StayIU: B-Town Bungalow • Walk to IU & Kirkwood • Quiet Street + Porch
------------------------------------------------------------ B-TOWN BUNGALOW: WALK TO IU • KIRKWOOD • DOWNTOWN 2 BR • 2 BA • SLEEPS 8 • QUIET STREET • BIG FRONT PORCH Hosted by STAYIU: 10+ YEARS OF FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY ------------------------------------------------------------
SETTING Kick back on one of Bloomington’s best front porches and enjoy a quiet, tree-lined street, while still being a short walk to IU’s Sample Gates, Kirkwood dining/shops, and downtown. Close to everything, yet calm when you’re home. Ideal for visiting your Indiana University student, alumni weekends, campus tours, and Jacobs School of Music or IU ballet performances.
FRONT PORCH Kick back on one of Bloomington’s best porches before or after campus events. Morning coffee, evening chats, and an easy place to reconnect.
WHY STAY HERE • Truly walkable to campus, restaurants, coffee, and performances • Comfortable home base for parent visits, alumni weekends, campus tours, Jacobs School of Music & ballet • Experienced, responsive hosts who keep things simple and clear
THE SPACE: 2 BEDROOMS • 2 FULL BATHS • SLEEPS 8 • BEDROOM 1: King bed • blackout shades • smart TV • PRIVATE ENSUITE (full bath) • BEDROOM 2: Two double beds • blackout shades • smart TV • LIVING ROOM: Queen sleeper sofa • CRIB: Full-size crib available on site
WHAT GUESTS APPRECIATE • The porch and truly walkable location • Clear instructions and quick communication • A spotless, updated home that “just works” for campus visits • Experienced, professional hosting with no surprises
KITCHEN (BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED) Set up for real cooking with full-size appliances and essentials, perfect for making your student’s favorite meal and catching up around the table.
LOCATION NOTES ~4 blocks to IU/Sample Gates and Kirkwood Avenue Easy walk to restaurants, shops, coffee, and nightlife Quiet residential setting for restful nights
SUMMARY If you want the convenience of walking to IU and Kirkwood, and a comfortable, quiet place to come back to, B-Town Bungalow delivers. Hosted by Devin with StayIU, with 10+ years of five-star hospitality in Bloomington.
**Approved pets will have a $100 extra charge per pet for the extra cleaning that is involved. **Unreturned parking pass will have a $150 fee. **There's a ring video doorbell on the front porch that captures video and sound and is placed for the safety of our guests and property
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2260361
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
Bloomington
Located in Elm Heights, a neighborhood in Bloomington, this vacation home is near a water park. Buskirk Chumley Theater and Wonderlab Science Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Musical Arts Center and Jump-N-Joey's. Traveling with kids? Consider Monroe County Fair Grounds, or check out an event or a game at Memorial Stadium. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cave exploring nearby.
Indiana University Bloomington - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Monroe Convention Center - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Monroe County Courthouse - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
Wonderlab Science Museum - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
Indiana University Auditorium - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
Restaurants
The Elm - 5 min walk
Rally's - 6 min walk
Wendy's - 8 min walk
Circle K - 9 min walk
Dagwood's Deli Sub Shop - 10 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is StayIU: B-Town Bungalow • Walk to IU & Kirkwood • Quiet Street + Porch pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at StayIU: B-Town Bungalow • Walk to IU & Kirkwood • Quiet Street + Porch?
As of May 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at StayIU: B-Town Bungalow • Walk to IU & Kirkwood • Quiet Street + Porch on Jul 24, 2026 start from $378, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at StayIU: B-Town Bungalow • Walk to IU & Kirkwood • Quiet Street + Porch?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at StayIU: B-Town Bungalow • Walk to IU & Kirkwood • Quiet Street + Porch?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is StayIU: B-Town Bungalow • Walk to IU & Kirkwood • Quiet Street + Porch located?
Located in the center of Bloomington, this family-friendly vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of Buskirk Chumley Theater and Indiana University Bloomington. Wonderlab Science Museum and Monroe Convention Center are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Btown Bungalow is a great property in an excellent location. It is beautifully curated in its decor but still very comfortable. It had all the amenities needed for making ourselves right at home. If you like to walk, it is perfectly situated right between Bryan Park and all the great restaurants and activities of downtown Bloomington and IU campus.
Great house for a weekend visit! Location is convenient to Kirkwood. Lovely furnishings and lots of room.
Jennifer A.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 23, 2026
Thank you for the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review! We love hearing that everything exceeded your expectations and you enjoyed the property! We’d love to host you again!
A lovely 2 BR 2 BA bungalow with a nice front porch for lounging. Very clean. Linens and shower gel/shampoo and hand lotion supplied. A Keurig coffee machine to get the day started right. A great location and easily walkable to campus. Great hosts and check in and check out instructions were as directed. Highly recommend!
Chris B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 27, 2026
We appreciate you enjoying all the details we provide guests! Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review and we’d love to have you back anytime!
A very nice house in a great location for a stay in Bloomington. Easy walk to downtown, nice furnishings in the home. Would definitely stay there again!
Great property ! Loved the house and close distance to university . Enjoyed the front porch and listening to records ! We had a wonderful stay and slept well in the comfy beds .
Debra B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 22, 2025
Thanks for staying with us again! We hope you loved the addition of the new 2nd bathroom!
We had an amazing stay at the B-Town Bungalow! It’s cozy, spacious, and close to downtown. The beds were super comfortable and every possible need was accounted for. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay!
Leslie F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 30, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! It makes me so happy to hear you had such a great stay at the B-Town Bungalow. We put a lot of thought into making it cozy and comfortable, so knowing you felt at home means a lot. Hope to host you again next time you’re in town!
Nice location to make trips back and forth to campus. Property is well maintained and comfortable!
Kerrie S.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 11, 2024
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the location for your trips to campus! It's great to know that you found the property well-maintained and comfortable during your stay. Thank you for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back again soon!
Our family luved this clean and elegant bungalow during a visit to IU.
A short walk from campus as well as dining and shopping.
Look forward to retuning when we are back in town!
Michael G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 2, 2024
I’m so happy to hear your family enjoyed the bungalow and found it a great spot for your visit to IU! The proximity to campus, dining, and shopping really does make it a convenient place to stay. I’d love to host you again whenever you’re back in town!
We’ve stayed in a lot of VRBO’s over the years and this is one of the best! The house is amazing. So clean and well thought out. Stocked with everything you can imagine. Beautifully decorated and well taken care of. Loved that it was pet friendly as well. So convenient to the IU campus and all that has to offer. The owner was very responsive to us as well. We enjoyed sitting on the front porch with our dog!
Christy W.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 30, 2025
Awww I love that you shared the pictures of your pup!! Thanks for staying with us! We hope to have you back again!
My wife and I stayed there for a family even it town. Wonderful place top to bottom. Walking distance to downtown, awesome amenities. We loved the front porch!
Michael F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 15, 2022
The front porch is a favorite among guests, it really gives that nostalgic Bloomington feel! We’d love to have your family back anytime you’re town again! We love hosting families!
This home was perfect in every way for our stay in Bloomington. Everything you need, tastefully decorated and close to everything we needed.
Would not hesitate to stay again.
Brenda S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 3, 2022
LOVE! Thank you :-) Thank you for rating us and giving us a chance to host your family. We'd love to have you back!
Everything was easy with this stay. House was in good shape, close to everything. Loved the record collection and little nice touches throughout.
Lila J.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 21, 2024
Thank you for the great review! We’re glad to hear that your stay was easy and that you enjoyed the house and its convenient location. It’s wonderful that you appreciated the record collection and the thoughtful touches throughout. We hope to host you again soon!
I have nothing but good things to say about this rental…we’ll cared for and excellent communication from the owners. We enjoyed our stay and hope to come back again for sure!!!
Emily S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 30, 2022
Thank you so much for the glowing review Emily! We try to make each stay with our guests special and I’m glad to hear we delivered!
Perfect stay in Bloomington. Well-maintained and clean bungalow with so many amenities. Beautiful decor as well. You could tell a lot of thought was put into this property to make it extra special. Close to IU, shopping, and dining. We loved that this house had a crib for our young child and so many other items for visitors with children. It's near impossible to find a hotel or rental with a crib and the thought was really appreciated.
Jennifer T.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 30, 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I appreciate you noticing the amount of thought put into envisioning this space. Hospitality is decor is on my mind too much to a fault.
We loved everything about this charming house in Bloomington. It's so well appointed and comfortable. We particularly appreciated the fabulous front porch which kept us shaded in the hot temps. Also loved the proximity to the B-line as we are avid daily walkers. Thanks for the great stay!!
Lisa S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 31, 2022
We just love when our guests favorite things about our home match up to ours! I’m glad we were such a great fit for you and your family. We’d love to have you back anytime!
About the host
Hosted by Devin Thomas
Hi, I’m Devin, my husband Andrew and I run StayIU. We’ve hosted for 10+ years and focus on thoughtful, guest-first stays: clear communication, spotless homes, and practical, beautiful design.
We’re Indiana University grads who still love Bloomington. Most of our guests are here to visit their students, catch a game, or see a performance, so our places are set up for real life: cook a favorite meal, spread out, and relax on a quiet street that’s still walkable to campus.
Our portfolio started in 2014 (after buying Bear’s Place) and now includes Bloomington homes plus sister properties in Palm Beach, FL and Scottsdale, AZ. Different markets, same standards.
We’re parents, school volunteers, and big believers that hospitality should feel easy. If you need anything, from parking tips to a great coffee spot, we’re quick to help. Welcome to StayIU; we’re glad you’re here.
Why they chose this property
We picked this house for the location and the lifestyle. It’s an easy walk to IU’s Sample Gates, Kirkwood, and downtown, close to everything, yet on a quiet street that feels like home after a busy day on campus. We’re parents and IU grads, so we designed it for real visits: space to cook your student’s favorite meal, room to spread out, and a front porch that’s perfect for unwinding after bedtime.
Over the last few years we fully renovated the kitchen and both baths for everyday function (not just looks): modern fixtures, reliable A/C and heat, and comfortable, durable furnishings. The two bedrooms are unusually spacious for a historic bungalow, and we keep the closets and drawers clear, so you can actually unpack.
We also love the neighborhood. Elm Heights has a great mix of long-time residents and students, which keeps things lively but respectful. You can stroll to Nick’s, Kilroy’s, Starbucks, and campus performances, or head a few blocks to Bryan Park for playground time, a swim, or a morning jog.
In short: walkable to everything you’ll want, quiet when you’re home, and set up the way we like to travel with our own family, simple, comfortable, and easy.
What makes this property unique
• WALKABLE + QUIET: A few blocks to IU/Sample Gates and Kirkwood, yet on a calm street that actually lets you sleep.
• FRONT PORCH MOMENTS: Morning coffee, post-performance debriefs, or a game-day recap, this porch is a favorite.
• SET UP FOR CAMPUS VISITS: Real kitchen for making your student’s favorite meal, spacious bedrooms, blackout shades, and room to unpack.
• VINYL VIBES: 200+ records and a turntable for low-key evenings in.
• HOSTED BY STAYIU: 10+ years of five-star hospitality, clear communication, smooth check-in, and local tips when you need them.
• PERSONAL TOUCH: Tell us who you’re visiting or what’s on your schedule; we’ll tailor suggestions to make it easy.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests