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StayIU: The Ballantine - 1 Block to IU Campus • Perfect for IU Families & Alumni

Photo gallery for StayIU: The Ballantine - 1 Block to IU Campus • Perfect for IU Families & Alumni

Cozy up at The Ballantine this season,
Cozy up by the fire with your favorite book.
Evening fire outsite on the outdoor balcony
Upper deck w/ firepit and cafe lighting
Primary Bedroom -King Bed -Blackout shades -Smart TV

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Bloomington, IN
  • Place, Indiana University Bloomington
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Indiana University Auditorium
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Wonderlab Science Museum
    ‪4 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Double Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

StayIU: The Ballantine - 1 Block to IU Campus • Perfect for IU Families & Alumni

------------------------------------------------------------
STAYIU: THE BALLANTINE • 1 BLOCK TO IU • QUIET, LUXURY STAY
3 BR • 2.5 BA • SLEEPS 8+ • FENCED YARD • MOODY WHISKEY ROOM
Hosted by Devin with StayIU: 10+ YEARS OF FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY
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The Ballantine gives you the IU location everyone wants with the comfort you need: elegant spaces, room to gather, and an easy walk to campus and Kirkwood. Hosted by Devin with StayIU, with 10+ years of guest-first hospitality in Bloomington.

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WHY STAY HERE
• Truly walkable location for campus visits, performances, and game days
• Classic, upscale home, professionally designed, comfortable, cohesive, and spotless
• Thoughtful touches for families and alumni weekends; we keep things easy

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THE SPACE: 3 BEDROOMS • 2.5 BATHS • SLEEPS 8
• BEDROOM 1: King
• BEDROOM 2: King
• BEDROOM 3: Two Fulls (crib available on site)
• 2.5 BATHS: Renovated and guest-ready
• ADDITIONAL SLEEPING OPTIONS: Queen size foldable floor mattress, best suited for children.

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WHAT OUR GUESTS APPRECIATE
• The walk-to-everything location, yet peaceful when you’re back home
• The moody whiskey room and fireplace for evening wind-downs
• Clear communication and a home that “just works” for IU visits

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SIGNATURE SPACES
• LIVING ROOM: Generous seating and a working gas fireplace for cozy nights
• MOODY WHISKEY ROOM: A favorite spot to unwind, read, or toast the day
• KITCHEN: Set up for real cooking, easy to host dinner before/after events
• OUTDOOR: Fenced front yard and inviting outdoor seating with fire table

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LOCATION NOTES
• 1 block to Indiana University
• Walk to Kirkwood dining, coffee, shops, and performances
• Neighborhood of professors and long-time residents, quiet, central, respectful

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EXTRAS
• Complimentary Linus bikes for exploring Bloomington
• Grill for outdoor cooking
• Rooftop outdoor fire table with cozy seating
• Fast Wi-Fi and smart-home simplicity (clear instructions provided)

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PETS
Pets welcome with pre-approval and fee. Please inquire with details.

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PARKING & CHECK-IN
Self check-in via smart lock
Simple parking; details provided before arrival

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HOUSE GUIDELINES
Respectful stays only • No parties or events


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CHECK OUT OUR OTHER BLOOMINGTON LISTINGS — AMAZING LOCATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------

CAMPUS COTTAGE: 3 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS • HOT TUB
Near Memorial Stadium & Assembly Hall
www.vrbo.com/3421992

B-TOWN BUNGALOW: 2 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS • QUIET STREET + FRONT PORCH
Walk to IU’s Sample Gates & Kirkwood
www.vrbo.com/2260361

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IG: @stayIU

**Property has a video doorbell for capturing sound and video. There is one at each of the front and back doors. This is for the safety of our property and guests.

**Approved pets will have a $100 pet fee per pet

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total

Approved pets will incur a $100 pet fee

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3738518vb
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

Bloomington

Elm Heights, a neighbourhood in Bloomington, is home to this holiday home. IU - Student Recreational Sports Center and Wonderlab Science Museum are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Musical Arts Center and Jump-N-Joey's. Travelling with kids? Consider Monroe County Fair Grounds, or check out an event or a game at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
View more Holiday homes in BloomingtonOpens in a new window
Map
Bloomington, IN

What's nearby

  • Indiana University Bloomington - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Indiana University Auditorium - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Monroe Convention Center - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Wonderlab Science Museum - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall - 5 min drive - 2.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Ballantine Hall - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Upstairs Pub - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks- IU Campus Memorial Union - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Restaurants at Woodland - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Elm - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is StayIU: The Ballantine - 1 Block to IU Campus • Perfect for IU Families & Alumni pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at StayIU: The Ballantine - 1 Block to IU Campus • Perfect for IU Families & Alumni?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at StayIU: The Ballantine - 1 Block to IU Campus • Perfect for IU Families & Alumni?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at StayIU: The Ballantine - 1 Block to IU Campus • Perfect for IU Families & Alumni?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is StayIU: The Ballantine - 1 Block to IU Campus • Perfect for IU Families & Alumni located?

Located in Elm Heights, this family-friendly Bloomington holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Musical Arts Center and Indiana University Bloomington. IU Opera and Ballet Theater and Indiana University Auditorium are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

James P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place in a good location. Would love to stay here again
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Mar, 2026
Thank you for the positive review! We’d love to host you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joshua A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home, great location to walk to campus, shopping and restaurants. Very comfortable for our whole family.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice place
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a beautiful home! Comfortable furniture, great layout, steps from campus! Well stocked kitchen, toiletries in the bathrooms. Devin was great to deal with! Hope we get to stay again sometime!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Mar, 2026
Thank you for the thoughtful review! We loved hosting you and your family and would love to have you back soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel B.

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

Great stay!

The house was beautiful, the management company made things easy, and the location is excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept, 2025
Thank you for the glowing review! We'd love to have you back again here or one of our other properties! Included for future guests: Fortunately this is family owned and managed house we own so not your typical remote "management company".
Verified

10/10 Excellent

dawn m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is the perfect house if you are staying in Bloomington! House is amazing….10/10 Decor Clean Host Thank you …..
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Mar, 2026
Aw! Thank you so much! ☺️ We hope to have you and the family back again soon!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home, great location
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct, 2025
Loved hosting you and thank you so much for the 5 star review!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house! Looking forward to staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct, 2025
We'd love to host you again anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We visited our son at IU and the home was perfect. Very well maintained and furnished. This will be our go to when we visit again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct, 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience! As a long time guest with VRBO your review means a lot! We love sharing our home with others and we hope to have you guys back soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything in this house and our experience was top notch. Worth every penny. There were amenities in the home we didn’t know we needed during our stay. Beautifully done, super comfortable, unbelievably gorgeous place to stay really close to campus. Cant wait to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jan, 2026
Thank you so much for your review of our home! We love hosting families who find value in even the smallest of touches. We’d love to host you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property with excellent access to Indiana University. Access to the bicycles was absolutely fabulous to help us get a lay of the land and explore the city.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct, 2025
Thank you so much! I loved how included how you were able to enjoy the bikes during your stay, those specifics and amenities really help set us apart. Please come stay with us again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home is extremely nice, clean and well appointed. A perfect location on campus in a very nice area. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept, 2025
Thank you so much for your 10/10 review! We'd love to have you back again anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike L.

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

Go Hoosiers!

Great place! Way better than staying at a hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jan, 2025
Thanks Mike for the 5-Star review! We'd love to have you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer E.

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

Great Home! Great location!

Wonderful home
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Apr, 2024
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that you found our home wonderful. If there's anything specific you particularly enjoyed or if you have any suggestions for improvement, we'd love to hear more about your experience. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann G.

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

Fabulous family visit

Beautiful property Great owner communication Perfect location
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to rate us 5 stars! We'd love to have you back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidi C.

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

University visit

Fantastic stay! Thoughtfully appointed! Great tea selection! Thank you so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2025
So glad you had a fantastic stay! We love adding little touches like the tea selection to make guests feel at home. Hope to host you again for your next visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jordan S.

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

Sorority Sister Reunion Retreat - Excellent Spot!

What a wonderful, comfortable, beautiful home located in just the right spot to campus and Kirkwood. The house was a beautiful place to host 8 friends who hadn’t seen each other in years. The extra large dining table accommodated all of our shenanigans and dinners. The comfortable beds and livings spaces were just perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted that our home provided the perfect setting for your reunion with friends. It’s great to hear that the location, comfortable beds, and spacious living areas made your stay enjoyable. We're especially glad that the large dining table was a hit for your gatherings—nothing beats good company around a great meal! We’d love to host you and your friends again whenever you're back in Bloomington. Thanks for choosing our home!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa p.

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

Ballantine Beauty

We had a wonderful stay in Bloomington! The home was beautiful, well appointed, and very very clean! The neighborhood was quiet and peaceful, and within walking distance to iU. Check in was super easy. The kitchen had everything we needed, and we cooked at home a few nights, which was a lot of fun. My favorite was the Whidskey Room— great place to work remotely and also relax in the evening. The rooftop porch was lovely as well. Would definitely stay there again!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2024
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful stay in Bloomington. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the peaceful neighborhood and found the home to be clean, beautiful, and well-equipped for your needs. We're especially glad you loved the Whiskey Room—it's one of our favorites too! It’s wonderful that you were able to cook and relax during your stay. We'd love to welcome you back anytime you’re in town. Thanks again for choosing our home!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our group of 5 women truly appreciated our stay at Ballantine Beauty! As you drive up to the house, you'll notice the beautiful architecture of this house as well as the historic neighborhood. The home respects the historic elements while incorporating every modern convenience. The living room, sun room, dining room and upstairs patio had plenty of room for us to hang out comfortably. The configuration of beds across 3 bedrooms is also a plus to accommodate all types of sleeping arrangements. Extras like the record player and piano were just a few of the nice touches,Beyond the home itself, the host was incredibly responsive to questions during our stay. We couldn't imagine staying anywhere else in Bloomington when we come back.Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian V.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Mar, 2026
Thanks for the 10/10 review!

About the host

Hosted by Devin Thomas

Host profile image

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 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 high 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

One block to IU in a prestigious, tree-lined neighborhood. You can walk to campus and Kirkwood in minutes, then come home to a quiet, safe & well-kept street.

What makes this property unique

The Ballantine is thoughtfully designed for real visits: comfortable, cohesive spaces, modern systems, and the details that make stays easy (clear instructions, smooth check-in, quick help when you need it). We also include brand-new Linus cruiser bikes so you can explore Bloomington like a local. Most of our guests are IU parents and alumni, and we tailor recommendations to what you’re here for, performances, game day, or just dinner with your student. It’s the convenience everyone wants with the comfort you actually feel.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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