Mixed review. I prefer only writing glowing reviews for my hosts because I know how difficult hosting can be. But for the sake of future guests and host, I hope this feedback is helpful. In summary, the accommodations were better than expected, and a good value. The host was far less pleasant that the accommodations.
The host is transparent about her many house rules, and I suggest the listing is carefully read before booking. I expect hotel standards and practices for both guests and hosts. After feeling like I was walking on eggshells, I tried to be away from the home as much as possible. The few interactions with the host were unpleasant and awkward. In one instance, her tone was accusatory (a damaged chair on the first day). Host seems to like her home just the way it is; doesn’t want disruption, or deviation from routine, or being bothered by strangers.
The Good:
Host is responsive to messages, usually within minutes.
The listing is accurate.
The accommodations were spotless (paid cleaners) and comfortable.
The Less Good:
For safety or personal reasons, the host does not want to be approached (6 ft, per house rules) and comes off as not wanting to be around guests.
The virus rules are unreasonable and border on hypochondria.
Guest with political, ethical, and social attitudes that differ from those of the host will feel out of place.
One extra rule that was stated after the fact was “no shoes inside the property.”
The neighborhood is safe but charmless, not the coffee shop and boutique lined area that Austin is known for.
Though it seems close to downtown, it’s a tedious 17-minute drive to downtown.
The thermostat is not to be touched and any climate requests are to be done through host. The room heats up significantly during the day.
The location may be a great quick in-and-out overnight stay. For stays where one might have to interact with the host, then be informed. Hosting can be difficult, but unless one is prepared to regularly host and express a minimum level of customer amity, then perhaps hosting is not a good option.