Homemade Banana Bread > NEW BED > Massage Chair > Screened Porch > 2 Min 2 Dwntn
We ❤ being innkeepers and have been hosting for 14 years with over 500 five-star reviews. Newish to VRBO, we look forward to sharing our little slice of heaven with you!
"Best BNB ever! Cynthia and Jim were amazing! They were extremely accommodating and hospitable. They stocked the fridge and baked homemade blueberry banana bread for us when we arrived."
Quiet neighborhood in the heart of the action — super close to downtown. Two blocks to Palmer Events Center. Convention Center, Terry Black’s restaurant, music venues, hike/bike trail, Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs Pool are all nearby. Private entrance studio, massage chair, powerful rain shower, secluded screen porch.
THE SPACE— My husband and I live in a bungalow home, one short block away from Barton Springs Road, in the hip and popular Bouldin Creek neighborhood which is next to downtown. We rent a bright and cheery high-ceiling 500-square-foot 1BR/BA studio with a private keyless locked entrance and shared screened-in porch surrounded by a lush garden. Registered with an operating license through the City of Austin; we absolutely love hosting and are happy to offer suggestions based on your interests. It's been a beautiful journey for us to meet so many wonderful folks that have stayed here from all over the world throughout the last 14 years!
Our location is SUPER convenient; rated by Walk Score as very walkable, good transit and very bikeable.
• One block to Barton Springs Road, fabulous Terry Black’s barbecue and El Alma, a fabulous interior Mexican restaurant with outdoor patio overlooking the city and happy hour seven days a week. Walking distance to lots of other great restaurants and clubs too.
• Two blocks to the Palmer Events Center, Auditorium Shores, and the ten-mile-long Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail where you can visit the famous Stevie Ray Vaughn statue and watch North America's largest urban bat colony fly out from the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. Boat rental options available nearby for sunset bat tours and dinner cruises.
• Especially great if you are coming in for SXSW or conferences. Just a few blocks or 5 minute car ride to downtown businesses, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park (where ACL Music Festival is held), Palmer Events Center, The Long Center, and Hyatt Hotel.
• Equally close to the thoroughfares that "keep Austin weird" ... SoLa (S. Lamar Blvd.) with good restaurants and great music venues, SoFi (S. First Street) with eclectic restaurants and funky galleries and shops, and trendsetting SoCo (S. Congress Avenue) where hip shops, excellent restaurants, and the one-and-only Continental Club and C-boy's line the avenue.
About the studio — eclectic Japanese-inspired decor. Perfect for two people. Relax on a fantastic reclining massage chair after a long day. Then curl up on a queen bed and drift off under luxurious high-thread count cotton bed linens with a down-alternative comforter. New bed upgrade in Jan, 2026. Hopefully just perfect for you — not too firm, not too soft. :)
Enjoy the great outdoors in comfort in a shared screened-in porch which overlooks a beautiful garden and outdoor seating area. This is also the entrance to your studio. Fresh-brewed coffee and home-baked breakfast bread or muffins will be waiting for you there!
A welcome basket prepared for you with chocolates, snacks, and fresh fruit, plus a mini-fridge stocked with some of our favorite beer, OJ, yogurts, and water instantly take the edge off of a possibly long day of travel.
We have devised a "HERE" and "GONE" hangtag system for your use as you come and go to insure your privacy.
Having lived in Austin for 49 years, we LOVE this beautiful city and all of the incredible restaurants, musicians, nightlife, parks and nature trails, museums, and so much more. We've created a guide (available in the studio) of some of our favorite places and are happy to make additional recommendations so that you have the best experience possible. For more information about Austin; how to get here, what to see and more, check out wikitravel for Austin.
Below are some of Austin's most popular upcoming events.
1. SXSW Film, Music, Interactive and Edu Festival — March 9th-18th, 2026.
2. Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Festival) in Zilker Park — Two Weekends. October 2nd-4th and October 9th-11th, 2026.
3. US Grand Prix F1 Race at the Circuit of the Americas — October 23rd-25th, 2026.
A padded Swedish cot is available for one person who prefers sleeping on a separate mattress. Please let us know before arrival if you would like this amenity set up.
Extra Guest Fee — The rate for a third person is $75/nt. The rate for a third person during the South x Southwest Festival (in March) is $100/nt. Please contact us if you are planning to add a third person, so that we can make the price adjustment (which is called a special offer) before you make your reservation.
Our amenities include:
• Welcome basket with chocolate and an assortment of goodies.
• Enjoy home-baked breakfast bread or muffins with fresh brewed coffee in the morning.
• Mini-fridge stocked with beer, water, yogurt, OJ, and half and half.
• Microwave, dishes, and silverware.
• Leather reclining massage chair.
• Leather reclining rocker chair.
• Very comfortable NEW updated queen size mattress. Jan 2026.
• Luxury towels and high-thread count cotton sheets.
• Private bathroom with stand-up shower with rain shower head and heat-lamp. All-natural soaps, lotion and hair dryer provided.
• Reebok spinner exercise bike.
• Free wireless internet.
• 31-inch Samsung Smart flat screen TV with complimentary Netflix.
• Ceiling fan.
• Washer/dryer/fragrance-free laundry detergent.
• Iron and compact ironing board.
• Full length mirror.
• Beach towels, sunscreen, and natural bug repellent.
• Private key-pad combination locked entrance.
• Special residential parking pass provided for free on-street parking during your stay.
• Bus service is one short block away.
• Lots of excellent nearby restaurants.
• Fire extinguisher and smoke/CO detector.
• Non-smoking residence.
And lest we forget, our extended family includes our two intelligent and friendly Australian Shepherds — Sparky (8 years old) and Mica (6 years old) who are always ready to welcome you into our herd and greet you every day with love.
Our calendar is always up to date. Feel free to use Instant Book.
NOTE: Although we love dogs and other pets, we have a no-pet policy and prefer to keep this rental space hypo-allergenic and fur-free for the comfort of future guests who have allergies.
Taxes include the City of Austin Short-Term Rental (STR) Tax and the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax which will be collected when your reservation is made.
YOUR ENTRANCE: Our guests enter through a shared screened porch and have their own keyless locked entrance to the studio. We welcome our guests to enjoy the backyard garden and any of the outdoor common seating areas.
OUR INTERACTION WITH OUR GUESTS: We live in the front adjoining house and like to greet our guests when possible and offer a five minute tour and answer questions. We may touch base from time to time to make sure our guests are comfortable and having a good experience. We are also available if our guests would like suggestions about things to do and places to see.
One of our sons will oversee the property when we are out of town.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE: We use all natural cleaning and laundry products. There is an allergy filter in the AC. As much as possible, the apartment has natural or organic fibers, low VOC paint, and products that don't out-gas.
STR COA registration: OL-2014-007821
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Natiivo Austin studio - lake & skyline-view balcony, pool & gym - dogs OK
Rainey Street Historic District
Natiivo Austin studio - lake & skyline-view balcony, pool & gym - dogs OK
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Check-out time is by 12 noon. Please leave the studio apartment in good shape upon departure, lock the door, put the HERE/GONE HANGTAG and the issued PARKING HANGTAG on the table in screened-porch.
If you’d like to take out your trash to the tan bin or recycling to the blue bin on the street in front of our place, you are welcome to, but it’s not necessary.
After your visit, we will write a review for you. Would you be so kind and take a moment to write one for us too please? We appreciate you!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Any visitors must receive prior approval.
Please make sure front gate latch is locked as you
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number OL 2014 007821
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Austin
Located in Austin, this apartment is in the city centre. Sixth Street and South Congress Avenue are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Moody Center or Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and mountain biking.
Long Center for the Performing Arts - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
South Congress Avenue - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Zilker Park - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Getting around
Austin Station - 5 min drive
Downtown Station - 7 min drive
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
Terry Black's BBQ - 3 min walk
Whataburger - 8 min walk
Sandy's Hamburgers - 8 min walk
P. Terry's Burger Stand - 6 min walk
Starbucks - 5 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Homemade Banana Bread > NEW BED > Massage Chair > Screened Porch > 2 Min 2 Dwntn pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Homemade Banana Bread > NEW BED > Massage Chair > Screened Porch > 2 Min 2 Dwntn?
As of 7 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Homemade Banana Bread > NEW BED > Massage Chair > Screened Porch > 2 Min 2 Dwntn on 26 Jun, 2026 start from S$189, 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 Homemade Banana Bread > NEW BED > Massage Chair > Screened Porch > 2 Min 2 Dwntn?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Homemade Banana Bread > NEW BED > Massage Chair > Screened Porch > 2 Min 2 Dwntn?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Homemade Banana Bread > NEW BED > Massage Chair > Screened Porch > 2 Min 2 Dwntn?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Homemade Banana Bread > NEW BED > Massage Chair > Screened Porch > 2 Min 2 Dwntn located?
Located in Bouldin Creek, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Palmer Events Center and Lady Bird Lake. South Congress Avenue and Moody Theater are also within 1 mile (2 km). Downtown Station is 29 minutes by foot and Austin Station is 20 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Cynthia and Jim are great hosts and the location of their property is awesome. We were able to walk nearly everywhere we wanted to go! Tasty banana bread, snacks and drinks for guests, and clear instructions made this a place to use again if we are ever back in Austin!
Susan G.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar, 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed our location and could walk to so many places. It was a pleasure hosting you — glad the banana bread, snacks, and clear instructions helped make your stay comfortable. You’re welcome back anytime if your travels bring you back to Austin!
We enjoyed Cynthia and Jim’s genuine hospitality. Their “Casa Flora” was a great base camp to explore Austin. Location is in heart of Austin and walkable to all major attractions, parks, variety of restaurants and eclectic neighborhoods. Meticulous accommodations and everything was as described in listing and past 5 star reviews.
David C.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Feb, 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled that you enjoyed your stay and appreciated the special touches we provide to enhance your experience. Our location truly is a fantastic base for exploring all that Austin has to offer. We hope to welcome you both back soon!
We stayed in Austin for the weekend while attending a wedding. We couldn’t have been happier with the entire experience. The property was lovely and our hosts were very accommodating+ welcoming.
Nick W.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct, 2024
Y’all were wonderful guests. Thanks so much for taking excellent care of our place. We sure hope you have a chance to return. It was our pleasure hosting you!
From the very beginning, our host were extremely kind and welcoming. Everything was tidy and as advertised. The massage chair after a long day of walking the town was delightful and much appreciated. Would definitely stay there again
Carolyn M.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Apr, 2024
Carolyn, we so enjoyed meeting both you and Bryan and are thrilled that you had a delightful experience. We hope to see y’all again :) Elwe tried to give you five stars in everything, but there was a software glitch and when we called to have our rating changed, VRBO management said they couldn’t change it! So disappointed as you deserved five stars!!!!!
The studio apartment is just a block from Barton Springs Rd and Terry Black's (a well known BBQ joint). It's an easy walk across a park and over the Congress St. bridge to downtown and about a mile from Zilker Park where you can rent kayaks. The hostess, Cynthia, is very welcoming and she's thought of everything you could possibly need in the unit. If back in Austin, we'll happily stay here again.
Adelaide H.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Apr, 2024
We’re so happy you found our listing and enjoyed your experience, our location, and amenities. It was our pleasure being your host! We hope you have another opportunity to return!
We had a nice brief overnight here and enjoyed the convenient proximity to the things we wanted to experience with our short stay. It is just off a main road towards those locations and in the heart of a cute Austin neighborhood, so not completely quiet or dark sky conditions! Also it's very near the river (or lake as they call it) that runs through the city. Cynthia was very helpful with tips for eats and music and we scored some of her yummy banana bread.
Jan S.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Apr, 2024
Jan, It’s so wonderful to read about your nice experience staying at our cozy studio. We enjoyed sharing our little slice of heaven with you and hope you have a chance to stay here again!
Can.Not.Beat this location. 1 block from Palmer Event Center and 1 block off Barton Springs Rd. The room was comfy and VERY well-appointed. It even has a luxurious massage chair and exercise bike. A cozy screen porch outside the entry was so homey and a great spot for enjoying the delicious warm banana bread Cynthia provided at check-in. The hosts (and their pups) were friendly and welcoming and offered some great suggestions for dinner and activities. Communication with them before arrival was prompt and thorough. We'd definitely stay here again and highly recommend!!!
Patricia S.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov, 2023
Thank you for your lovely review Patricia!We are so thrilled that you enjoyed your visit! We look forward to your return one day. :)
We had a wonderful time staying in this guest house. First off the hosts are wonderful and their dogs are adorable and amazing. There was fresh banana bread which was amazing! Every morning fresh coffee all set and ready to go just had to push a button. We enjoyed sitting on the screened in porch with our coffee and banana bread with all the beautiful plants around. We were able to walk wherever we needed or wanted to go. It was a wonderful trip and we will be back to stay next time we are in Austin. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality and the great conversations!
opal l.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May, 2026
Thank you — we loved hosting you both! It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the banana bread, morning coffee, the screened porch and the pups. We’re glad the location worked so well for your walks too. We look forward to welcoming you back next time you’re in Austin!
About the host
Hosted by Cynthia Bloom
I have been married for 45 years and have two grown sons and a grandson. My husband, Jim, and I have lived in the same home for 46 years in what is now the hippest, happening neighborhood. I am the sole proprietor of a jewelry design company for 25 years and my husband is a retired graphic designer from the University of Texas. We love living in the center of Austin and enjoy the music, creativity, culture, cuisine, parks, beautiful nearby Lady Bird Lake and everything else that Austin offers.
We are dog lovers and have two well behaved Australian Shepherds, 8 year-old Sparky, and 6 year-old Mica. In my spare time, I enjoy taking agility classes with them, dock-diving, and trick training. Occasionally we even compete!
I enjoy creating flavorful cuisine and can whip up a gourmet candlelight experience for you in our screened-in porch if you'd like. But be prepared, my motto is, "Eat dessert first, life is uncertain". :)
I'm passionate about our almost-year-round sunny Austin days and jump at the chance to play tennis, hike, swim at Barton Springs pool — actually pretty much anything outdoors! And we're happy to share our little slice of heaven with you.
Why they chose this property
For 49 years, we have continued to love living in the heart of Austin within the Bouldin Creek neighborhood, on the edge of downtown, yet right in the middle of what Austin is all about. We are so fortunate to have easy access to top-notch gourmet restaurants and trendy food trailers, live music venues, culture and art, Zilker park, Barton Springs pool, South Congress Avenue, PLUS Austin's crown jewel — beautiful Lady Bird Lake which is only two blocks away with hike and bike trails, kayaking, paddle-boarding and more!
Bouldin Creek is an older neighborhood in Austin, Texas, originally created at the turn of the 20th century. With several historic homes remaining from that era, and countless more from the period of rapid growth in the 1920s and 30s that followed, this neighborhood has an undeniable historic charm. Bouldin Creek is also highly diverse, with a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and architectural styles blending together, resulting in a neighborhood that is uniquely Austin.
Given its proximity to Downtown Austin, there are certainly areas of Bouldin Creek that have changed as result of gentrification, but the historic nature of the neighborhood and eccentricity of its residents mean it will always be a little bit different.
Bouldin Creek's diverse roots are visible everywhere. In just a quick walk around the neighborhood, one can find the historic Victorian mansion Green Pastures once belonging to famous activist John Henry Faulk, the St. Anne African Methodist Episcopal Church (originally constructed in 1916) on Newton Street, and the beautiful mission-style Holy Name of Mary Orthodox Church at South Third Street. In the South First area, the Mexican bakeries, tattoo shops, art galleries, and unusual shops reflect the diversity of the neighborhood and the resident's desire to support local business.
The Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association is strong and continues to arbitrate development and city initiatives with the neighborhood's residents.
What makes this property unique
Review from a recent guest: "Cynthia’s Casa Flora guest suite was everything and more. Immediately upon arrival Cynthia greeted and welcomed us. She made us amazing banana bread and had fresh brewed coffee available daily. Very responsive and accommodating. The bed was so comfortable and the wind chimes around the property made for a peaceful stay. There were additional toiletries for use, a massage chair, and washer & dryer setup. We highly recommend!"