Even the gorgeous pictures on the Keating House website do not prepare you for the beauty of the house and gardens. We drove up to find flags waving over the wide, shady porch, leading to the front door. As we walked through the front garden, we knew we had made the right decision. There are many promising lodging choices in San Diego, but this felt like home.

We were greeted warmly and given a tour of the house, which is just gorgeous. Built in the 1880s, it has been lovingly restored, and even though it houses nine guestrooms—it feels spacious and airy. The rooms are meticulously decorated with period furniture and accessories, and the bathrooms are large and well-appointed.

Breakfast each morning was a gourmet delight, starting with fresh fruit, then a baked goody such as banana pancakes or homemade coffee cake. Fresh flowers adorn the plates and table, and are in vases all over the house. I especially enjoyed taking a cup of coffee out into the back garden, sitting among the flowers, and listening to the water trickling out of the fountains surrounding the patio. It was difficult to leave each morning, but San Diego beckoned.

My room was on the ground floor, and had a French door leading out to the back garden. Tucked behind the kitchen, I awakened each morning to the smell of coffee and something delicious cooking. My friends stayed in two rooms upstairs, both of which overlooked the gardens. We all agreed that this was the most peaceful and beautiful place we had ever stayed.

The hosts took great care to provide information and advice about San Diego and the area surrounding the B&B, and they never steered us wrong. You will love this place, and it's the only place I'll ever stay in San Diego.

Keating House is a 1880's Queen Anne Victorian restored and now in use as a Bed & Breakfast. It's located in the Banker's Hill residential/business area, a short walk to Balboa Park or Hillcrest.

My husband & I stayed in the Music Room on both this trip and a previous trip. The tub is great for soaking, the original gas fireplace works, towels are plentiful & thick, bathroom is roomy, bed & bedding is comfortable. The decor is Victorian but thankfully not too overdone as you can find in some B&Bs.

The hosts are very friendly and helpful in recommending restaurants, things to do, etc. Ben has a great list he's published on their website (http://www.keatinghouse.com/index.html) -- he also has this printed out & available at Keating House.

Breakfasts are very good -- banana pancakes, fruit, french toast, etc. They also have a breadmaker and fresh bread & fruit are available throughout the day.

We've always enjoyed meeting the other guests here. For this weekend most of the other guests were either there for the marathon or supporting someone doing the marathon. Keating House is a short walk (a couple small blocks) to the marathon start and a short (uphill) drive from the finish.