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

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Exterior
Beach
Interior
Unclassified image, 4 of 17, button
Free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bathroomSleeps 2225 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

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

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

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/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 (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 225 square feet

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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

Pets not 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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

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

About the area

Map
Marathon, TX

What's nearby

  • Sul Ross State University - 40 min drive - 61.4 km
  • Kiowa Gallery - 42 min drive - 64.1 km
  • Big Bend Regional Medical Center - 42 min drive - 64.4 km
  • Museum of the Big Bend - 43 min drive - 64.8 km
  • Kokernot Field - 44 min drive - 66.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Brick Vault Brewery and Barbeque - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪White Buffalo Bar - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Los Muertos Mexica - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Marathon Coffee - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Big Bend Pizza - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park ?

As of Aug 10, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park on Aug 11, 2025 start from CA $173.36, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park ?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Darkest sky in West Texas and the gateway to Big Bend National Park located?

Situated in the mountains, this apartment building is within 32 mi (52 km) of Sul Ross State University, Sul Ross Desk, and Big Bend Regional Medical Center. Kiowa Gallery and Museum of the Big Bend are also within 32 mi (52 km).

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

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steven S.

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

Great host and location

Overall a great stay. If im back in the area plan to stay with the host agian.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Interesting place & unusual place.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shelly H.

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

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

Travis W.

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

Perfect Getaway

So much character and great location just a few minutes from the Gage Hotel. Perfect size for one or two people. Well worth it.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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

Artur P.

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

Cute and unique

This is one of a kind place. I spent 3 nights there and had great time exploring Big Bend. Great find!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Madlyn Claire R., Austin, Texas

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

Cute & Quirky Space

We loved this property in Marathon! The property was fun and quirky and has lots of character. The room has a unique West Texas vibe and I would recommend staying here!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Carrie W., San Benito, TX

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

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

Jeannie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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

Meg C.

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

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

Alex C., Monahans, Texas

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

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

Barb C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location

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

Bill K.

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

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

Rachel C.

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

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

Lauren W.

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel K.

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

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

Samuel Shamus D.

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

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

melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Stacy S.

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

Marathon visit

We enjoyed Marathon and great location for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021