Kristen's apartment was just what I needed for a comfortable place to crash during a business trip. The kitchen was equipped with a Keurig machine, K-cups, and creamer, as well as some other necessities. I didn't cook while I was there, but I probably could have found what I needed to prepare a meal. The living room/bed area had a studio feel with a divider wall, but this worked out just fine since it was just me staying there. The bed felt like a double rather than a queen, but it was perfectly comfy for just one person. My favorite part about the place was the bathroom. That sounds weird, but it had this wonderfully long vanity and mirror for getting ready, the shower was great, and the cabinets were stocked with plenty of towels and wash clothes ( a rarity among Airbnbs). Kristen also had plenty of toiletries in case a guest forgot something, and the closet even had an ironing board and detergent for any laundry emergencies. My one complaint about the apartment itself — and it's a very small complaint — was the noise level. There was a moderate level of noise from other units in the building. Obviously this is not something the host can control, but if you are a light sleeper, it might be an issue.
As far as the location, I felt like it was about as good as it gets short of springing for a $300 hotel right in the thick of things. It was about a mile and a half from where my conference was downtown, so it was an inexpensive ride-share (about $7) to get where I needed to go each day. Important: There is a Starbucks just down the street that you can walk to in about five minutes. This turned out to be a godsend when I needed a pick-me-up after a grueling flight before heading off to an event the night I arrived. The neighborhood felt pretty safe — something one should definitely consider in Austin — and the apartment has a gate with a code for additional security. I felt perfectly at ease arriving by myself at night and going up to the unit. Check-in was a breeze — just make sure you print off or jot down the codes you'll need beforehand. It's really a good value for an Austin Airbnb.