Vacation Rentals by Owner

Best Girlfriend-Getaway Location Yet!

Guest: qfe (Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/21/10 Review Submitted: 10/24/10

Just got home from a 4-day stay at SunnySide with my best friend (we do this once a year--pick a city and meet up for a long weekend). This was by far our favorite house yet. The location is fabulous: close to absolutely everything but quiet and private. The house is filled with wonderful personal touches that made us feel immediately at home. Maria was the very best and we're sorry we missed meeting her (tho' we did make it to her restaurant Taco Express for our first lunch---WOW!). This is a great place to relax, to cook, to hang out in the yard or on the front porch, to walk the neighborhood (beautiful), and feel like you're home. The kitchen is modern and well-equipped and easy to use, the bedrooms are great (comfy beds), the bathrooms are cute, and the living and dining rooms are nice and open and large. Furnishings are beautiful, the place is sunny (so many windows and doors!!!), the porch and deck are both exquisite spots to relax. Truly this was a wonderful find--once we saw it online, we planned our entire vacation around getting this house, and it was hands-down the best part of our first-time trip to Austin. Kudos to you, Maria, and Thank You very much for being such a wonderful hostess to us.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Dear Vicky

Guest: Vicky
Date of Stay: 10/07/10 Review Submitted: 10/15/10

It was a pleasure to have you as a guest, your compliments were very generous, I thank you so much for the way you left the house. Were you ever here or was I dreaming? And you said it, this is your home away from home. Hope to see you again. Love. Maria

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Charming Accommodations

Guest: Victoria (Spring, Texas)
Date of Stay: 10/07/10 Review Submitted: 10/11/10

Sunny Side is a charming & unique, quite comfortable home with the feel of being out in the country yet it's centrally located; close to both downtown and Zilker Park. We were in Austin for my son's wedding and also to take in the ACL Music Festival. Since the property wasn't rented the day prior to our arrival, or after our departure, Maria let us check in early for the wedding and depart late because of ACL. Maria is as charming as her home; you won't find anyone more accommodating and eager to make your stay pleasurable. She even provided us with a free meal at her 'Taco Xpress' restaurant, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Sunny Side is equipped with everything one would need for a short or long stay. I especially enjoyed the large deck in the back for reading and just relaxing. If you're seeking a lovely place, as original as Austin, this is your home away from home.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Home is where the heart is...Sunny Side, ATX

Guest: V H. (Singapore)
Date of Stay: 06/15/10 Review Submitted: 06/30/10

Sunny Side...the name says it all...a little slice of heaven. You are greated with natural light, and the owners eye for detail and designer influence...this home gives you a big hug immediately! Nestled between the heart of SoLa (South Lamar) and SoCo (South Congress) within arms reach of the eclectic, artistic, authentic, heatbeat of all things Austin: Zilker Park, Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, the Capital grounds, Ann Richards Bridge and its famous inhabitants, the Mexican Freetail bats, the Austin music scene and culinary Austin locals such as Maria's own Taco Express (which is within walking distance from Sunny Side and has best breakfast tacos in Austin, as well as genuine Texas Mex comfort food served up like mama does all week, often with live music!) The home is an extension of Maria herself. Her warmth and genuine love of life and appreciation for beauty and eye for detail is relfected in every corner of this home. It is not just another property, it is unique and accomodating, with everything needed for a week-end or a summer stay. Wonderful linens and comfy beds, everything you could possibly ever need in a kitchen! Washer/ Dryer, dish network, WiFi...baskets of books and Austitn info guides, we even received fresh flowers from Maria upon our arrival! Reservations are no hassle and any special requests are met with a loving and assured response. The location is near numerous grocery options, and all your retail needs. The home is private and set up for personal space. Bosting both a back patio and front porch w/ welcoming bench make wonderful escapes for reading and relaxation. It is spic and span clean, and easy to keep maintain during an extended stay. It makes you happy just waking up here! Maria, thank you for your hospitality, your warmth and your welcome. Sunny side will no doubt be our annual summer home again in the future! Besos!

Owner response:Gosh dear, I think I'm in the wrong business because when you leave I will miss you. But I hope to see your pretty face soon, on your next trip to Austin. You were an easy and adorable guest. Thank you for all your kind words. I love you back, Maria

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

My place in Austin

Guest: Silver28 (Boston)
Date of Stay: 05/30/10 Review Submitted: 06/08/10

If I'm lucky and it's available, I will be coming to this place every time I'm in Austin. Both times I've stayed here with my family we all had a wonderful time. The house is spacious and bright, and well supplied with everything you could possibly need. We felt like in a little paradise, it seems miles away but it's just 2 blocks from one of the main boulevards and very close to downtown. Maria is the most accommodating hosts and, lucky for us, she also owns a very charming restaurant a block away, ideal for breakfast or lunch when we didnt feel like cooking. Our friends came for a visit and couldnt believe our luck, best place in town!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

May 20 - 23, 2010

Guest: Dale (Lakewood Ranch, FL)
Date of Stay: 05/20/10 Review Submitted: 05/31/10

The 3 of us, all adults, stayed at Sunnyside for 3 nights. The property was exactly as described. The house was clean and well-maintained. Maria was very responsive and an excellent host. The only qualification we had with the home, was that lighting throughout the home was very poor. The bathrooms were particularily poorly lite and were difficult for the ladies to apply their makeup. The other problem is that the master bedroom lacks privacy as one of the entrances only has a sheer curtain and no solid door.

Owner response:Dear Dale, Thank you for your sweet compliments and for your valuable input. Since I dont wear make-up, I never thought about the bathroom being lite poorly, lol. All kiding aside, because of your observation, I called the electritian and the bathroom has now better lighting. I'm also considering, actually I will provide more privacy to that master bedroom. I'm glad you had a good stay, it was very nice meeting you. Thank you so much. Maria

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

Ahhhh Sunnyside!

Guest: Princess Lea (Indianapolis, IN)
Date of Stay: 07/01/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

My husband, my 19 month old daughter and I just had the most amazing stay at Sunnyside over the 4th of July weekend. I prefer to stay in houses over hotels with the baby so that she can have her own room to bed down early and take naps, and I can do the laundry and cook some meals for her. This place was perfect! Very warm and cozy, yet lots and lots of space for us to spread out. Stylish, comfortable and very clean with everything you could possibly need. If there isn't something you need, you can always ask Maria, the owner who lives behind the house is a beautiful Mexican style hacienda, who is more than accomadating. We walked to bars and restaurants from the house with the babe, including Taco Express (a.k.a Maria's) for breakfast every morning! We had a small group of old friends over on one evening for a BBQ on the deck and everyone raved about the place. It is on a large lot and was very quiet and secluded yet in the best location. When I found out it was Maria's I knew it was karma that we would rent it. The only surprise is that the pictures do not do it justice...it is so much better! We will be back next year Maria...Gracias!

Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Charming Sunnyside House

Guest: Austin bound (Houston)
Date of Stay: 04/03/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/09

From the minute I inquired about this property, I had a good feeling about staying there. I never got the opportunity to actually meet the owner, but the house was as charming and welcoming as the owner was in all my dealings with her by email and phone. The house was immaculate and very easy to manage with all the coming and going that we did. I was able to do some cooking and entertaining there one evening and everyone appreciated how cozy and inviting the house was. The master bedroom is large and spacious and the bed was very comfortable. Every room was very comfortable. The location was close to town, yet set in a nice and secure feeling neighborhood. Also having wifi was very helpful. I would definitely go back!!

Owner response:It is a pleasure for me to hear that people feel welcome, cozy and happy at Sunnyside. Compliments like this make me want to go the extra mile to make your stay unforgivable. Thank you so very much. Maria

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

I stayed in both of Maria properties and both were joyful experiences. This is an spacious but homey house, full of light, elegantly decorated, comfortable and clean. I stayed for a week and everything worked well, Maria was always prompt if I needed something. The whole property is surrounded by trees, giving the feeling of a place outside the city although is only blocks away from downtown, clubs, movies, Whole Food’s Market. Maria is very helpful and kind, with a great personality, the perfect host.

Owner response:Gosh, there are a lot of sweet people in the world, they sure know how to make a heart feel good. Thank you very kindly for your comments. Maria

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Alma T. (Greenwich, CT)
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/11/09

This was my third Austin rental and by far the best. Despite first impressions—South Lamar Blvd. is ugly and the traffic can be bad—it's really a great location: convenient—within 10 minutes more or less—to both Downtown and Town Lake, Barton Springs and Zilker Park, and to all the shops, clubs and restaurants on South Congress Ave and South Lamar. Also quick and easy access to the major highways. The house is spacious and decorated with flair (though nothing like the stunning decor of the owner Maria's own home, if you're lucky she might show you around) with a pleasant neighborhood feel, and you'd never know you were a minute off Lamar once there. Sitting on the large rear deck you see mostly trees and sky. Above all, the ebullient, charmingly quirky and accommodating personality of Maria—a genuine South Austin character—makes it special. There's no 3-page contract, payment 60 days in advance, with Maria. It's "What are your dates Honey? Yes, I can do that." I haven't eaten there yet but she also owns the most gaily decorated restaurant in Austin, which is a minute from the house. A "shrine to trippy folk art and fantastic Mexican food" says the Austin Chronicle, with killer margaritas and great music. Also nearby is Kerbey Lane, open 24 hours, full of interesting characters, with a warm and friendly vibe and good inexpensive food. I stayed at Sunnyside for over a month in Feb./March and was sorry to leave.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/08/09

Maria's house is so much fun and very comfortable. She has an eclectic style that is very creative. There are all the amenities needed, washer, dryer,soft towels, comfy beds, all kitchen gadgets. Wifi- cable, etc. The nice thing being a renter is she doesn't bug you! Check in-check out and any problems-she solves. We had a very nice gratis lunch at her restaurant. Liz H. San Antonio.

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Two week holiday rental

Guest: D of Austin (Austin, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/19/08 Review Submitted: 01/07/09

I rented this house primarily for my three adult children for the holidays, though I stayed there also. The owner lives in another house on the property. She was accessible, friendly, and very helpful, even lending me a couple of larger pots from her kitchen to cook Christmas dinner. There was a problem with the dryer, but the owner called a repairman and had it fixed the next business day. In the meantime, she offered to let us use the washer/dryer in another vacation rental on the property. Similarly, a problem with the DVD player was quickly remedied. The house is clean, spacious, and attractive. The kitchen is small, but adequate. The large deck is very nice, though we only used it a couple of times due to cold weather. The neighborhood is relatively quiet, but there are restaurants, specialty shops, and a Walgreens within easy walking distance. Lamar Blvd., a major thoroughfare with frequent city bus service, is about 200 yards away, making it easy to get to shopping, downtown, parks, the hike and bike trail, and other destinations.

Owner response:I was very happy to be able to fulfill all David's needs. Nothing like a washer/dryer going out on a weekend, luckily I could buy a new one inmediately, considering it was in the middle of the holidays. Since all DVDs are different, I appreciated David's comments and made inprovements by putting the instructions on writing to make everybody feel at home. Thank you very much. Maria.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.