Hotels for Austin Scouts

February 10, 2011 3:58 PM

Looking for hotels in Austin. My wife and I are coming to Austin on a scouting trip with my parents. All research is telling us Austin would be a great place to raise our kids. Kids won't be with us. We are coming on March 9th - 13th. We realize SWSX starts on the 11th. I am not concerned about staying near all the action. I actually wouldn't mind staying out in the hill country or any location where we can hop in our rental car and get a good feel for the metro area. We don't mind paying $150 - $200 a night. Where can we stay that will be a good launching point for checking out all that the Austin metro has to offer?
posted by jasondigitized to Travel & Transportation around Austin, TX (7 answers total)

The Hotel San Jose is lovely and walking distance from just about everything downtown, but if you're coming in that close to SXSW you may have to stay outside of town.
posted by restless_nomad at 4:05 PM on February 10, 2011

When we've had friends and family visit Austin, they've loved staying in a guest house near where we live. Because these are run by individuals, it's a little hard to find the exact ones that I'm familiar with, but they've been great every time.

You show up, unpack your stuff, and then stock the fridge with groceries and beer, then kick back and relax in the back yard or on the couch. They're all over the place.

Here's a link to get started. If I can find a link to the houses I'm familiar with, I'll post again.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 4:07 PM on February 10, 2011

Also be sure to check out Airbnb.
posted by special-k at 4:14 PM on February 10, 2011

You might also take advantage of the fact that you'll be here during SXSW and look on Craigslist for local folks who are renting out their houses/apartments for the week. If you can drop $1000 for five days, you can probably find something pretty decent and in town. Lots of locals like to skip town during SXSW.
posted by lefty lucky cat at 6:29 PM on February 10, 2011

of note: traffic's a beast during SXSW. I'd try to find a place south of town vs. North of town.
posted by kristymcj at 8:16 PM on February 10, 2011

The Renaissance at the Arboretum is nice as far as hotels go.
posted by tamitang at 9:12 PM on February 10, 2011

Also, check out the Hotel St. Cecilia.
posted by mattbucher at 8:03 AM on February 11, 2011