Austin Travel Guide

Austin offers plenty of accommodations for all types of travelers. Whether you are looking to be pampered in a spa resort, swept away by the charm of a bed and breakfast, or just need a room on a tight budget, you will find a comfortable place to stay.

Downtown

Many of Austin's finest full-service luxury hotels are in and around the downtown area. The historic Driskill Hotel opened in 1886 and is still offering guests unique rooms and suites right on East 6th Street, where all the hustle and bustle of the live music scene lies. After a 30 million dollar renovation, Sheraton Hotel offers quality accommodations with convenience to the Texas State Capitol, East 6th Street and the Austin Convention Center.

The Four Seasons Hotel pampers its guests with phenomenal personal service. Offering access to the Hike and Bike Trail, Town Lake and the Austin Convention Center, this is a popular place to stay for movie stars, musicians, families and business professionals. The Radisson Hotel and Suites on Town Lake offers easy access to downtown as well as to the Bats Underneath Congress Bridge, where Mexican free-tailed bats put on a Bats Underneath Congress Bridge at dusk.

An overnight stay at one of Austin's spa resorts will completely revive your spirit. The Lake Austin Spa Resort is close to downtown, on the shores of Lake Austin, and offers three to seven-night refresher and pampering packages. Try a blue seaweed body wrap or take a gardening class. Many outdoor activities - including water-skiing, golf and sailing - are also available.

The Drag and Hyde Park

In the central part of town, DoubleTree Club Hotel is the perfect environment for business travelers. Guests are invited to use the well-lighted personal workstations, a private conference room and other business facilities. It is convenient to the University of Texas at Austin as well as the downtown area. Also close to the aforementioned places is Days Inn, which has a 24-hour café next door, where Austin's music and club scene meets after hours.

For the budget-minded traveler, the Rodeway Inn University offers clean, well-maintained rooms and is close to the University of Texas campus. Or try the Excel Inn, which is further south, but close to St. Edward's University and minutes from the downtown area.

If you are looking for a unique Austin experience, spend a few days in one of the many bed and breakfast establishments here. Brook House, located in central Austin, offers three rooms inside the main house, as well as a carriage house and private cottage out back. Wonderful breakfasts are served on the porch, which is full of antique tables and ceiling fans. For a healthy twist, try Healthy Quarters, a centrally-located, 1930s cottage where refrigerators are stocked with organic produce. Here, guests have access to colon hydrotherapy treatments, electro-lymphatic therapy, flower essence therapy, ear candling and a variety of chiropractic treatments. Or try Miller-Crockett House Bed and Breakfast with a great view of the Austin skyline.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 36