Reviews

Just had to extend our stay!
Bob B.

We just love it here too much and had to extend our stay. Perfect in low 70s in day, nicely cool in 50s at night. Rained yesterday, but it was a great chance to just be quiet in a beautiful place. I got to do some body surfing without killing myself! Nothing like walking to the ferry, to the beach, swimming then reversing direction!
Submitted: April 8, 2016 Stayed: April 2016

One of the most beautiful homes on the entire island!
Anonymous

While I was on business for the week, I enjoyed staying at the Balboa Cottage more than I would any 4 or 5 star hotel in the area. The cottage was perfect for any executive or professional on a retreat or on business. It was even better when my wife came down for a few nights. This cottage is located above a garage and is perfect for two individuals. I could not ask for a better location being just two blocks from the main street, Marine Avenue, where I walked every morning to get my coffee at Starbucks and then back at dinner for any one of the many little restaurants. The cottage was stocked with all the necessary amenities and the host could not be any sweeter. In summary, I’LL BE BACK!!!
Submitted: Oct 22, 2015 Stayed: Oct 2015

Balboa is awesome
Anonymous

We loved this property on beautiful Balboa Island. Steps away from downtown, very close to the sand. I would definitely stay there again, we had a great time.
Submitted: Oct 21, 2015 Stayed: Oct 2015

An Island Treasure!
Anonymous

Although I came down to Newport Beach on business, staying at this cottage on Balboa Island made it seem like a vacation. The cottage is just a short two blocks from the island’s main street, which was perfect for my morning coffee runs to Starbucks. The owner, Jodi, was extremely kind, considerate, and respectful. In short, she was a perfect host and she did everything necessary to ensure that I had a wonderful stay. If you are an executive on business, this is the perfect place for you. Jodi provides WiFi and even a printer for your use via AirPrint. My wife came down to join me for the last few nights and she fell in love with Jodi’s island decorations and charm throughout the cottage. We are definitely coming back this summer. Thanks Jodi
Submitted: Oct 14, 2015 Stayed: Oct 2015

Balboa Island Cottage
JEFFRY L.

Great spot on Balboa! Beautifully maintained and a real pleasure.
Submitted: Sep 9, 2015 Stayed: Sep 2015

Balboa Island Quaint Cottage
Veronica R.

Beautiful, very clean and well decorated cottage with all amenities and more. The owner provided additional vacation needs. The cottage is prettier than pictures. 5 minutes walk to downtown with a great variety of delicious restaurant and wonderful shopping stores, definitely something for everyone. The marine and ferry were a walk back in time offering spectacular views. We had such a great time and needed more! Highly recommend this VRBO rental and the owner provided an array of conveniences. We are already planning our return!
Submitted: Jun 29, 2015 Stayed: Jun 2015

Such a Surprise!
Richard B.

Great accommodations only 1 block from all the restaurants and shops. We loved the unit and its fine touches
Submitted: May 14, 2015 Stayed: May 2015

True Balboa island Style!
Jackie W.

From the first moment, this property oozes Balboa Island. It has been recently renovated and from the gorgeous fittings (like the port hole mirror), the seaside decor, the all white back drop to the extremely comfortable bed, well provided kitchen and immaculately clean throughout – it was the perfect place for our stay. It was easy walking distance to the shops, restaurants and the beachfront. We also made good use of the garage. The owner was very helpful and thoughtful. I would not hesitate to recommend this property – and we would definitely stay again.
Submitted: Apr 20, 2015 Stayed: Mar 2015

Heaven!!
Mary G.
South Haven, Mi

Yes, I love Balboa Island. That is my bias going in and selecting this location. I love walking around the circumference of the island, walking to the car ferry and going to the beach, shopping and eating on Balboa, mass at the cutest chapel. Love it! And then to find a perfect 1 bedroom apartment perfectly suited and well decorated. Very quiet as it’s over a garage so you hear nothing. Wonderful windows to capture the ocean breezes and lovely island neighborhood! Yes, I loved it. My husband loved it — easy garage parking! We’ll be back again and again! Enjoy !!
Submitted: Feb 21, 2015 Stayed: Feb 2015

Great time on Balboa Island in the “Little Nook”
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Great location, 100 yards to the middle of the action on Marine Drive. Small, neat, organized, clean and functional, well decorated with nice taste. Garage is a great feature, reliable WIFI, very bright and sunny you may need your own sleep mask if you get bothered with too much sunshine in the early morning. Bring your own regular size bar of soap ad shampoo for convenience
Submitted: Jan 6, 2015 Stayed: Dec 2014

Classic Elegance
K R.

Truly old BI classic elegance. Adorable little hide away ( with a garage!) that has high end accouterments, conveniently located and a simplified version of everything you need. Loved it!
Submitted: Nov 29, 2014 Stayed: Nov 2014

Perfect Getaway
Melanie M.

We stayed a wonderful 5 days at this sweet little cottage. Perfect location, well stocked, close to fun shops and restaurants. A short walk to ferry. We will definitely return.
Submitted: Sep 8, 2014 Stayed: Sep 2014

Great Place and Location
Anonymous

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves . Great place and location. Will recommend to others. Thank you.
Submitted: Aug 24, 2014 Stayed: Aug 2014

Cute, clean and comfy cottage!
G Marie H.
Orange County

My stay on the island was absolutely amazing! The cottage couldn’t be located in a more perfect location-just 2 streets down from the main street on Balboa Island with lots of shops, dining, water sport rentals and more. The cottage has everything you could ever need to enjoy your stay and is very, very clean. The outdoor patio was perfect for relaxing in the late afternoon with a good book and glass of wine. I very much enjoyed morning jogs around the island, paddle boarding in the bay, biking to the peninsula and soaking up the beautiful sunshine. Oh, and of course enjoying delicious Balboa Bars from Dad’s on the island. I would highly recommend this adorable cottage to any single or couple looking for a cute, relaxing place to enjoy their stay on the island!
Submitted: Aug 17, 2014 Stayed: Aug 2014

Awesome cottage on Balboa Island
Bill
Scottsdale, AZ

The cottage was perfect for our 3 night stay on Balboa Island. Everything so clean and relaxing, perfect for my husband and I. The owner was wonderful and so easy to work with. Instructions were very clear. Having a place to park, in a garage no less, was a nice plus. We would definitely recommend to friends and stay again when we are in the area.
Submitted: Jul 3, 2014 Stayed: Jun 2014

Perfection on Balboa Island
Laura

This charming cottage is exactly what was explained to me. The property was immaculate!! It is located in a prime location. You can walk to shops and restaurants. But if you want to leave the island it is an easy commute with the ferry within walking distance and car if you choose. The bed is very comfortable, the bathroom is small but has the latest upgrades. Rain head shower, great linens, etc. This is a place for 1 or 2 people. I would recommend it to anyone and will be back!!! Loved my stay. Thanks Jodi.
Submitted: Jun 21, 2014 Stayed: Jun 2014

Great Stay
Matt T.
Cleveland, Ohio

My wife and I throughly enjoyed our stay in this very nicely appointed apartment. Great location, very well appointed, tastefully decorated…and full of charm. Owner was very responsive and helpful. As advertised, only suitable for one or two people.
Submitted: Mar 31, 2014 Stayed: Mar 2014

Loved it!
MT

Thanks, Jodi! Perfect location as you promised! Absolutely quaint cottage, clean, comfortable and well appointed…all on a fabulous island that proved quiet and relaxing yet convenient to everywhere I needed to be. I have already recommended it to friends I made in the area! I hope to return soon!
Submitted: Feb 14, 2014 Stayed: Jan 2014

Charming!
Lisa D.

I lived on Balboa Island about 40 years ago and was hoping to recapture some of the charm I had felt while I lived there. This little cottage has charm in spades! It’s been lovingly redone, with great attention to detail. It’s nautical, beachy and extremely comfortable. It was spotlessly clean. The kitchen was stocked with all the essentials including really good coffee and tea. Jodi, the owner, is very attentive and made me feel very welcome. There is a garage which was a huge bonus as I was there during Christmas and boat parade when parking on the Island is a premium. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would recommend this property without hesitation to anyone. It’s perfect for one or two people. I intend to come back soon!
Submitted: Jan 20, 2014 Stayed: Dec 2013
Owner’s Response: Lisa, I am so glad you enjoyed your special stay. Can’t wait to have you back! Jodi

Fun Getaway
barbara I.

This property was beautiful and spotless. If you want a relaxing beach cottage experience for 1 or 2 people, this unit works very well. It has every convenience you need, plus many extras to make your stay special. The location is great for exploring the area, and having a parking place is a big plus. I would recommend this property as long as you do not have trouble climbing some steep steps, as it is located over the garage.
Submitted: Dec 1, 2013 Stayed: Nov 2013

Excellent Location on Balboa Island
Bob C.
Albany NY

The listing description for this property was completely accurate. Directions to this location by the owner were most helpful and easy to follow. The amenities were useful such as, the patio and furniture to use to enjoy during our stay. The property was very clean and well-maintained. Customer service and administration for renting by the owner was very professional including the very specific directions to the property and access to our apartment. Regarding the apartment, the web photos are completely accurate to what we encountered when we arrived with everything in perfect condition. I would highly recommend this property to friends and relatives. The use of the garage was helpful for parking the ca on an island with limited parking. Also, the availability with the rental of beach chairs, umbrella, beach towels and yard space with chairs to sit and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze while reading was wonderful. Attractions in the area were suggested and we availed ourself of the many fine eating establishments nearby. The proximity of the ferry and beach is a plus.
Submitted: Sep 29, 2013 Stayed: Sep 2013

Excellent Location on Balboa Island
Mrs. C
Albany NY

This property rental was fabulous for me and my wife. We enjoyed being able to have access to many fine restaurants on Balboa Island. In all, the location was perfect. For example, the ability to walk a short distance to the Balboa Ferry to reach the Balboa Peninsula a short five minute ride and enjoy the Pacific Ocean was fun. In addition, we enjoyed the beach along the Balboa Island boardwalk and the many walks into town or just a leisurely stroll throughout unique Balboa Island. The accommodations were perfect for the two of us. If we were not sure what to do, the owner, Jodi, had a list of wonderful suggestions to entertain ourselves in the area. Jodi made sure everyday supplies were available to us when we arrived. She really has a desire to make you feel at home at her place. The place was recently renovated but that aside, the property throughout is very clean and well maintained. The use of the garage was helpful for parking the car on an island with limited parking. Also, she provided beach chairs, umbrella, beach towels and yard space with chairs to sit and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze while reading a book. I would highly recommend this property for your next vacation on Balboa Island.
Submitted: Sep 28, 2013 Stayed: Sep 2013

Quintessential Cottage
Anabelle B.

When we first arrived at the Cottage we were amazed at how charming the property was. The private garage was really useful, especially on the weekends. This is a very popular place and we loved walking around to see all the sites. The Cottage had all the amenities for a great get-away stay. Like much of the historical homes on Balboa Island, most the homes are very quaint and intimate, but very few are only one bedroom. The list of 31 things to do provided by the owner was a great touch! We will be back to the Cottage Retreat next year! Loved the Sunflowers!!
Submitted: Sep 8, 2013 Stayed: Jul 2013

A great way to spend a few days on Balboa Island
Polly J.

This was our first visit to the “Cottage” on Balboa Island and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The accommodations were just as we expected. And, everything was exceptionally clean and very new. The location near the Main Street of town was very convenient. We were within just a few blocks of many fun shops and restaurants. And, we were very close to the wonderful walkway that circles the island. Jodi, the owner, couldn’t have been more gracious. She called us both before our visit to see if we had any questions and she provided lots of useful information. After our visit, she called to ask for feedback.
We will definitely return in the future.
Submitted: Sep 6, 2013 Stayed: Aug 2013

Romantic & relaxing getaway
Paula E.

The Cottage Retreat has been remodeled with all new amenities that you would find in a high-end hotel. Super clean and comfortable with beautiful décor. We parked the car and walked or biked everywhere. Perfect location in between the main street shops and the island ferry. The homeowner is so nice to work with and has stocked the cottage with everything you need for a relaxing time. This is our new favorite vacation spot that we will definitely return to!
Submitted: Jul 10, 2013 Stayed: Jul 2013