We’ve rented a place in PB every year for the last 15 years and know the area well. For the following reasons, we had a negative experience with this one:
1. Check-in: the key to access the building was supposed to be in a lock box in the garage. It wasn’t. We had to call the management company, who directed us how to access the unit and get the key that had been inadvertently left there. Not a big deal and a one off, but set the tone.
2. Odor: the second you open the front door you get hit with a very harsh and unpleasant odor, which might be from the old carpet in the living room or maybe from aggressive cleaning solutions or both. In either case, it was very unpleasant. Fortunately weather was good so we were able to be out of the unit a lot. I emailed the management company (Nancy’s) and they called right away and sent someone to have a look, but didn’t resolve the issue. Even after several days of leaving windows open the smell didn’t abate.
3. Cleanliness: one of the pillows on a bed was unwashed, someone’s make-up was still on it.
4. General state: the building is old but the unit itself is pretty weathered, too. One example is the glass table in the living room has a broken corner that is simply wrapped with tape. That’s a $50 problem to solve that the owners have simply chosen not to.
5. Noise from above: this unit is on the ground floor, with another rental unit right above it (we saw one family depart and another arrive while we were there). If someone in the unit above walks at all, the noise is incredible; if a child runs and jumps, it’s unbearable.
The Mission Bay location is great, especially for little kids who get the benefit of sand and water without the noise of the ocean. It’s a very short drive to all the shops and restaurants and very easy access to the freeway. But there are a couple dozen buildings on Riviera Drive right on the Bay - find a better one.