Marcy's Historic Hostel Cottage

"First things first: this is NOT your ordinary, run-of-the-mill hostel experience. But if you are sufficiently determined to discover where the mysterious oasis actually hides its doors, you will be in for a colorful cast of characters and funkadelic milieu that could not possibly exist anywhere but Austin. Offbeat, off-the-radar, and (most importantly) teeming with Life, this place is a different stroke for a different folk. Every once in a while, a spin of the roulette wheel really does pay off..."

"Had such an amazing time here! felt perfectly safe and loved the energy and ambience of the place. Scooter is an amazing host and only brings in people he trusts. I never once worried about my belongings or safety."

"Hostel is great. Meet interesting people from all over the world. Got to meet travellers from Norway, Canada, Australia, as well as fellow Americans. Hostel is big, multiple dorm rooms and a few private rooms. Location is good, only a few min drive to downtown. Close to bus stop also. All amenities you would need. Kitchen, coffee, fresh towels, fresh bed sheets, fast wifi, etc. Would recommend to anyone"

"Mostly roaches and dishonesty. Agreed to $25 a night private room, said I wasn't cool enough to stay there, then nearly doubled the rate to $50. 1 shower for 50 guests? Did I mention the roaches? NO fire alarms, two tiny extinguishers under the sink. No dish towels, no bleach water.. no sanitation whatsoever. If the bugs and disease don't get ya, fire will. Terrible experience. Stay away, BTW, this is NOT the location for this 'set of beds'. Its actually in east Austin, over a mile in, a few blocks north of 6th. Not a nice area."

"Just read Kent Roth's review. I stayed at Rusty Railway in South Austin during June 2013. Mixed feelings about Scooter. Sometimes exceeding my expectations with friendliness and hospitality, other times... We shook hands on a work trade agreement for two nights (I had already stayed multiple nights and paid close to $200) and while I was performing the agreed upon work he began adding tasks to the job without offering additional credit for hostel stay. I finished the job but will never offer my services again as I felt taken advantage of. I did tell Scooter that he was adding tasks not agreed upon but he only smiled and explained the need for the job to be done. Female dorm has only one dim light and door does not fully close. Bathrooms lack window and fan, bad set up for the number of guests required to share bathroom. On the good side, there was always coffee. And Scooter did share meals with me and give me rides, which he offered without asking anything in return. I wouldn't recommend Rusty Railway if you can find something better for the price."