Knowing that I'd be traveling alone to Austin as a woman, I was a bit cautious about the AirBnB scene. After all, I'd never tried it out before. After a lengthy search, I chose 'Aviva's Place', not only because of the reviews, but because of Aviva's professionalism in covering the bases that other hosts seemed to regard as expendable details- such as the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
I'm so glad I did; my experience with Aviva and Mark couldn't have felt safer and more welcoming, from the first meet-and-greet to the final minutes of my stay. The studio was a hand-crafted, eco-friendly work of art, with an industrial yet whimsical vibe, and was luxuriously sized for one person. (It could have easily accommodated a small family.) The space offered all of the comforts I could have asked for, including a huge smart TV, air conditioning, a kitchen, a washer/dryer, and a beautiful, spacious shower. It was also well-stocked with devices and instruments for musical production (as advertised!), which made me regret not having taken the time to brush up on the guitar and piano at least a bit before my trip.
I got the sense that Aviva and Mark were always available if I needed anything, but that they also put a premium on guests' privacy. As people, they're both supremely hip, vivacious, and multi-talented, and they have some wonderful life stories to share. I would feel lucky to call them neighbors, but for now, I'm glad to have met them, and I'd love to stay with them again if/when I come back to Austin. :-)