Brandie A.

12 Feb 2025

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

Awesome Find!

If you're looking for a centrally located gem this is it! The house was clean well decorated the yard is beautiful and let me tell you Maggie has thought of everything to make your stay peaceful and worry free!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

John B.

21 Oct 2024

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

La Mesa Charmer

This charming cottage was very comfortable. The 1940/1950 construction has been well preserved and maintained. The patio was cozy and the huge back yard was amazing. The location was perfect for East San Diego activities and there was easy access to Hwy 80.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle G.

27 Aug 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 Aug 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

10/10 Excellent

Rob R.

16 May 2023

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

Beautiful home, quiet neighborhood

Stayed here for our daughter's graduation weekend. Quick drive to campus from this neighborhood. House was very cute, yard was huge and very beautiful!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annie H.

10 May 2023

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

T R.

11 Apr 2023

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

Perfect getaway

Best getaway my family has had in a long time. We all LOVED this house. And our dog did too. The backyard is enormous, lots of space for our dog to run around/lay in the sun. We loved eating outside on the patio every morning and at night playing games. Maggie is the perfect host, she literally has thought of everything, The Travel Writers Pad has it all. This house was absolutely wonderful, quiet neighborhood, close to everything and to say we had a great time is an understatement. Next time we are in San Diego, we will be staying here.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joyce O.

30 Mar 2023

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

Loved Our Stay

This home was adorable. The yard was perfect for our dogs. Very clean and had everything we needed. Communication with Maggie was great.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

SHANNON C.

26 Oct 2022

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

The perfect place

Maggie is a great host with an awesome oasis. I loved exploring the home's decor and uniqueness. I highly recommend this clean and comfy place.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

14 Sept 2022

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

Wonderful Stay in La Mesa, CA

We had a great time at Maggie's. The property was clean and comfortable. We enjoyed all of her memorabilia. One friend who visited for breakfast called the house charming, which it is. Also, the beds are very comfortable. and the yard and seating areas are fabulous. Thank you so much!!!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy K., Scottsdale, Arizona

11 Aug 2022

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

Cozy La Mesa Bungalow

First time for us in the La Mesa neighborhood. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw how nice this home was. For it’s small size, it had unique charm and pride in ownership. The yard was beautiful and very spacious with lots of fruit trees. The region is very close to downtown and the beach-20 minutes. The town boasts great food and shops and we walked only 2 miles to get there. The host provided great neighborhood recommendations for trails, and restaurants in a nice booklet. The only things I would suggest changing would be to have a better seating arrangement around the TV with one additional sofa or couch on the opposite side for family, and a 4 slice toaster. We would definitely stay again!

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

4 July 2022

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

Beautiful yard, wonderful host

Maggie was by the way the best host I’ve experienced with a rental! Her communication, thoughtfulness, etc were wonderful. Her home was just right for our family vacay. The backyard is amazing and perfect for kids, too!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Annie H.

12 June 2022

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

Will stay here again

The owner had everything we needed. It was perfect for us to visit with family and friends. Very nice backyard.

Stayed 13 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne C.

6 May 2022

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

Wonderful 'home away from home'

Maggie's place is exceptionally beautiful and peaceful. I highly recommend staying in La Mesa at the 'Travel Writer's Pad'!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

26 Mar 2022

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

Lovely home!

Maggie's property is awesome! The location was so convenient to SDSU, La Mesa's cute downtown, the 70th Street trolley station, and the freeway, making it a good home-base for exploring San Diego. The decor inside the home was fun to peruse, the kitchen is well-appointed, and the back yard cannot be beat. We hope to return!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn C.

10 Mar 2022

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

La Mesa jewel

My sister and I very much enjoyed our stay! Great outdoor space for gatherings and dogs. Perfect for exploring San Diego. We hope to stay here again soon!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna A.

7 Mar 2022

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

Hidden Gem

Maggie was super friendly and helpful, greeted us and showed us around the entire home! Beautiful place, clean, cozy and the back yard was huge, nice outside patio area with fire pit, logs, beach toys, chairs… we had everything we needed! It’s a hidden gem, convenient to airport and beach and restaurants… hope to be back soon

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nan J.

15 Jan 2022

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

Wonderful outdoor spaces to relax

We loved our stay at the Travel Writer’s Pad, especially enjoying the variety of outdoor seating areas in the spacious porch, patio and yard. Our gracious host met us at the house for a tour and was always very responsive during our stay. Great location for local walks in the neighborhood (check out the Rainbow Stairs and the walk-up Mission Brew Coffee) and hikes in Mission Trails Regional Park, and easy drive to Balboa Park to ride the historic carousel and stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden. Thanks for providing such a lovely spot, Maggie!

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenda C.

31 Dec 2021

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

Cozy cottage

Great neighborhood, easy access to highway, property owner was very helpful and accommodating.

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ellen & Don G., Albuquerque, NM

18 Dec 2021

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

Location, location, location!

This property offers easy freeway access for getting around San Diego in all directions while being in a lovely, quiet neighborhood. We were welcomed into the home with a personalized chalkboard greeting sign, snacks, and cheery Christmas decorations including a beautiful Christmas tree as well as a tour of the property by neighbor Judi who helps Maggie, the Traveling Writer from time to time. The outdoor space is peaceful and delightful, and the huge yard is an oasis, especially for travelers with dogs. Our dog loved having her own private dog park to explore. Note: we were told that there can be skunks in the area, so we used a leash after dark. The home is a charming, vintage bungalow with lovely original hardwood floors. The retro furnishings from Granny's attic give the home a comfortable 1950's feel along with the diverse and unique collection of kitchen items and a large assortment of the owner's travel memorabilia filling every room with interesting items, books, and decor. Good wifi and TV in all rooms including the bathroom were easy to use. We had plenty of nice towels. The queen bed in the master has a comfy memory foam topper but it makes the bed quite high to climb into for those of us with shorter legs and the comforter looked as though it was sized for a double as it only covered the top of the bed. The duvet insert was flat in places and lumpy in others, but it was warm and cozy. The laundry facility in the garage was great but note that access is either through the back door, down 2 steps and through a gate or out the front door, down 4 steps and down the driveway. This was not a problem for us, but potential guests with any mobility challenges might want to know this. Maggie the host checked in on us via text and seemed easy to reach if we had any problems, which we did not. She even dropped off cookies to the front porch one evening -- so nice! -- and asked us to leave her mail for her to pick up on the front porch bench. Overall, this was a lovely and quaint place to stay.

Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Linda S.

22 Nov 2021

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

Great for pets; great outdoor area!

We enjoyed our stay! The backyard is especially nice!

Stayed 21 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brandon S.

30 Sept 2021

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

Great Property With Huge Backyard

Everything was clean and easy. You basically have a park attached to your backyard so we had a lot of fun.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Claire C.

22 Aug 2021

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

A Magical House of the World

The Travel Writer’s Pad is a magical mashup: part France, part India, part old Mexico, part 1930’s San Diego, and ALL WONDERFUL! Every corner is thoughtfully and artistically curated to create fantastical moments of beauty and joy! The backyard is incredible! Like having our own private park! Maggie met us when we arrived to give us a tour and make sure we were comfortable. It is not hyperbolic to say this is our favorite place we have ever stayed, right up there with the Madonna Inn. We can’t wait to come back again and again!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

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.

What makes this property unique

We fell in love with the property's charm and the huge backyard. It is like a private park.

Languages:

English, Spanish

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Travel Writer's Pad

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property