This is a most interesting space - a nursery home repurposed as a co-living space, inhabited by professionals and students(lots of IT and creatives), and with some social activities every now and then - yeah this means the internet is pretty good!
I stayed into a single room with bath, that was confortable, basic, with no frills - a place to crash after a day of SXSW or work.
Some distinctive points:
-- You get to interact with people who actually live in Austin, from different backghrounds. The people I met where polite, welcoming and interesting, and it was fun and informative chatting with them.
-- You will have your space in the fridge, in the cupboard, and will be able to cook, laundry,etc - good if you are into making your own diet/food
-- House Rules seem to work well - I slept well everyday(no noises or loud parties), common areas remained clean, people really are relaxed but minding what is needed for a good co-living experience.
-- Jack, the housemaster, was quick to answer my questions or requests for assistance whenever necessary.
-- Location is so-so: if you work downtown, prepare for a 45 min bus ride(cheap), or a 16 min car ride(walking would be 1:30). The area seemed safe.
I enjoyed my time at the Macrohouse and would stay again. It is indeed similar to a hostel, but with more privacy and more order. A good option if you do not want to stay in a Hotel(too impersonal and expensive) nor a Hostel(too messy, low privacy).