South - Austin Hotel Recommendation Needed

Looking for something downtown, boutique or new, want to avoid the chains.

I think the Driskill would be your best bet if you want to be downtown and avoid the chains. It's a beautiful old hotel right off Congress on 6th St.

I usually stay at the Hyatt (chain). It is across the river from downtown but an easy walk and the views across of downtown and the river are really nice. The rooms are newly renovated and very comfortable. It's also walking distance to restaurant/ music scene on South Congress.

The Four Seasons is nice but really pricey and the rooms could stand to be updated.

The Mansion at Judge's Hill is more boutique but is not downtown but really close to UT's campus.

Have fun Austin is great.
dan

Are you going for a specific event like SXSW? If so my recommendations would change.

If it's a general visit, I would second the Driskill. Conveniently located, very pretty and historical. Great Bar.

I agree with the Driskill...great location

but check out the San Jose (middle of South Congress)

awesome Austin vibe... http://www.sanjosehotel.com/

have fun, Austin is blast...going there this weekend:)

FS Austin has a stay 2 nights/get 1 free until at least April 1. So - although it may be a bit outdated considering the normal price - with this special it is worth checking out. I stayed there a few years ago - and liked the location on the river. Robyn

I recommend the Driskill as well

I am deciding amongst: The Driskill, The Omni on 8th Street, The Hotel San Jose, and the Four Seasons.

I keep getting conflicting opinions, but I am able to do four nights at the FS for ~ $960. Not too bad for a royal treat. Is the FS near most things as a tourist to do? Is it in walking distance from most places?

Patrick

I've stayed in all of them many times and I have to say my favs are the Hyatt and the Driskill.

I like the views of the river and downtown from the Hyatt and it's walking distance to downtown and south Congress. The rooms were renovated a couple of years ago and they are pretty nice.

The Driskill is right on 6th street (which has lost most of its appeal) so if you're planning lots of time on 6th it is a good choice. It has a beautiful lobby and some nice Texas/Western decor.

The San Jose does have a funky feel but the rooms are really spare, cold and not very comfortable. So it is REALLY hard to justify the price. I would have a beer in the zen garden and stay elsewhere. It's a cute place but remains a motor lodge with some cool accents.

The Four Seasons is nice but the rooms need updating and it is way too expensive until the bathrooms get a much needed update. Yes it is in walking distance to downtown/6th street. The Capitol and south Congress are a little further and UT's campus is about 2 miles away.

The Omni has just renovated and the rooms are MUCH better than before. It also has a pretty good workout room. It would probably be my 3rd choice but a pretty distant 3rd. Some rooms that face 6th street can be really noisy until the bars close. It is also convenient for walking downtown.

That's my 2 cents..
I'm a Longhorn and really miss living in Austin.
dan