How to Find Luxury Hotels in Austin, Texas

It's hard to believe that one Texas city could be home to attractions ranging from the state capitol building to ample luxury accommodations, exciting outdoor activities and dozens of live music venues, but Austin pulls it off.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Find Luxury Accommodations in Austin, Texas

1. Call the Austin Convention Visitor Bureau at [phone] for recommendations on vacancies or visit their Web site to book a room online (see Resources below).

2. Indulge in a little supernatural opulence by staying at the historic Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. Built in 1886, the Driskill is said by locals to be haunted. Its famous lobby bar is a frequent stop for hip locals. You can book rooms online (see Resources below) or by calling [phone].

3. Choose independently-owned accommodations on South 1st Street in Austin's boutique shopping district for a funkier experience.

4. Book a room at one of the many moderately-priced hotels in Central Austin. Located only 5 to 10 minutes from downtown, Central Austin has a wealth of family-friendly restaurants.

5. Choose a hotel on or near 6th Street for luxury accommodations in the heart of the city's music scene.

6. Stay at one of the larger luxury hotel chains on Austin's Town Lake during the summer and fall months. Bask in elegant accommodations while viewing the famous dusk flights of Austin's Congress Street Bridge bats.

Arrange Transportation

7. Fly into the uncrowded Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where a cab ride to downtown takes an average of 15 to 20 minutes.

8. Catch a cab on 6th Street, or take advantage of the low fares and extensive coverage offered by Austin's Capital Metro bus services.

Know Your Destination

9. Take a dip in natural Texas spring waters at Barton Springs. Water temperatures remain a seasonal 70 degrees F all year round, and admission is free after dark during summer months.

10. Stroll, jog or ride around Austin's Town Lake on 10 miles of bucolic hike and bike trails.

11. Prepare for $5 to $10 cover charges at most of Austin's thriving live music venues.

12. Visit 6th Street after dark for signature Texas drinks, unique music and locally-famous comedy revues.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick up a free copy of The Austin Chronicle for insider tips on where the locals love to eat, drink, shop and play.
• Austin hosts several music and film festivals each year. Make your hotel reservations at least 3 months in advance if you will be visiting during the times when South by Southwest, Austin City Limits or the Austin Film Festival are being held.
• Prepare for temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s with high humidity if you visit between the months of July and September.
• Consider staying outside of downtown if you will be traveling with young children during Mardi Gras. Austin's 6th Street has been known to get pretty rowdy during that time of year.