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South Congress Secret Bungalow

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2BR/1BA 1930s bungalow in the vibrant heart of Austin's South Congress District
Living area
Living area
Private kitchen
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 470.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Austin, TX
  • South Congress Avenue
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Austin Convention Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Sixth Street
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Austin, TX (AUS-Austin-Bergstrom Intl.)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Front Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Master

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

South Congress Secret Bungalow

2BR/1BA South Congress Hideaway: tranquil 1930's bungalow nestled in the vibrant heart of Austin's South Congress District. Steps from Austin landmarks like Jo's, Continental Club, and Guero's, but secluded enough for a quiet night in the private garden. Truly unique retreat in the center of it all. Our home is LGBTQ+ friendly.

The space
The house is tucked away on a small, private residential street in South Congress, the trendy neighborhood just over Lady Bird Lake from downtown Austin. Steps away are chic boutiques, restaurants and one of Austin’s oldest and most storied music halls, the Continental Club.

A few feet (meters) from the Cap Metro No. 1 stop at South Congress and minutes by foot from Zilker Park, Auditorium Shores, downtown, the State Capitol, the Austin Convention Center--everything the city has to offer is at your doorstep.

Cheerful, cozy, and comfortable, the house retains the charm of the original 1930s design with 10-foot ceilings, New Deal-era millwork, and original wood floors, but it also boasts all of the comforts and amenities you would expect at home. There are also small surprises that belie the taste of the owners as well: vintage and modern furniture, cool art, books on design and music.

The secluded outdoor terrace behind the house faces a rock wall created by the natural fault line that runs behind the house, a perfect place for cocktails before (or after) exploring the city.

The master bedroom occupies the terrace-facing corner of the house and features a king-sized bed, while the second bedroom features two twin beds and faces east.

Please contact via email to inquire about availability for any dates or if you have additional questions.

Guest access
We kindly ask that you only park in our driveway and please avoid parking in front of our neighbors' homes or in any of the reserved parking spaces across from our home. There is a lockbox with key for ease of check-in.

OL 2013 083329

Property manager

Julie

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please be mindful that this is our home. Thank you.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Austin

Located in Austin, this holiday home is in the city centre. South Congress Avenue and Sixth Street are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Moody Center or Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
Map
Austin, TX

What's nearby

  • South Congress Avenue - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Moody Theater - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Austin Convention Center - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Sixth Street - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Rainey Street - 4 min drive - 3.1 km

Getting around

  • Downtown Station - 9 min drive
  • Austin Station - 11 min drive
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Home Slice Pizza - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Ego's Lounge - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Two Hands - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Jo's Coffee - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Guero's Taco Bar - ‬7 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is South Congress Secret Bungalow pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at South Congress Secret Bungalow?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at South Congress Secret Bungalow?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is South Congress Secret Bungalow located?

Located in South Congress, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of South Congress Avenue and Lady Bird Lake. Austin Convention Center and Moody Theater are also within 1 mile (2 km). Downtown Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stacy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Austin Bungalow

Great location to be able to explore South Congress by foot. Centrally located for all of the wonderful things Austin has to offer. The house is small but exactly what was advertised and exactly what we needed.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gil F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Return Well Worth It

My friend and I visit Austin every year. Just a long weekend of BBQ, music, and fun. We had discovered this wonderful property last year when we couldn't make it in to the Austin Motel. We enjoyed our stay so much that this has become our new home base when we visit Austin. It is a really wonderful place to stay; it is so great to get access to house for the price of a room and enjoy all of its wonderful amenities. I will recommend this quiet little bungalow over and over...
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

As advertised

Excellent location. The queen size bed was comfortable. We had both warm & cooler weather conditions during our stay and the AC & heat were both responsive. We had a car rental for part of our week stay & the carport was convenient, allowing us to park off street. It's an older property but clean and functions well. We wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptional location

The location and value of this house for exploring South Congress, as others have mentioned, is unmatched; especially considering the cost-per-square-foot compared to a single hotel room. Ultra casual vibe (with some cosmetic and maintenance opportunities common to vintage houses), covered off-street parking, comfortable bed, and several quality ceiling fans indoors and out to keep the Texas heat at bay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike N., Enumclaw, WA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exactly what we needed

Austin isn't what it used to be so we wouldn't stay on South Congress again. Hard to "keep it weird" with a Lululemon across the street. However, this house is perfect and easily walkable to food, coffee, and bars. The back patio is a great place to enjoy breakfast before it gets too hot.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay!

We really enjoyed staying at the South Congress Bungalow. Perfect location one block off Congress tucked behind the Austin Motel and access to all our favorite spots. My favorite part is the short morning walk to Jo's Coffee. The house is as described and what we expected for a bungalow in the area. Just enough space for our family of four with a great outdoor space that would be nice to enjoy in better weather. Fun, stylish furnishings and comfy beds. The bathroom needs some tile work repair but it didn't impact our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gil F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ultimate Austin Stay

Many reviews have nailed how wonderful this property is in terms of location. That is a total given. I want to expand on that some here. I have been visiting Austin since 2009. Stayed at the Ramada Inn (now known as The Line) until we discovered the Austin Motel. That fine place helps you get in to the groove of South Congress and I have called that "home" for my Austin visits (an annual pilgrimage). That is, until now. This property is quite amazing. A cozy little cottage that just oozes with the vibe of Soco. I like being immersed in a place I visit, especially Austin and this property just solidifies that feeling. The owners have totally kept the charm that makes this place so special. The original hardwood floors...the decor; it all just adds to that all important vibe. We loved the back patio area. Sure, it was Texas hot outside, but the fans over the table really helped that. When that heat got too much, the AC in the house was a welcome thing to come back to and cool down. The WiFi is very speedy. If you have to mix work with your vacation, the WiFi will accomodate you splendidly. It was so nice to have access to a kitchen. That late night Home Slice heated up perfectly in the oven. I will end with this: if you want a place that has immediate access to the best of Soco and completely captures the ambience of the area, look no further. You have found your home.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susanna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location

The house is in the best location in the South Congress neighborhood. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location

We enjoyed this cozy home for a sister weekend, three in our group. Location was an easy walk to South Congress shopping, coffee, restaurants; 15 minute walk to get across south congress bridge to downtown. Best part of house was the private, shady, fenced-off back patio at back of house. Off street parking and was an easy drive anywhere, just lots of traffic in Austin. We traveled the 1.5 hours to Waco to see Magnolia, lots of walks in neighborhood and along south congress, watched the famous bats from congress street bridge, visited wildflower center, took in a show at the Continental Club and did a downtown walking food tour. Beds comfortable, good shower with plenty of hot water, air worked, coffee pot worked. Location of property is perfect for exploring Austin.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Simple cottage in the best part of Austin- walk everywhere. Can’t beat the location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short Stay at Primo South Congress Location

This location is a small house, older but comfy - it’s an easy walk to activities and venues on South Congress. There’s also on-site parking for two cars a major plus in this area.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome spot!

What a great little house in a fantastic neighborhood. We were in town for a conference at a nearby hotel, and were so glad we stayed in this sweet little house instead of the hotel! Well stocked, beautifully decorated and such a great location to explore SoCo, the river area and downtown. Thank you for a fabulous stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Glenn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Austin marathon weekend

Simple, basic home with IDEAL LOCATION. Great launch point to walk down Congress to downtown area. Host was very responsive when we had questions. This was our second time renting this unit.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute, Comfy, Friend’s Weekend

I stayed here with a couple friends for a weekend. It was the perfect size for the three of us. The house is so cute and comfy. Located in the SoCo district made it very convenient for walking to great shops, food, downtown, and Lady Bird Lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Afton F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

We had a lovely stay. Super close to South Congress, Jo’s Coffee, and Homeslice pizza. Very clean, beds were very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Josh D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cool place in a great location

Awesome location right off of South Congress. Anything you need was within walking distance. Great outdoor space in backyard.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary Beth F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Austin Stay!

Wow, can't say enough great things about this property! Perfect location on S Congress, easy walking distance to downtown. House is beautiful, and communication with the owners was easy. Can't wait to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Yuri K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just Book It.

Great location with much in walking distance. Our host Julie was super responsive and helpful, providing us with lots of recommendations when we inquired. Perfect for 2 or 3. Matched the description.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Missy G., Tomball, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location. Cute historic home.

We really enjoyed our stay. The location is perfect for taking advantage of everything South Congress has to offer. We stayed for the Acl Music Festival and had an easy uber each day to the festival and walked back each night. This is a vintage house right in the middle of a cool part of Austin. We would stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gail T., Hudson, OH

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in Austin

Just off of S Congress, had everything we needed and very comfortable stay. Nearby hotels did play some music through early evening which could be heard but mostly quiet at night. Could walk to many restaurants and murals but not far from downtown and airport. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lise K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little house!

House was very clean and comfortable for our stay while we attended Keller William's Mega Camp. It was located a little farther from the convention center than we would have liked but having a carport was great and we found (costly) parking close by the convention center. All in all it was pretty convenient.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent For Family

We had a great time in Austin and would stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barbara E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Austin for the first time!

We absolutely loved Austin for our 35th anniversary! The house was in the perfect location and Julie was spot on with her recommendations of where to eat and visit. The house was nice a cool during the Texas heat wave too and the bed was so comfortable!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katie E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Business trip

Perfect location, great house! Loved our stay and will be back!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janet P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming House with Character and Great Location

The house was very beautifully restored. It was very quiet and less than a block to many places to eat so very convenient. My 82 yr. old ex-college roommate and I enjoyed Austin and our stay there.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Julie

Host profile image

Languages:

English, French