Evaluating The Different Options Available For Downtown Austin Condos

Downtown Austin is growing faster than ever. Well, maybe not ever, but more than in the last 14 years I have lived here. The city council and the community in gereral is pushing for growing the downtown into a live-work area with high density, shops downstairs, and living upstairs. The term is "multi-use" and it is pretty much pretty much the montra for Austin real estate. There are 10+ condo projects going up in the next couple years that cater to the different appeals of living in downtown Austin.

A couple condos are situated at the turn of the river in downtown Austin, taking advantage of views down the river. The first time I saw the views, I was pretty surprised. You can see all the way down the river from the Congress bridge, past the Lamar Bridge, and past downtown. One nice aspect about these places is that there is not much chance of anything being built in the way of the river view since you are at the bend. The two places are called The Milago and The Shores. The Milago is right at the bend of the river with only the Town Lake Trail between it and the water. If you want protected river views, The Milago is pretty much it. Also, to get any views, you need to be above the trees and that is at about the 6th floor as well as on the west side of the building; the east side of the building pretty much has nothing interesting right now. The Shores has a similar view corridor down the river and to the west and is a little more north of the Milago. It has the Mexican-American cultural center being built in front of it and has a low-rise, older townhome project that poses no threat as of now to block the view. This building is not as rectangular as The Milago so more of the units have some sort of view, whether it be the river or downtown.

Moving on to a another downtown Austin condo sector. Some hotels are renovating the top floors of their places or building new high-rises next-door to accomodate those who want more high-end services associated with hotels. They will have room service available, workout facilities, concierge, and whatnot. The Hilton probably has the most upper end units right now called the Five Fifty Five. To name a couple slick attributes, they feature wolf ovens, wood floors, 24hr. concierge & security, and walls of windows viewing Austin downtown. They have a couple penthouses left.

The other downtown Austin aspect of living that some condos will be banking on is the trend to live near walkable shops and restaurants. Clarksville is a neighborhood thriving around some shops and restaurants on West Lynn as well as the 6th & Lamar area. It is probably the closest actual neighborhood (meaning houses too) to downtown to the west. There's a local shop to walk to on West Lynn, and if you want more of a supermarket, the Whole Foods mothership headquarters complete with ice rink is at the corner of 6th & Lamar along with REI, Waterloo Records, Amys Ice Cream, and other fun stuff. The Nokonah is right there in the midst of all that. It was built in 2001, so it is all resale at this point, but a good location with concierge and security.

And of course, people just want to live by cool areas. Austin's South Congress is known for probably being the hippest street in Austin. It is so cool it has been abbreviated to be called SoCo. A couple different condo projects are popping up around that area. Most are the loft, slick style that blends with the SoCo area. One is practically the neighbor of a popular restaurant and club. It's a smaller condo project at only 14 units available and starting at 380K. A larger condo projects is being developed further down south called the SoCo Lofts. These will have bamboo floors and stainless appliances. They will not really be walkable to the SoCo shopping area but will be creating its own multi-use shopping, retail, and restaurants. Since they are a little more south from the saught-after SoCo strip of shops, they are a more affordable option, starting at 225K for a 1-1.

Another area in the south that is trying to model itself after SoCo is being coined as SoLa, or South Lamar. SoLa is parallel to SoCo and about 2 main streets west. It is not as dense with shops but city plans are in the works to rezone almost everything along the street between the river south to 71 to be multi-use. It could be pretty cool and much more expansive than the current SoCo. There are various condos planned to take advantage of the new SoLa. One is just south of the river called The Magnolia. They've already begun construction and are moving fast, targeting completion by July 2008. The funny story behind this location is that it used to be a Wendy's.

It will be interesting to watch Austin develop over the next several years. There are a number of downtown Austin Condos but the new ones that are coming online should widen the selection for people interested in living downtown. Additionally, the increased density should allow for more small shops and businesses to set up shop downtown which will hopefully make downtown a more walkable interesting location for years to come.

The Austin Real Estate Group is a husband and wife real estate team located in Austin Texas. Their site has a free Austin home search along with a free real estate calculator.

Texas Hotel Reservations

Texas is a state in the United States of America which is also the second largest state in the country, population and area wise. It is Located in the South Central United States, and is shares its borders with Mexico in the south, New Mexico in the west, Oklahoma in the north, Arkansas in the northeast, and Louisiana in the east.

Texas is very famous throughout the world that is why it is visited by business as well as leisure travelers. So, now let me tell you about some luxury hotels located in Texas.

1. Hotel Derek

This is a luxury hotel located in Houston and provides all the visitors contemporary style with impeccable guest service. It is a very sophisticated hotel which is good for both leisure as well as business travelers. This classy hotel has 314 well appointed rooms which offer you all the world class luxuries and comforts. Some of the facilities that you would get in this hotel include Complimentary transportation, high speed internet facility, daily newspaper and free breakfast. Some of the very good attractions of Houston are also located just nearby to this hotel.

2. The Adolphus Hotel

The Adolphus Hotel is in Dallas in Texas and is located in the downtown arts and financial district. This hotel caters to all the needs of international well as local travelers. It is one of the best hotels of Texas where you would be provided all the excellent facilities and services like fitness center, Air Conditioning, Television, babysitter facility, a large swimming pool, meeting room, a world class restaurant serving delicious meals and a lounge bar for the entertainment of the guests.

3. The Hilton Hotel, Austin

This five stars hotel is located in downtown Austin and is very near to the Austin Convention Center. Hilton Austin Hotel is a perfect destination foe honeymoon couples, family holiday and short trips. Here you can relax in the swimming pool or spend or time in the fitness center. Some special facilities that you would get here include 800 well furnished rooms, Cleaning Service, Daily Maid Service, Restaurant, Spa/Massage service and free parking area.

4. Westin La Cantera Resort

This beautiful hotel is located 12 miles from the San Antonio International and is known all around the world for its luxury service and lavish decorations. The hotel has 100 well appointed rooms and 7 special suites which feature two direct-dial telephones with voice mail and data ports, two closets, in-room safes and coffee maker. The Hotel is easily accessible and various shopping malls, restaurants and pubs are located just nearby to it.

So, these are some very good hotels that are located in Texas. I am sure here you would get all the essential facilities and amenities.

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Downtown Austin Hotels

There are no less than a dozen downtown Austin hotels which provide good accommodations for visitors. Some of the hotels are historical buildings. Not only have they witnessed some magnificent events in the past, but they are beautiful. Once you go inside and have a look at the rooms, some of them are stunning, as they have very high ceilings. It is also possible for you to stay in a hotel in the middle of downtown. You can have a beautiful view of the Town Lake in one of these first-class hotels.

Apart from that, certain hotels, due to their location, are able to provide their guests superb downtown views. There is no dearth of luxury rooms in downtown Austin hotels. Most of these hotels promise to provide clean and comfortable accommodations. Some particular downtown Austin hotels are favorites of politicians. A number of prestigious hotel chains have hotels here. Not all hotels are expensive in this area of the town, but some of them might be out of reach for a middle class family or even mid-level executive. Almost all the hotels in the area take reservations online.

Some of them offer heavy discounts, but not always. There are a number of tour and travel agencies which can help you book one of these hotels. They are not difficult to locate. At times it is difficult to get vacant rooms in these hotels, so it is better to make your reservation well in advance. But even if you haven't done so, you can take a chance and look for current bookings in one of the downtown Austin hotels.

Austin Hotels provides detailed information on Austin Hotels, Downtown Austin Hotels, Discount Austin Hotels, Luxury Austin Hotels and more. Austin Hotels is affiliated with Seattle Airport Hotels.

Luxury Austin Hotels

There are a number of luxury hotels in Austin. They offer exclusive deals to their customers. The city of Austin has a number of upscale luxury hotels run by some of the leading hotel chains. What makes them luxurious is not just their carefully selected location but also fresh flowers, champagne bottles, stunning rooms, soaring ceilings, historic buildings and mesmerizing views. Most of the luxury hotels here also provide facilities for conferences and conventions. Their restaurants have a wide variety of cuisine, and many hotels also offer golfing facilities.

These luxury hotels also have exclusive suites which are very spacious and elegant. Some of the luxury hotels offer occasional discounts. One can take advantage of that to realize their dream of staying in a luxury hotel. Generally these luxury hotels offer free parking and free shuttles to and from the airport.

If you are planning to stay in one of them it is advisable to get your reservation well in advance. You can do it through your travel agent, over the telephone or online. Do not expect too many freebies in these hotels, though they do offer world-class services.

If you want to bring a pet, bear in mind there are some hotels which do not allow pets. You can check these rules and regulations online. Also, there might be extra charges for valet parking even though self-parking is not free, either. But don't forget to look out for rebates and discounts, as many of them might be offering some.

Austin Hotels provides detailed information on Austin Hotels, Downtown Austin Hotels, Discount Austin Hotels, Luxury Austin Hotels and more. Austin Hotels is affiliated with Seattle Airport Hotels.

All Inclusive Austin Hotels

When it comes to choosing a vacation destination and planning for it, most families make a combined effort. It involves vacationers to reach a mutual consent regarding destination, sightseeing choices, recreational options and other holiday matters. These discussions can bring out numerous destinations to choose from. Located in Texas, Austin is considered to be a popular choice. When finalizing a holiday, vacationers may choose to confer with travel agents and tour operators regarding their selection and needs. From time to time it is possible to find a tour arrangement that is well matched or else operators offer tailor-made holiday packages and accommodation in hotels that are all inclusive. For the adventurous, all-inclusive hotels may just be a last minute choice where things "fall into place."

All inclusive hotel packages play an important role in providing a number of benefits to guest as well as the hotel owners of such packages. While planning a vacation to Austin, it is generally advisable to avail of the benefits offered by various hotel packages. All-inclusive packages of hotels take into consideration all the requirements that are generally essential for the success of any vacation. All-inclusive hotels are attractive to families and people with a limited budget. Normally in an all-inclusive package, airfare from the departure destination, transportation between airport, accommodation charges, all meals and drinks are included. Additionally, all-inclusive packages generally comprise of a couple of extra activities, such as a few free tours and on-sight recreation. Its scope includes all the activities that prove to be helpful for the efficient functioning of a vacation planned. The all-inclusive package is generally designed to include all the factors that are important from the point of view of visitors.

Many hotels in Austin normally provide people with all-inclusive packages to increase their goodwill. These kinds of packages attract the visitors so that they can enjoy a full-fledged vacation. People intending to visit Austin have a variety of all-inclusive packages to choose from. Usually the choice made is with respect to factors such as mode of transport, places to stay, budget of the visitors. Similarly all-inclusive packages differ from season to season. When visitors are planning to choose a hotel in Austin is advised to search online and find out what facilities are inclusive.

Austin Hotels provides detailed information on Austin Hotels, Downtown Austin Hotels, Discount Austin Hotels, Luxury Austin Hotels and more. Austin Hotels is affiliated with Seattle Airport Hotels.

The Austin Convention Center in Historic Downtown Austin

The Austin Convention Center is a huge, sprawling convention complex in the heart of downtown Austin, and the facility can host just about any gathering, from sports events to conventions, garden shows, car shows, sales of every imaginable kind, and political gatherings, among others. The Center is located between Cesar Chavez to the South, 4th Street to the north, and Red River on one side and Trinity on the other. It covers numerous city blocks, and is practically a city inside a city.

The Convention Center contains more than 800,000 square feet, numerous ballrooms, including the largest ballroom in Texas, and very high tech, state of the art communication and media networks, facilities and devices. There are over 54 separate meeting rooms and a ballroom that will accommodate 3000 diners at once, so the largest conventions can be easily hosted at the center, with all the modern accompanying technological paraphernalia.

Trade Shows and Expos are two of the most popular events held at the center, but many sporting events such as the Austin Ice Bats and local basketball skirmishes take place there as well, along with practice and training sessions. The Roller Derby team, the Lonestar Rollergirls, is a huge crowd favorite, and two of the most popular yearly events are the Carnival Rio de Brasileiro Celebration at Mardi Gras and various rodeo-related activities at roughly the same time of year. Many of these events have related events at the Palmer Event Center as well, which is just across the river.

The Gubernatorial Inauguration a few years ago was one of the most heavily attended and publicized events held at ACC, and many local as well as national celebrities and politicians appeared at the event, which was catered by the Aramark company as well as other local temp and catering agencies, who supplied over 50 TABC certified bartenders and wait staff galore. Many a local food service industry professional have gotten their start at the Convention Center, although all personnel is carefully screened and qualified before being admitted and allowed to cater the event or serve the patrons.

The facility is constructed primarily of limestone and granite, and has a historical feel yet quite a bit of natural light due to the plethora of windows. There are numerous levels and mobile bars and food stands throughout the complex, all of which can be tailored to the client's preferences. Another popular yearly event is the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, an Austin tradition during which just about anything Christmas or gift-related can be found, especially arts, crafts, home furnishings and decorations, jewelry, and the like.

Many of the halls have retractable seating, so the size of the crowd can be accommodated no matter how large or intimate, and the over six blocks that encompass the Convention Center property makes walking from one end to the other quite a hike, but the many elevators, golf carts, and other types of assistance can be of benefit to the infirm or just plain tired guests.

Many of the conventions are education related, such as school districts, teachers, and college gatherings, and many are high-tech related, such as the World Conference on Internet Technology convention, which featured Bill Clinton as a guest a few years ago, to the delight of the patrons and visitors. There is also a yearly boat expo, which is another very popular event.

Some of the events on tap for October of this year include the Austin Board of Realtors Convention, a high school student career expo Skillpoint Alliance, and the World of Warcraft World Championships by Upper Deck Entertainment. There is also a Forum for Black Public Administrators, and shortly thereafter, holiday events will begin, many of which are balls, dinners, and dances.

The Convention Center is in the heart of historic downtown and also very accessible to I.H. 35 , which is a block east of the facility, and there are also residential areas close by and numerous hotels including the Hilton Garden Inn, the Downtown Hilton, the Marriott, the Hampton Inn, and many others.

The center is also very close to Lady Bird Lake and its numerous hike and bike trails, so convention attendees can get some recreation and fresh air while in the area. This facility is one of the most impressive in Austin, and has hosted many nationally known gatherings, and it is a sure stop on a trip to downtown Austin, so visit the Convention Center, and get a good look at Austin's largest high-tech meeting facilities!

In Austin, Ki works with future home owners. He helps buyers interested in the Austin Texas real estate market. His site allows them to perform a map search of Austin MLS listings. He also writes a regular blog with information and updates on Austin real estate.

Austin Profiles - 2nd Street

The 2nd Street District in downtown Austin has grown rapidly. Besides the nightlife bar scene of 6th Street, and a smattering of shops on Congress Avenue, downtown Austin lacked a hub for shopping, eating, and entertainment that the 2nd Street District is now providing.

Cashing in on Austinites' love for being outdoors, and its close proximity to the Zilker hike and bike trail, the 2nd Street District is pedestrian oriented, with wide sidewalks, and open air store fronts and outdoor seating at many of the restaurants. The 2nd Street District has also concentrated on having more daytime activities compared to 6th street which has more bars and late night entertainment.

Established local eateries, such as Austin Java Café and Jo's Coffee, mix and mingle with a few fun chains and other local establishments, to suit any taste bud. People-watching from an outside table provides limitless entertainment before heading to the next shop.

Several home furnishings and décor shops line the street. Austin's branch of Design Within Reach carries licensed mid-century classics, while Finch is filled with beautiful homey items for the Dwell Magazine lover. IF + D brings flooring, furniture, and more from international designers such as Tord Bjoonte, as well as equally beautiful pieces from local creative craftsmen Brian David Johnson, Holly Everett, and Fisterra Studios.

The emergence of more downtown attractions has affected parts of the Austin real estate market, which provide proximity to downtown. The first part of the market affected is the downtown Austin condos which have been popping up in recent years. Also several downtown Austin neighborhoods like Clarksville and Barton Hills which are in biking distance to downtown have also seen more interest from buyers due to their proximity to downtown.

Austin was recently listed as the 7th most dog friendly city in the country by Men's Health magazine, so man's best friend was included in the 2nd Street District's design. For the past two years, 30 of Austin's best architects, builders, and designers gather on 2nd street for what's become known as Barkitecture. The talented group comes together to create innovative, and amazingly designed, dog houses that are auctioned off, with proceeds going to local animal advocacy groups. Also, the Lofty Dog store caters to those canines living the downtown lifestyle.

Clothing boutiques dot the 2nd Street District. Many shops, like Girl Next Door and Shiki Style carry women's fashion from up and coming clothing designers. Cowboy Cool puts a western twist on primarily contemporary men's clothes. After a day of shopping in the sun, it's nice to wind down at Sage Salon, or Milk and Honey Spa, with a relaxing couples massage.

With newly built condominium complexes springing up downtown, and more on the way, the 2nd Street District can now be just steps from the front door. Block 21, at the corner of Lavaca and 2nd Street, will soon house the new W Hotel and Residences, the new Austin City Limits taping studio, as well as additional retail space, which will surely only add to the excitement and continuing evolution of Austin's 2nd Street District.

Ki helps buyers looking for homes in Austin real estate market (mostly central). Buyers who are looking for a home in Austin can start looking for homes on their site using the Austin MLS. Ki also posts regular updates on the Austin market on his Austin real estate blog.

South by Southwest Festival in Austin

Recently, the South by Southwest music, film, and interactive festival wrapped up after another successful year in Austin. Because it falls during spring break week, it has become my tradition to take a break from my teaching job to work for the festival at one of the music venues. It is always an interesting and enjoyable change of pace for me, and my students get a real kick out of imagining their teacher working at a club and reveling along with the music lovers and club hoppers.This year was no different.

The SXSW music festival draws over 1400 bands and more than 5000 music industry professionals to Austin, and that number doesn't even take into account those thousands attending the film and interactive festivals which run concurrently under the SXSW banner, and Austin welcomes them all with open arms. After all, the festival pumps a hefty $30 million into the local economy, and every year, the crowds grow. At least at this time of year, Austin rightfully deserves, and proves its status as "The Live Music Capital of the World."

Austin boasts more live music venues per capita than any other city in the U.S., and clubs of all sizes, including a church, play host to bands from all over the world during the four-night music festival. The party officially kicks off on Wednesday night with Austin's own version of the Grammys, The Austin Music Awards. Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, was a big winner, and Pete Townshend formerly of The Who, took the stage with fellow Brit, Ian McLagan, now a beloved Austin performer.

At my club on 6th Street, we showcased bands from New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Amsterdam, and celebrated St. Patrick's Day with "Irish Music Night" on Saturday. Without exception, the members of the bands and their entourages were excited about playing Austin and having the opportunity to be "discovered" by a producer or promoter, or picked up by a record label. One band member excitedly informed me that after their show, they were approached to collaborate on a major motion picture soundtrack! At least during SXSW, Austin is the city where dreams really can come true.

Up and down the 6th Street entertainment district and beyond, record executives checked their schedules and hurried from club to club, munching chopped barbeque sandwiches and checking out the artists, who ranged from acoustic singer/songwriters to outrageously-dressed and spikey-coiffed punks and heavy metal screamers clad in their inevitable black garb.

Early one night, a nicely dressed middle-aged couple approached me to ask if they could buy a ticket for the show. "You must have a son or daughter performing," I smiled, because they were definitely not your typical club hopper. Naturally, their son was playing, and the proud parents had followed him to Austin for the show and a mini-vacation all the way from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. That day had been beautiful, with the temperature hovering near 80, and we chatted for a while about their visit, and what they had seen and done while in Austin. The couple was exuberant in their praise and promised that next year they would be back for a longer vacation and would definitely be bringing friends.

Later that evening, a woman from the UK dropped in to thank me for recommending Maria's Taco Express, one of my favorite haunts, and invited me to an after-hours private party in a hotel penthouse nearby. I thanked her, but had to decline, because this golden carriage that is SXSW has to turn back into a pumpkin by Monday morning, and I had some lesson plans to write.

Nancy DeRoux recommends Eric Bramlett?s Austin Real Estate Guide, his Downtown Austin Lofts website, & his business partner?s Austin Real Estate Guide.