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Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park

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December 2024
January 2025

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Exterior
Beach
Interior
Free WiFi, bed sheets
Unclassified image, 5 of 17, button

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bathroomSleeps 221 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Marathon, TX
  • Sul Ross State University
    32 min drive
  • Big Bend Regional Medical Center
    33 min drive
  • Museum of the Big Bend
    34 min drive
  • Alpine, TX (ALE-Casparis Municipal)
    37 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

Entrance to "Stone cottage"

Stone cottage@ La loma del chivo

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, (24)
The price is CA $196
per night
CA $302 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stone cottage@ La loma del chivo

About the area

Marathon

In Marathon .Stay at this Marathon apartment and you'll be within 32 miles (52 km) of Sul Ross State University and Big Bend Regional Medical Center. Kiowa Gallery and Museum of the Big Bend are also within 32 miles (52 km).
View more Apartments in MarathonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Sul Ross State University - 32 min drive - 48.1 km
  • Big Bend Regional Medical Center - 33 min drive - 50.1 km
  • Museum of the Big Bend - 34 min drive - 50.7 km
  • Kokernot Field - 35 min drive - 51.2 km
  • Kokernot Park - 36 min drive - 51.1 km

Getting around

  • Midland Intl. Airport (MAF) - 173 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Brick Vault Brewery and Barbeque - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Oasis Cafe - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪White Buffalo Bar - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Los Muertos Mexica - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Marathon Coffee - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park

One of the experimental buildings on our property, this structure was designed and built partially by the same artisan who did a good bit of the foundation work on Eve's Garden, one of the best examples of 'papercrete' building world wide and located in north Marathon. This building, named 'Na Bolom' or 'Jaguar House' in Mayan was constructed in the manner of the ubiquitous conical structures in Southern Italy, all through desert communities in the Middle East, Africa and is comfortable for two persons.Come try this amazing edifice in the wilds of the far west Texas, trans-Pecos region just north of Big Bend National Park.
There is a deck on the west side and access is encouraged to the other experimental building projects on La Loma Del Chivo. Free dust and wind are constants , as is the overwhelming brilliance of the great via lactea (milky way). Hot water provided( please quick showers , you are in the desert).

Property manager

owner/property manager

Languages

Czech, English, Polish, Slovak, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Spices
  • Paper towels
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer

Entertainment

  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Smoking allowed outside

Location highlights

  • In the mountains

Things to do

  • Hiking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 225 sq ft (21 sq m)
  • Property does not allow children

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed
  • Note from host: No pets in this building

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 6
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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 6. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Darkest sky in West Texas the Gateway to Big Bend National Park

Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 37 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 37 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 37 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Meg C., McKinney, TX

Liked: Cleanliness
Great experience
Very cute little place, great stop on our way to camping in Big Bend. Small but well equipped. Do keep in mind that the shower opens directly into the bedroom (not bathroom), so the place is only suitable for folks who are very comfortable with one another, unless one wants to wait on the (great view) patio while the other showers.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barb C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Out of character for us but a hoot!
Cool, comfortable and weird all rolled up in one.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie W., San Benito, TX

Liked: Cleanliness
Big Bend Getaway
We were headed to Terlingua and always stay one night in Marathon and usually at The Gage. This little gem is so close to everything you need in Marathon. It was easily accessible, and we were greeted at check in and shown around the property. We enjoyed our night and will certainly stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just what I needed
Clean room, very comfortable bed with high quality linens, and a nice hot shower. Exactly what I needed. Thanks again for having me.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel K.

Liked: Cleanliness
marathon bliss
excellent hostess. very responsive and thorough. uniquely superb interior design. excellent shower. beautiful night sky. immediate surrounding structures a tribute to creative humanity.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our host, Ingrid is absolutely amazing and so sweet! Her property is very special and loaded with unique treasures to admire. Absolutely the place to stay if you're looking for something different and unique!

10/10 Excellent

Rachel C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A beautiful place to search my soul
I came to the property to stare at the big sky and ponder my life choices. My room was quiet, private, comfortable and so much fun! I love how unconventional the property is, and how everyone there seems to value sovereignty, the spiritual qualities of the land, and the value of human connection.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Samuel Shamus D.

Liked: Cleanliness
PERFECT Launchpad for Big Bend Adventure!
This wasn't my first stay at this property, so I knew it would be great in terms of location and amenities, and it didn't disappoint! The owner was communicative, made sure we were cared for despite our (rather late!) check-in, and once again, we had another great adventure in the park the next couple of days. I'm hoping this will be available on our next trip too :)
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Marathon is unique, charming, and a place we should all visit. This place made it even more of all of those.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a wonderful place to go to unplug and relax! Loved the view of the Milky Way and the other constellations. Thank you for having me
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

melissa

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place inspires creativity and implants the traveling bug into your heart! Super cozy, cool, and comfortable! Ingrid is a rockstar! Will be back!
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for the trip we had in mind
Very unique. We enjoyed that we could walk out the front door at 4am, look up, and see the Milky Way. The bathroom and shower are very tiny. Be prepared to step outside to give some privacy. Definitely made for some good laughs. The bed was very comfy and clean sheets plus new comforter was a plus! Very close to the center of town, which we appreciated, especially since we treated ourselves to the Gage Spa after Big Bend!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was unique and different. Marathon needs more dining choices during the week.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness
La Loma Del Chivo
We thoroughly enjoyed our night in Na Bolom. The decor was energizing, we had everything we needed for comfort, and loved that there wasn't a TV to distract us from enjoying the stars. As a couple in our 60's, getting to the toilet/sink was a bit of a hoot, but we did it. What a wonderful change from staying at cookie cutter, sterile chain hotels. Thanks to our hosts for creating a space that brought us out of our ordinary experience.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Big Bend
The place was amazing, the house was nice and clean and the owner was super friendly and awesome! We will definitely stay here again. Oh and the views were amazing as well!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical little cottage
We treat ourselves to a night in Marathon after several nights of tent camping in Terlingua. Nebalom offers a nice bed and a warm shower in a very cool building. We really enjoyed the building in Goat Hill had fun sharing our pictures with our friends. I highly recommend this property for a nice getaway or stop over.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Craig P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place to stay for Quick Trip to Marathon
A truly unique place to stay for a quick trip to Marathon. A memorable location we will never forget and a story we will always be eager to share of the night we spent in an artists Paper-Crete home. Ingrid was very helpful, the views were amazing, even the west Texas thunderstorm, and the price was great for a one night stay in Marathon, TX. Def recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alex C., Monahans, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun place!
Love these neat places you find out in the middle of nowhere! My kind of perfect and the owners are my kind of people! Will def come back and very soon! Thank you Ingrid!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stacy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Marathon visit
We enjoyed Marathon and great location for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Bob R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quirky
Where we stayed was cure and comfortable, but the surroundings were a bit trashy. Great value for the money
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shelly H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice time!
Enjoyed our stay! Property very clean and bed so comfy....peaceful morning coffee on the back porch!
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Small but roomy
The property had a very unique design. It’s in a very small town burn with easy access to big bend national park. There’s very little light pollution so you can really see the stars at night. Would rent here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carrie Q.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Perfect Place to Stay
We loved our stay here! The bed was so comfy after a day filled with hiking in the park. Our days were packed with activity, so we didn’t get to spend much time enjoying the other experiences provided by this little community. Next trip, we’ll be sure to spend more time hanging around the the grounds getting to know other visitors. This place was exactly what we were looking for in our stay. We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Shamus, San Antonio

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I've been defining this place with the word "unique" in some of the best kinds of ways. It was exACTLY what we needed for our stay before and after our adventure in Big Bend, and it will be a part of our story for years to come! The owners were accessible right when they said they'd be, they were responsive, helpful, and made our stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible! Unique, yes, and simple, and, for us, an important part of our epic adventure!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Craig P., Robbinsdale, MN, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet, relaxing and adventurous
We REALLY enjoyed our stay here! Ingrid is a terrific host and the house we stayed in is an absolute piece of art. Everything was super clean and comfortable. There’s also a “community “ elevated deck to take in the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert sunset. We met several neighbors on our walks in the community and found everyone exceptionally friendly and welcoming. We are already planning a return trip to explore more of Big Bend National Park and the surrounding area. Thanks again to Ingrid and her neighbors!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020