Gloria’s guest house is exactly as advertised —

⁃optimally situated in Hyde Park close to UT and far from nothing
⁃sequestered off a quiet back alleyway, secure and accessible
⁃squeaky clean, spacious, fully furnished and nobly equipped

— but there’s more! Two elements distinguish this property for a superlative experience:

1. while fully furnished, the interior is simply appointed … what makes it elegant are the colors and textures — from throw rugs to towels, from the marvelous bed to the shockingly comfortable sofa sleeper, the linens and the white blanket, the kitchenware — all have a supple, warm appeal as if hand-picked by Gloria herself just for her guests … a remarkably welcoming home away from home; and

2. Gloria herself has thought of everything and held back no provision for her guests’ comfort … she is an uncommon communicator, as gracious a virtual host as she is lovely in person, and this service — anticipating one's needs or wants — as well as her native solicitousness of her guest’s comfort and her sound advice about what to do in the surrounding area set her and this guest-house experience apart.

As a platinum member of several upscale hotel chains, who happens to hate hotels, I’m accustomed to service and amenities — but none of these hotels rival Gloria or her CASA VERDE. I’m equally loathe to recommend this guest house too highly, although I can’t resist, because I’d prefer to keep it my own secret for what I hope will be frequent trips to Austin. But for Gloria’s sake — and yours — I do recommend her guest house as the best of the best!