Hillcrest: The Uptown Retreat
A light-filled 1BR in the heart of Hillcrest — an 8-minute walk to Scripps Mercy and steps to Whole Foods, Balboa Park, and the best brunch in town.
4.93 · Airbnb Guest Favorite · Superhost
A Place to Actually Recover, Not Just Sleep
The Uptown Retreat is our personally-hosted home in one of San Diego’s most walkable, welcoming neighborhoods. You’re a short stroll from Whole Foods, Balboa Park, and some of the city’s best brunch — and you’re 0.5 miles from Scripps Mercy Hospital, which is why so many of our guests are traveling nurses and healthcare professionals doing a San Diego rotation.
All utilities are included — electricity, water, gas, and fast Wi-Fi — so your monthly rate is exactly what you pay. Pets welcome with approval. Some guests come home after a 12-hour shift; others head out for brunch on a day off. The place is set up for both ends of your day.
Why Our Guests Pick Hillcrest
For Traveling Nurses & Healthcare Pros
Walk to Scripps Mercy. Come home to comfort, blackout curtains, and a real kitchen.
- Walk to Scripps Mercy Hospital (0.5 mi, ~8-min walk) for the easiest commute imaginable.
- Near UC San Diego Health (1 mi, ~17-min walk), also a very short drive.
- Dedicated Workspace with high-speed Wi-Fi, desk, and ergonomic chair.
- Quiet & Secure Building with blackout curtains for essential rest after a long shift.
- Stipend-ready: we provide a signed lease and itemized monthly invoice — the documentation most agencies require for housing-stipend reimbursement.
For the Extended Stay Explorer
Live like a local in one of San Diego's best neighborhoods.
- 97 Walk Score: Leave the car behind. You're steps from Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and countless cafes.
- Vibrant Dining Scene right outside your door, from iconic brunch spots to lively dinner destinations.
- Walk to Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
- Hillcrest Farmers Market every Sunday — fresh produce, food, and local crafts a few blocks away.
- Minutes to the coast, Little Italy, and the Gaslamp by car when you want to explore further.
At a Glance
Explore the Space
Curated Amenities
We stocked this place with the things we always wished our own rentals had. Here’s what’s waiting for you:
An 8-minute walk to Scripps Mercy — a favorite home base for traveling nurses.
Discover Hillcrest & Beyond
From your front door, you’re minutes from some of San Diego’s most beloved attractions. We’ve put together local guides so you know the best spots before you even arrive.
Hillcrest is a vibrant, welcoming, and highly walkable neighborhood. The area is brimming with unique shops, cozy coffee houses, and some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants — all just a short stroll away. It’s a place with a strong sense of community and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, perfect for anyone settling in for a month or more.
Hillcrest Farmers’ Market
Stroll through a vibrant market full of fresh produce, artisanal treats, and local crafts—everything you need to feel at home during your temporary stay.
Balboa Park
A short walk away, this cultural oasis features world-class museums, stunning gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
Artisan Coffee & Brunch
Start your morning with a thoughtfully prepared brunch or artisan coffee in a cozy, stylish space—comfort and reliability just like home.
Where you’ll be
In the heart of Hillcrest — an 8-minute walk to Scripps Mercy, steps to Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, and a short stroll to Balboa Park.
For privacy and security, we share the exact address once your stay is confirmed.
Dine Like a Local
One of Hillcrest's greatest perks is its incredible dining scene. Dozens of beloved local spots are just a short, pleasant walk from your door.
Hash House A Go Go
A neighborhood icon known for its "twisted farm food" and generous portions. Famous for brunch. ~4-minute walk
Crest Cafe
Classic American comfort food in a beloved, eclectic diner setting. A true local favorite, open 24/7. ~4-minute walk
La Bonne Table
A tiny, charming French bistro right on 5th Ave in Hillcrest - think white tablecloths, vintage photos, and “Paris in SD” vibes.~2-minute walk
Check Availability
Browse open dates below, then submit an inquiry for your stay.
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Planning ahead, or don't see your dates?
Send us your target dates — we'll hold them if we can, or let you know the moment they open up.
Request your dates →Inquire & Book Direct
Book directly with Katrina & Gerardine from $3,750/mo — the same home lists for roughly $4,400–$5,600/mo all-in on the booking platforms, depending on season. Same home, same hosts, no platform markup. Longer stays cost less per month — see the rates below.
Book Direct
- From $3,750/mo — hundreds less all-in
- Price isn't padded for platform fees
- You reach Katrina & Gerardine directly
- Custom pricing for longer stays & extensions
On a Booking Platform
- Rate built to absorb the platform's cut
- Booking fees of roughly 10–15%
- Messages routed through the app
- Fixed platform length & discount rules
You can still book us on Airbnb & Vrbo anytime — booking direct just keeps the platform's cut in your pocket instead of theirs.
Transparent Rates — Longer Stays Cost Less
- 1–2 months $3,750/mo
- 3–5 months typical travel-nurse contract $3,600/mo
- 6+ months $3,500/mo
- 12-month lease Ask us →
Plus a one-time $150 departure cleaning fee. Utilities, Wi-Fi & parking included. Shoulder-season base rates — summer dates carry a premium, and we confirm every quote personally.
"We set this place up the way we'd want it after a long shift — and we're just a message away if you need anything." — Katrina & Gerardine
Prefer a Booking Platform?
For your convenience, you can also find this property on Airbnb and Vrbo.
Discover Our Other Residence
We also offer a vibrant retreat in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.
Gaslamp: The Downtown Hub
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Explore Gaslamp Stay →