Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park

Photo gallery for Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park

A small, white building with a single lit window and a clock, surrounded by a starry night sky.
A yellow, beehive-shaped structure with a wooden door labeled "Beehive."
A night sky with visible stars and the Milky Way.
A small kitchen with wooden cabinets, a microwave, and various decorative items.
A rustic kitchen with wooden cabinets, a microwave, and a window with curtains.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Games
    A rare find - enjoy a variety of games available on-site.

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Onsite parking available
  • Microwave

Explore the area

View in a map
Marathon, TX
  • Place, Sul Ross State University
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Place, Museum of the Big Bend
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Place, Kokernot Field
    ‪39 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Na bolom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Shower

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

Our yard is fully fenced and private
Thank Your Lucky Stars You're in West Texas
Marathon
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (223 reviews)
Thank Your Lucky Stars You're in West Texas

About the area

Marathon

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.
View more Apartments in MarathonOpens in a new window
Map
Marathon, TX

What's nearby

  • 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 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.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I enjoyed my stay. Everything was as advertised. The bed was clean and comfortable and I had everything I needed for my stay. Ingrid met me on arrival to make sure I got settled in. Recommend checking it out!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Response from Management on 28 Oct, 2026
Thank you for coming , until next time
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great host and location

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

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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice time!

Enjoyed our stay! Property very clean and bed so comfy....peaceful morning coffee on the back porch!
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug, 2021
Thank you for coming
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Beautiful night skies.

Rustic, interesting building.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Nov, 2020
Thank you for coming
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Interesting place & unusual place.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway

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

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

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Feb, 2026
Thank you for staying with us...
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and unique

This is one of a kind place. I spent 3 nights there and had great time exploring Big Bend. Great find!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Oct, 2020
Thank you, Dziękuję
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute & Quirky Space

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!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul, 2020
Thank you for coming
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Big Bend Getaway

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

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
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun place!

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!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug, 2021
Thank you for coming
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience

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.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just what I needed

Clean room, very comfortable bed with high quality linens, and a nice hot shower. Exactly what I needed. Thanks again for having me.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Mar, 2023
Thank you for stopping by...
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location

Out of character for us but a hoot!

Cool, comfortable and weird all rolled up in one.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jul, 2024
Thank you for staying with us, until next time
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

marathon bliss

excellent hostess. very responsive and thorough. uniquely superb interior design. excellent shower. beautiful night sky. immediate surrounding structures a tribute to creative humanity.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Mar, 2023
Thank you for staying with us
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Something different

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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Dec, 2020
Thank you for coming
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful place to search my soul

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Dec, 2020
Thank you for coming
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for the trip we had in mind

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
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