Vacation Rentals by Owner

The B Hive is the Best!!!!!

Guest: SDM (upstate New York)
Date of Stay: 05/17/12 Review Submitted: 05/22/12

My husband and I plus my son and daughter-in-law just loved renting this super comfortable, well-appointed and clean house in a great and convenient neighborhood in Austin. We rented it the week before my granddaughter's graduation from UT's law school. It was amazingly close to everything. The printed VRBO description fits the property perfectly in every way. The open single-floor plan and the marvelously appointed kitchen were wonderful as were the two spacious bedrooms each with their own bathrooms. The two comfy couches. coffee table plus reading chair with foot stool, reading lamps and dining table gave us plenty of room to all spread out. Somehow we never got around to turning on the very large flat screen TV . Too busy! Invited four of our granddaughter's friends for dinner one night and all 9 of us sat comfortably around the dining room table. My son and I both love cooking and he loved using the gas grill on the back patio one night and I used the oven for the dinner party. Everything you need to cook with and to serve in is there. Amazing!!! All appliances were up to date and worked well. AND......we had a chance to meet the owners on our last day...... and that was a treat! They both take great pride in their rental property and they should. They care about their renters and want their guests to have a great experience. And we did!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for all!!!!!!!

Owner response:What a fabulous family! Thank you so much for staying with us. Please come back again and again.

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

A highly recommended house with unmatched character and charm

Guest: Chris B (Durham NC)
Date of Stay: 04/27/12 Review Submitted: 05/08/12

The four of us immediately fell in love with the house upon arrival. The character and charm of the bungalow, friendliness of the neighbors, and the rich and unique culture of the surrounding community just made it all the better. As well, the owners were just a phone call away and were eager to drop helpful hints and suggestions on Austin (and their personal) favorite spots to visit and dine. From top to bottom, the house far exceeded our expectations - but was exactly what we needed!

Owner response:What a fabulous foursome! I hope y'all come and stay with us again and again. You left a great happy vibe in our house. Thank you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Awesome location!

Guest: Rabncb (Stephenviile,TX)
Date of Stay: 04/20/12 Review Submitted: 04/24/12

Loved this place! Had an awesome surprise 50th birthday weekend for my mom! Nice neighborhood, close to everything, everything you need for cooking at the house and nice beds! Fun little surprises we weren't expecting too! Going back asap!

Owner response:I'm so glad your mom was surprised! I was hoping she would take the orchid. It was her present from me. Please visit us soon!

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

Easter week at the BHive was perfect

Guest: Deborah I.
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/19/12

The BHive was a perfect Austin base for our family of 4. The neighborhood was fun to explore - it was great to have a bakery, grocery, restaurants, and a basketball court all in easy walking distance. The house was set up with everything we could need including baskets for Easter, coffee, bikes and a basketball. We give the BHive 5 stars.

Owner response:What an incredible family! I hope y'all come back again and again!

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Highly Recommend

Guest: Marks D. (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/31/12 Review Submitted: 03/09/12

We just enjoyed a month-long stay at the B Hive – truly a home away from home. The house is lovely: the bed especially comfortable, bed linens and towels excellent quality, and the kitchen fully equipped; the fenced backyard made life with our dog easy. The hosts were wonderful - easy to deal with, responsive and generous. The location of the B Hive could not be better – quiet, but close to everything Austin has to offer. Hyde Park is a great neighborhood for walking – shops/restaurants right around the corner are convenient. Downtown is an easy trip, even by bike and buses are nearby for those without a car always available. Weather prevented us from using the B Hive’s outdoor spaces as much as we would have liked, but we still used the grill a few times and enjoyed sitting on the covered front porch with a glass of wine watching the neighborhood slowly pass by. The park down the street seems to offer something for everyone (children’s playground, tennis, basketball, informal dog space); must be especially nice when the pool is open. The small castle (Elizabeth Ney Museum) across the street is special and a generally undiscovered jewel that should be visited. In short, we had an excellent stay!

Owner response:What a great couple! Thank you so much for staying with us. I hope you can come back. Loved sharing the veggies with you.

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Highly Recommend

Guest: Marks D. (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/31/12 Review Submitted: 03/09/12

We just enjoyed a month-long stay at the B Hive – truly a home away from home. The house is lovely: the bed especially comfortable, bed linens and towels excellent quality, and the kitchen fully equipped; the fenced backyard made life with our dog easy. The hosts were wonderful - easy to deal with, responsive and generous. The location of the B Hive could not be better – quiet, but close to everything Austin has to offer. Hyde Park is a great neighborhood for walking – shops/restaurants right around the corner are convenient. Downtown is an easy trip, even by bike and buses are nearby for those without a car always available. Weather prevented us from using the B Hive’s outdoor spaces as much as we would have liked, but we still used the grill a few times and enjoyed sitting on the covered front porch with a glass of wine watching the neighborhood slowly pass by. The park down the street seems to offer something for everyone (children’s playground, tennis, basketball, informal dog space); must be especially nice when the pool is open. The small castle (Elizabeth Ney Museum) across the street is special and a generally undiscovered jewel that should be visited. In short, we had an excellent stay!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Awesome place!

Guest: JB (Vancouver Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/28/11 Review Submitted: 10/16/11

The owners were extremely welcoming. The house was spacious and had everything we needed. Nice to have laundry facilities too. It was close to the bus to downtown and just a block to a grocery store, bakery and some restaurants. We biked downtown. Really enjoyed the neighbourhood and found it very quiet.

Owner response:Thank you so much for staying with us! It was such a pleasure to have you at the house.

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Family Friendly, quiet and relaxing

Guest: jenny (friendswood, tx)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/25/11

Just as described!!! Grocery store,park, and dining close enough to walk to. The B-hive was beautiful, quaint and very comfortable. We had everything we needed at the house. The owners were wonderful and helpful. We will stay here every time we come to Austin!!! Fantastic stay!!!

Owner response:Fantastic family! Thank you so much for staying with us. Please do come back.

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

Perfectly lovely stay!!

Guest: Maggie (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/31/11 Review Submitted: 08/27/11

We came to Austin just to hang out for a few days in between visits elsewhere. I used to live here and miss it terribly. I always loved the Hyde Park neighborhood and it was such a treat to be able to stay in this area. The house is just as charming as the pictures show, and it's super clean too. Well stocked with essentials as well as anything else you might need in the kitchen or for fun. Comfy beds, fluffy towels, and just a homey atmosphere truly made it perfect. It's especially nice when you have a few small children with you like we did! So much better than a small hotel room!!!! The restaurant and bakery options all within 2 blocks were such a treat, especially when it was too hot to do anything else this summer! We will surely be back! Thank you so much for a perfect visit.

Owner response:Maggie - you are the best! Come back and see us.

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

Truly a HOME AWAY FROM HOME!!!!

Guest: Michael (High Point, NC)
Date of Stay: 04/13/11 Review Submitted: 04/17/11

My wife, I and 5 girls(teenagers) all stayed here for 3 nights for a wedding in Mid April. The house was amazing, immaculate, spacious and overall very enjoyable. There was plenty of space for all 7 of us, and the setting and neighborhood couldn't have been better. With a cute grocery store, bakery simply one block away, a 5 star hotel couldn't compare!! The surrounding neighborhood is also very cute, and you can take great walks, run or bike around If you reading this review and are considering staying at the B Hive, don't hesitate! Literally, 4 miles from downtown, easy access to I-35, so going north or south is super easy too!!!

Owner response:Thank you so much! I hope you can come back to see us.

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

Perfect spot for our UT weekend!!

Guest: Missy (Richardson Texas)
Date of Stay: 11/12/10 Review Submitted: 11/23/10

The B Hive was a great choice for a weekend to visit our daughter and go to a UT football game. We brought another family member so being able to all stay in a home instead of hotel rooms was so nice for a together time weekend! We were on the go alot but in our spare time we could easily relax here. Great TV for watching other football too. The neighborhood was fun for walking and taking all in. It was so clean and fresh and more amenities than you would imagine are takend care of-like home! I would suggest stocking small soaps and shampoos in case of folks who did not prepare for that--I had asked so knew to bring ours, but that was the only lacking detail among many that were already provided. Lianna and Eric were both so helpful to us in our questions both before arrival and afterwards too. Our college daughter wanted to just move in--loved the decor!! This is a great location and at the end of a quiet street with available parking. Have already recommended to a friend for UT graduation but it was booked!! I am sure it is a popular destination for many visiting Austin. I clicked on good rating above but it is really a Good+++ I think if one of the bedrooms could house a king bed it would boost my rating to Excellent. Both had queen size beds.

Owner response:What a great guest! Glad you had so much fun with family. Glad you enjoyed all of the little touches we try very hard to make available to our guests. As for the king bed well that is on the list of to do's. Look for it in the future! Thank you again and please come back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners.

Awesome Experience!

Guest: Dan (Lake City, CO)
Date of Stay: 06/17/10 Review Submitted: 07/08/10

We had the privilege of staying here while visiting Austin for my brother's wedding. He and his bride found this place for us, and we couldn't have been happier. The location couldn't be better, for one, unless you really want to live downtown. This was close enough for us, but also far enough away that you don't feel like you're in the middle of a capital city. Beautiful neighborhoods, with public pools (kiddie and adult) nearby, impressive stone mansion/museum across the street, and remarkably well-stocked local grocery (and wine/beer) store, as well as a bakery, a block away. Those are the incidentals. Lianna has not only gone to great lengths to make this rental a bright, spacious, nicely decorated and fully equipped home, but she also makes every effort to help her guests feel welcome and comfortable up-front. There was wine and cheese awaiting us in the fridge, as well as locally-roasted coffee, and a well-stocked pantry. She also helped us out by having toys around for our kids, and a pack-n-play in our room for our infant. I guess that's enough for now, but I'll just add that having spent a few days in this house and this town, it was difficult to pack up and drive away.

Owner response:Ya'll are such a wonderful family! We loved having you at The B Hive. Please come back again and again. Lianna

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

Great place to stay for a wedding

Guest: father of the groom (Fayetteville, NC)
Date of Stay: 06/16/10 Review Submitted: 03/11/11

Our son arranged our stay at the Bee Hive and we could not have been more pleased with our visit. Not only was the house and property ideally suited for our needs, but our hosts provided many impressive ammenities that went far above what we expected. Fresh flowers adorned every room of the house and there was even a selection of snacks left for us. This was a once in a lifetime trip since our son was marrying a local girl, but should we ever have occassion to visit Austin again, we will definitely try to use the Bee Hive again.

Owner response:What a fabulous family! I was honored to have them stay at our house. Please come back soon.

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

The B-Hive Gets An A+

Guest: ADACindy (Anchorage, AK)
Date of Stay: 06/01/10 Review Submitted: 06/07/10

We stayed at the B-Hive when in town for my nephew's graduation. Plenty of room for 2 branches of the family and we ended up showing it off to several more friends and family as well. Everyone was jealous and wanted to stay there themselves. The owners have thought of everything. I have used VRBO a lot, including planning several reunions, and the B-Hive was the best place yet. Highly recommended.

Owner response:Thanks, Cindy! We loved having you stay with us! Can't wait to see you again. Lianna

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

The Best Vacation House We've Rented!

Guest: Lorianne (Richmond, VA)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 06/01/10

We spent a couple nights in Austin with my husband's parents and our 2 kids. The BHive was perfect for us! It allowed us to sit back and relax and let the kids play without being crowded into a hotel room. Everything was comfortable, wonderful beds and bedding, very pleasant decor. We felt like we were at home!! When we arrived, there was a basket of snacks for us, as well as coffee and tea. We thoroughly enjoyed these! We also took advantage of the grocery store just down the street, and walked to the bakery for breakfast one morning. This was a great location for just about any desire! We have no complaints, and would definitely come back!

Owner response:Thank you so much! Loved having you at The B Hive!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children.

Just left the BeeHive - and ready to go back!

Guest: Mary, Clare, Susan, Lynn, Wally and Tater (Dallas)
Date of Stay: 04/23/10 Review Submitted: 04/25/10

What a GREAT house! We had such a wonderful time in this beautiful, comfortable home. Four girlfriends and 2 weiner dogs. There was plenty of room for all, and the location could not have been better! Walking distance to everything you might need and MORE ! Lianna was delightful and I am so grateful to her for sharing her lovely home with us - thank you so much! Hope we get to come back!

Owner response:Clare, I can't believe it took me this long to respond! Thank you so much!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.

BEST VACATION STAY EVER!!! TRULY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Guest: LindsLOVESAustin (Lafayette, LA)
Date of Stay: 03/26/10 Review Submitted: 04/05/10

A group of girlfriends and I rented out the "B-Hive" for a recent gettaway. This house has EVERYTHING you might need. You truly have all of the comforts of home at your fingertips. Also, there are great cafe's and eateries within a short walking distance. We took a ride on the bikes at the house to downtown Austin which was my favorite part of the weekend! Such a beautiful city to be explored! Before we left the house my girlfriends and I were already planning our next trip to Austin so we could come back to the beautiful home! CLEAN, SPACIOUS, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!

Owner response:Fabulous renters! Thank you so much for coming to stay with us. Please come back anytime!

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

Guest: Bonnee Riggs (South Texas)
Date of Stay: 03/02/10 Review Submitted: 03/02/10

We rented the "B" for a girls reunion and it was perfect! The location could not be better for us as we wanted to not drive too much to do things while in Austin, just wanted to be together. There were wonderful cafes, bakeries and even a grocery market all within walking distance. We took advantage of this and loved the easy access. The house is wonderful, spacious and has every thing you might need. Everyone had enough space and room to spread out but the living room area brought us together at all times. Super comfy, clean, and again, plenty of everything. They have thought of everything to make anyone's stay there perfect. There is positive energy throughout the neighborhood and we will be back! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful home.

Owner response:Thank you Bonnee!

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Guest: Sara 4 (-)
Date of Stay: 02/09/10 Review Submitted: 02/09/10

We just stayed in the B Hive this past weekend, and it was fabulous. There for a weekend reunion with great friends, we couldn't have asked for a better spot! The house was super cute, clean, and well appointed. More than once was the phrase uttered, "I wish my house looked like this". I have many fond memories of this past weekend, including the lovely spot we stayed!

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Guest: Erica28 (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 02/09/10 Review Submitted: 02/09/10

We had the greatest time staying at the B Hive! It was a perfect central location to many of our Austin favorite venues. The house was so well-decorated, spacious, and had all the accommodations we could have hoped for. Lianna was so friendly and welcoming--it was clear how much she loves her guests and wanted us to have a comfortable and fun stay. You will not be disappointed with this house--you will only want to head back as soon as you can!

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Guest: Cliffd (Telluride, CO)
Date of Stay: 10/30/09 Review Submitted: 10/30/09

This craftsman house is fantastic. Its clean, bright, well decorated and in a great neighborhood just north of downtown. And within a few steps of the front door is a great supermarket and deli/bakery. Best of all, we arrived in town late in the day and the original place we had rented didn't work out. We were scrambling to find a place online and when we spoke to the owner of this house they had just had some other guests check out. But when they heard our situation, they rushed over, cleaned the house, put fresh sheets on the beds and had it ready for our arrival within 20 minutes of our initial conversation. In short - awesome people, awesome house, awesome neighborhood!!

Owner response:Really cool fun guests! Sorry for the late reply but if you come back to Austin I hope you can stay with us.

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