Located in Marathon, this apartment is in the mountains. Local points of interest include Mount Ord. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails.
Sul Ross State University - 35 min drive - 61.4 km
Kiowa Gallery - 37 min drive - 64.1 km
Museum of the Big Bend - 38 min drive - 64.8 km
Kokernot Field - 39 min drive - 65.2 km
Shipman Park - 40 min drive - 67.5 km
Getting around
Midland, TX (MAF-Midland Intl.) - 173 min drive
Restaurants
White Buffalo Bar - 13 min walk
V6 Coffee Bar - 12 min walk
Marathon Coffee - 15 min walk
12 Gage Restaurant - 13 min walk
Guzzi Pizza - 13 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park ?
As of 26 Oct, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park on 27 Oct, 2026 start from S$292, 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 at Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park ?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park located?
Situated in the mountains, this apartment building is within 32 miles (52 km) of Sul Ross State University, Sul Ross Desk and Big Bend Regional Medical Center. Kiowa Gallery and Museum of the Big Bend are also within 32 miles (52 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a wonderful stay! The property has a relaxed West Texas boho-chic feel rather than being fancy or luxurious, but it provided everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable visit. The photos accurately represent what you can expect, so there were no surprises. Ingrid met us at the gate, let us in, showed us around, and was extremely helpful and welcoming. The location was truly special, especially for stargazing right outside our door. If you’re looking for a unique, laid-back West Texas experience with incredible dark skies, this is a great place to stay!
We loved this unique and quirky little place and wish we could’ve stayed longer. The sunset and stars and the windmill from the viewing deck were the cherry on top. We will be back next time we travel to Big Bend!
Overall a great stay. If im back in the area plan to stay with the host agian.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
john
19 Feb, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very unique locale and a wonderful space to rest. Ingrid was exceptionally helpful and kind. the building was very cool and the decorations were quite interesting and fun.
So much character and great location just a few minutes from the Gage Hotel. Perfect size for one or two people. Well worth it.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Dec, 2020
thank you for coming
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Stacey
4 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Our host, Ingrid is absolutely amazing and so sweet! Her property is very special and loaded with unique treasures to admire. Absolutely the place to stay if you're looking for something different and unique!
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Michael
18 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Marathon is unique, charming, and a place we should all visit. This place made it even more of all of those.
a wonderful and cozy room with a pretty outstanding view. the only downfall was the neighbors at night playing extremely loud music, I didn't know people still liked drake, other than that I'd definitely book this room again in the future.
We loved this property in Marathon! The property was fun and quirky and has lots of character. The room has a unique West Texas vibe and I would recommend staying here!
We were headed to Terlingua and always stay one night in Marathon and usually at The Gage. This little gem is so close to everything you need in Marathon. It was easily accessible, and we were greeted at check in and shown around the property. We enjoyed our night and will certainly stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Mar, 2023
Thank you for coming
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Jeannie
27 Sept, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
What a wonderful place to go to unplug and relax! Loved the view of the Milky Way and the other constellations. Thank you for having me
Love these neat places you find out in the middle of nowhere! My kind of perfect and the owners are my kind of people!
Will def come back and very soon! Thank you Ingrid!
Very cute little place, great stop on our way to camping in Big Bend. Small but well equipped. Do keep in mind that the shower opens directly into the bedroom (not bathroom), so the place is only suitable for folks who are very comfortable with one another, unless one wants to wait on the (great view) patio while the other showers.
excellent hostess. very responsive and thorough. uniquely superb interior design. excellent shower. beautiful night sky. immediate surrounding structures a tribute to creative humanity.
Staying at the property was a unique experience because of the location and the construction of the studio. I would recommend this property for any couples or singles who are visiting Big Bend and need hotel accommodations and are open to staying somewhere unique. We loved the tiki bar platform overlooking the property because it was a good place to see sunset, sunrises, monstets, and moonrises.
I came to the property to stare at the big sky and ponder my life choices. My room was quiet, private, comfortable and so much fun! I love how unconventional the property is, and how everyone there seems to value sovereignty, the spiritual qualities of the land, and the value of human connection.
Needed a quick overnight and this was just what we needed.
Small unit exactly as advertised. Very clean unit under inky skies with an attentive host. I can't really rate the "location" because we arrived late at night and left early in the morning.
Very unique. We enjoyed that we could walk out the front door at 4am, look up, and see the Milky Way. The bathroom and shower are very tiny. Be prepared to step outside to give some privacy. Definitely made for some good laughs. The bed was very comfy and clean sheets plus new comforter was a plus! Very close to the center of town, which we appreciated, especially since we treated ourselves to the Gage Spa after Big Bend!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept, 2022
Thank you for coming
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Eric P.
12 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location
Ingrid had good communication and met us to show us the property at check in. The accommodation was acceptable. The two window units had a hard time keeping the place cool during the 102 days. The kitchen utilized a hot plate and a toaster oven instead of a range, and there was no separate sink for the bathroom—only the kitchen sink. The observation tower outside was nice to get a view of the town and surrounding mountains. It was quiet outside of the the window units. I’m 6’5” and could not stand up in the kitchen due to the low ceiling.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Oct, 2025
Thank you for your review. We did change the window unit AC to more efficient one , but it is a desert land here....The Black out curtains help to keep the hot sun out...
Cheers and happy trails