This is what a "5 Star property" means!
Location - on a quiet residential street of single family homes in the desirable Rosedale section of Austin. Lots of excellent restaurants, shops, etc. nearby. Easy access to downtown.
Property - totally renovated, beautifully finished throughout, charmingly decorated. Everything is up-to-date, clean and operational. The listing is completely accurate and the photos are truthfully representative (actually the home is even more impressive in person). A large open-plan living space, a private master suite with a frankly amazing shower, plus two more bedrooms (one with a double bed, and the other - a child's room - with a twin trundle bed) and a second full bathroom.
Hosts - fantastic! We were made to feel like personal friends coming to visit. Lorna is so warm and friendly. Once we met and got oriented, she was always available (text or phone) if you need her assistance, yet never intrusive at all. The house is centrally air-conditioned and fitted with ceiling fans.
Other notes - this is a family home, lived in by the host family when not being rented, so it is fully fitted and equipped with everything you need (except of course your food and personal toiletries). The finished surfaces, appliances, fixtures and utensils are all new and of high quality. The home has full media access - U-verse TV (with some premium channels), wi-fi, and BluRay. Though it was pouring down with rain during our stay and we weren't able to use it, there's a lovely deck/patio in the backyard.
In conclusion, I honestly cannot think of any negatives to this home, and will consider it my first and best option when visiting Austin in the future. We were a party of 4 adults and a 10-year-old child, and we all really enjoyed returning "home" after our day's activities.
Thank you, Lorna, for the gracious hospitality.