Kiki in the City | By UT and Downtown Austin Texas

It you appreciate character, charm, annd cleanliness over cookie-cutter luxury, this is your place.You can absolutely spend more in Austin—but you’ll be hard-pressed to find something that captures the soul of the city like Kiki in the City. It’s charming, creative, warm, and effortlessly embodies that “live and let live” Austin energy.The hosts were exceptional. We were in town during SXSW, and when filming ran behind schedule and we needed to extend our stay, they handled it with total ease and kindness—no hassle at all.The location is ideal. We skipped renting a car and relied on Ubers (10–30 even during peak SXSW), and the neighborhood itself is lovely and walkable. We explored local spots like the Burger Bar, downtown rooftop bars, and had easy access to everything we needed.Inside, everything is thoughtfully set up—a well-stocked Keurig station, a solid fridge, and… the shower. Genuinely one of the highlights. Spa-level.Also, to address another review: the “shared/awkward entrance” wasn’t our experience at all. Yes, it’s a garage apartment, but we never once saw the host family. Maybe a faint garage door here and there, but we felt completely private and secure the entire time.Quick tip: Austin pollen is intense—come prepared: Flonase Allegra.Overall, this place feels like stepping into a little pocket of Austin itself, with hosts who truly care. We’d absolutely stay again.

Overall it was a good place to stay, I just wish I had known about some of the cons before booking. Pros: Clean, amenities felt new/well-maintained, easy street parking, TV was easy to use. Reasonable price compared to other close-by spots.Cons: - Access is through the home-owner's backyard, I could hear the people who live in the main house opening the garage to come and go, and it felt a little awkward to enter through their backyard and go past their back door. - The shower has a window that looks out to the street. I wish there had been a film or screen so I didn't feel so exposed to the neighbors.- Personally, I thought the mattresses were way too firm for a side sleeper. - The 2nd "bedroom" is a vaulted closet with a mattress on the floor and no windows. It worked well for my toddler, but I wouldn't have wanted to sleep in there.

Above and beyond awesome. So many extra treats that literally made my day. I will only stay here when I come to Austin. Best VRBO I have ever stayed at.