The famous Owl House in Austin is a one of a kind experience for budget mined, savvy travelers coming to Austin for a short stay. “Keep Austin Weird” is a saying going around town, and the Owl House lives up to that mind set in a very charming and pleasing way that will leave you feeling like you have been someplace very special.
My wife and I were in Austin for just a couple of days to catch a concert at the 04 Center on Lamar Street. As the listing states, “Walk Anywhere,” the Owl House was within one mile of the 04 Center and would have been an easy walk for younger folks, (we are both over 60). There are scoters and rental bikes all over Austin as well. Adventurous folks will have no problem finding ways to get around.
The Owl House is located in a very quiet neighborhood just off larger streets heading to anywhere you want to go. While not in downtown, it is near enough and also located near the Zilker Park area. Upon arrival, We parked on the dead end street right in front of the residence and felt like our vehicle was safe. If you look on a map, you will see a RR track nearby, but trains were infrequent and were not an issue at all. No horns sounded and you will not be disturbed by the passage of infrequent trains. If walking or driving towards Lamar Street, the tracks pass overhead so you never physically cross any tracks.
We found the one room apartment to be small but very clean with everything needed for a stay of a few days. The loft has a comfortable bed that is reached by going up several steep, built-in steps. If a person had back or leg issues, climbing the stairs might be a problem, but for me, I felt like I was staying in a tree house! Once you get to the bed landing area you kinda crawl in. That made bed time feel a bit like an adventure, but in a good way. It was a great experience.
The hosts Lee and Lisa offered great communication. We received a quick confirmation upon making our reservation and as promised, received our check-in instructions and door code promptly on the day of our arrival. We met Lee on site a couple of times. What a nice young man with interesting life stories to share.
There is a small refrigerator and microwave in the room. Bowls, plates, glasses, drip coffee / tea making supplies, sugar are all on hand. The bathroom has an old style tub which has been converted into a great shower with hot water and plenty of water pressure. There is a washer and dryer in the bathroom but we did not use those during our stay. We were provided with a set of towels and washcloths, hair dryer, and everything was very clean. There is a “his and her’s vibe” from the Ken and Barbie towel hooks to the “Handsome” and “Beautiful” coffee cups. There is a comfortable couch, nice flat screen TV, small dining table with two chairs, two lamps, (plus a small reading lamp in the sleeping area), small coffee table, overhead lighting, a quite ceiling fan and GREAT AC. (Record heat in Austin on the week were were there). Interesting art work on the walls that adds to the charm of the place.
We loved our short time at the famous Owl House. It has a cool, funky vibe that you will never experience at a chain hotel. Communication and customer satisfaction were an obvious trait on display from our hosts, Lee and Lisa. Hosts were definitely FIVE STAR! Costs per night are in line with what you would expect to pay a decent, slightly above budget hotel, but the charm and authentic Austin vibe are worth so much more. That makes staying at the Owl House a no brainer for us. We had such a great time and look forward to booking there again soon!
Terry and Debbie Parrish