Austin Hotels

Many of the historic buildings in Austin are either privately owned, have been turned into modern-day businesses, or are open to the public in the form of museums. Luckily for those looking to actually live in such a building, even if for just one night, both the Driskill hotel and the Stephen F. Austin hotel are waiting downtown.

In 1886, cattle baron Jesse Driskill purchased the land, and built the Romanesque Driskill hotel in the heart of downtown Austin. Driskill, who had provided beef to the confederate army throughout the civil war, found himself fairly wealthy, and spent $350,000 on the building, and an additional $50,000 on furnishing his upscale hotel. Unfortunately for Driskill, the $2.50 to $5.00 per night charge was out of reach for most staying in town, and well over the 50 cents per night fee that most other hotels were charging at the time. A year after opening the hotel, Driskill had a cattle-killing drought which wiped out most of his savings, and he sold the hotel to his brother-in-law Doc Day in 1888 (though rumor has it the hotel was lost in a poker match).

The hotel went through a variety of owners throughout the 20th century, and in 1969 when a large renovation fell through, most of the hotel's furnishings were sold, and the hotel was scheduled for demolition. Austin, being a city to stand behind a good cause, ended up raising $2 million dollars to save the historic hotel, and Braniff International Hotels purchased the building in 1973. In 2005, Lowe Enterprises purchased the Driskill for a reported $55 million dollars, and currently runs the hotel.

For Austinites, and those visiting Austin, staying at the Driskill is a treat, with many old furnishings, and its original upscale opulence still intact. With suite rates hovering around $2500, some might opt to take in the Driskill's beauty while sipping on a cocktail in the lounge or with a nice dinner at the Driskill Grill. The Driskill is also considered one of Austin's most haunted places. Though the current owners don't like to advertise this fact, a quick check in with the concierge will get the curious a list of supernatural tales about the old building.

Just a few blocks from the Driskill lies another of Austin's grand hotels, the Stephen F. Austin, at the corner of East 7th Street and Congress Avenue. This landmark hotel opened in 1924 to bring more lodging to town. What started as an 11 story hotel quickly grew to 16 stories on the site of the old G.A. Bahn Optical and Diamond Co. and the Keystone Hotel. Much like the Driskill's elegance, the Stephen F. Austin was decked out in granite floors and marble staircases, oriental rugs and Italian chairs.

Though the hotel has had its share of owners over the years, the hotel still holds many of its original features, though each owner has added their own flair. In 1997, the hotel's owners Highgate Holdings, brought the Stephen F. Austin back to its original opulent state by following the original architectural plans of the building. Now the hotel is a mix of turn-of-the-century charm, and state of the art amenities, drawing a similar elite crowd as the Driskill.

Today, a table at the second floor veranda overlooking Congress Avenue is hard to come by, and was once the area where oil and cattle deals were made. Also the hotel's restaurant directly below the veranda, the Roaring Fork, adds their own Texan twist to many upscale menu items, such as grilled jalapeno shrimp and green chile macaroni.

Both the Driskill and the Stephen F. Austin provide a chance to relive the ritzy past of the city, whether staying in a room or just stopping in for a drink or a bite to eat.

Escapeso Realty works in Austin and helps buyers interested in the Austin real estate market. Their site has a free search of the Austin MLS along for a tool that provides current mortgage interest rates

The Roots of an Austin Icon

It is hard to imagine Sixth Street as anything other than the bar-lined street which has attracted bar-hopping young people for decades. But Pecan Street, as it was originally named, got its start in the 1800s as the main thoroughfare into town for farmers and others going into the city for reasons of commerce. By the 1860s, it had its first saloon, along with livery stables and wagon yards.

The city was originally designed on a single square mile grid of 14 blocks, with Congress Avenue running through the middle. All the original north/south running streets were named for Texas rivers, like Brazos and Rio Grande. The east/west running streets were originally named after Texas trees (i.e. pecan), but were changed to numbers in 1884. Much of the original street design is still intact in downtown Austin.

It was the arrival of the railroad to Austin in 1871 that brought the heart of this booming town right to Sixth Street. Soon Victorian limestone buildings proliferated down the tree-lined street, most notably the Driskill Hotel. This luxurious hotel, complete with marble floors and stained-glass dome, was built in 1886.

The seven blocks between I-35 and Congress became known as Austin's entertainment district. The street was changed to a one-way and revitalized in the mid-1970s. Music was at the heart of this rebirth, largely thanks to artists like Willie Nelson who brought national attention to the Austin music scene.

"Today, Austin is known as much for its cultural life and high-tech innovations as it is for the senators and schoolteachers who shaped its beginnings. The same success that has gained the city a national reputation has brought with it many difficult choices, as the city expands on a scale that might shock the early residents of Waterloo," said Biruta Celmins Kearl, Curator Emerita of the Austin History Center.

There are bar-lined streets in cities all across America, but there is something unique about Sixth Street, something quintessentially Austin. Maybe it's the music that spills out into the street from nearly every doorway. Maybe it's the eclectic collection of businesses, like tattoo parlors, to entertainment like Esther's Follies. This combination of improv and satire has been enthralling audiences since 1977.

But it's not just the nightlife that attracts people to Sixth Street. Places like Paradise Bar and Grill have brought in lunch crowds for decades and Dan McKlusky's is a favorite dinner spot for steak lovers. The Pecan Street Festival, celebrating Austin arts and crafts, brings thousands to Sixth Street every year.

Other well-known events that bring thousands flocking to this famous stretch of street are Halloween and Austin Mardi Gras, for which the street is blocked off from traffic to allow revelers to roam freely. Perhaps the best known Sixth Street event is South by Southwest. SXSW is Austin's film and music extravaganza that takes place each March.

Even fire can't slow down this stalwart street full of history, music and fun. On February 6, four businesses were damaged by fire in the early morning hours. The damaged caused by a cigarette tossed under some stairs is estimated at more than $1 million. However, crews were quickly put to work repairing the fire and smoke damage and life on this iconic stretch of street will go on as it has for over 100 years.

Ki lives in Central Austin. His website has information on Austin Texas real estate. His website lets people search the Austin MLS it also has a blog with statistical information on Austin real estate.

Luxury Hotels in Downtown Austin

Luxury hotels in downtown Austin, Texas cater to both business and personal traveler. With its diversified economy and many entertainment and tourist attractions, downtown Austin appeals to a wide range of individuals. For those who prefer to travel first class, there are a number of luxury hotels in downtown Austin worthy of consideration.

Here are three:

#1. The Driskill Hotel

An Austin historical landmark, the Driskill is located at the edge of Austin's legendary 6th Street entertainment district on the corner of Brazos and 6th. The Driskill was constructed in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill, making it the oldest hotel in Austin. The hotel, with its Romanesque style architecture, is a visually esthetic treat. The interior is every bit as appealing with its columned lobby, marble floors, custom furniture, and luxury linens. The Driskill is an enviable wedding and special event venue and has served as the site of numerous gubernatorial inaugural balls as well as Lyndon B. Johnson's 1964 election night campaign headquarters.

#2. The Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Nearly a century younger than the Driskill, the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin (it was built in 1987) provides a world class hotel experience in a more contemporary setting. The nine story hotel is situated along the banks of Lady Bird Lake and offers suites with fabulous views of either the lake or Austin's clean and inviting skyline. Premier onsite facilities include the Spa at Four Seasons, the TRIO restaurant, and the hotel's Lobby Lounge. With its landscaped gardens and proximity to Lady Bird Lake, the Four Seasons in Austin is a prized wedding and special event venue.

#3. The Omni Austin

A notable presence in the pantheon of the downtown Austin skyline at 19 stories, the Omni Hotel also features a remarkable glass atrium, onsite spa, and heated rooftop swimming pool. The hotel's atrium is home to a number of first class facilities including a hair salon, Ancho's restaurant, Morsel's coffee shop, and the Atrium Lounge. Near the Austin Convention Center, the Omni also offers many sophisticated and memorable meeting rooms.

Interested in other downtown Austin hotels? Be sure to check out the Real Austin Texas Hotels in Downtown Austin resource page for more comprehensive listings and reviews.

About The Author:

Brad Castro is a longtime resident and fan of Austin, Texas. Austin is a great place to visit, a great place to work, and one of the best places in the world to live. Real Austin Texas provides free resources for locals, visitors, and those considering relocation.

Hostelling International - Austin

Hostels are cheaper alternatives for travelers in different cities. They are popular among students that migrate to another city since they get the company of other people and the rates are cheaper than getting a hotel room. Hostels are also good options among short time vacationers.

In the city of Austin, Texas, there is only one existing hostel. Although there are other homes of the same set-up, they serve as dormitories rather than hostels. This hostel is known as the Hostelling International - Austin or Hi-Austin. There are also people who refer to the place as Austin Hostel since it could only refer to one and the same establishment.

Hi-Austin is located in Town Lake, where the environment is peaceful. From downtown Austin, it only takes a few minutes to reach Austin Hostel. From the hostel, you can simply walk your way to the Colorado River or to the bus lines. The music district of Red River is just 10 minutes away from Hi-Austin, as well as the Barton Springs Pool, Austin Greenbelt and the South Congress.

This hostel in Austin makes a distinction between the members of Hostelling International and not and charges different rates or each group. As for the members, their current rate is at $19 per night. Internet access is already included in this rate. An additional $3 is charged for their non-member guests. Recently, the hostel had also added a 15 percent additional costs of Lodging tax in abidance with the laws of the state of Texas. Additionally, $10 is charged on top of the regular rates if you should check in after 10 PM.

Austin Hostel also impose some specific policies. For instance, they require you to present an ID with photo issued by the government before you can check-in. If you should reserve a place for a group of 6 persons or more, you are required to render a 50 percent deposit. Cancellation is alright but needs to be done a week before the booked date.

Want to read more of this article? You can read more tips on Hostelling International - Austin [http://austinlocalscene.com/Hostelling+International+-+Austin.15563.htm].

Austin's Identity Crisis for Downtown Austin Real Estate

I don't know if you've noticed-- it's certainly hard to miss-- but the landscape around Austin is changing. As is the skyline. As is the... well, the feel of the city. The flavor.

Some Austinites are not excited about the changes going on. The corporations moving in, the family-owned and operated businesses go down while the thirty-six story condos go up. People who have lived here all their lives (or even just more than ten years) say that this is a different city than the one they remember. Back when they might not even have called Austin a "city."

There was a time when Motorola was just a type of phone people had, not a place where they worked. When video games were a thing people played, not designed. Where Dell was a thing from a song about a farmer, not a computer company. In short, there was a time when Austin was a big, friendly village where everyone seemed to know everyone.

Now, it's hard to see the sky without noticing the foreboding skeleton of an incoming condominium projects or a crane in your periphery. Developers are buying up land and displacing local businesses in order to get the best spot downtown for a high rise that will dwarf all the others, that will sell for more money, that will be nicer and closer to all the downtown Austin attractions.

But what are those attractions?

There will always be a Congress Bridge, and so there will always be bats. But will people want to walk from the Sheraton to see them, then get a drink at the Coyote Ugly Saloon franchise? Will they want to eat at the Baby Acapulco's? What will make the town special when Las Manitas is gone, when all the little businesses that got us to this point are gone, and the only choices for restaurants are in the lobbies of the newest hotels?

What will make Austin Austin? It's a good question.

It's easy to see that the city has lost some its appeal. Its uniqueness, its originality. Big business has a way of doing that. But is it so bad? Is it really true that there will be nothing left?

Those small, local places brought people here, it's true. And they certainly gave Austin its flavor. But millions more people are here now. The city has grown by leaps and bounds. People still need places to live. And the more people there are, the more money is being spent. There is much to be thankful for when we think about this new "bigger" Austin. The Austin real estate market values go up. Many businesses prosper. The city has more money to improve infrastructure and city services like parks. It's called progress, and it hard to allow it to change some of what we love, but it will be okay.

The key is that the people are still here. The same people that made Austin the coolest city in the... well, in my opinion in the entire country --are still here. They're still waving at you from their yard, still smiling at you on the street. The buildings aren't the personality in the city --the people in them are. So let's make sure those people don't go anywhere, and we're all gonna be just fine. Yes, we may have to part with a couple businesses and landmarks dear to our hearts, but as long as Austinites keep true to what we love about this city, it is not going to turn into strip malls block after block. Love Austin for what it was and look forward to a new adventure.

Ki Gray works for Austin Real Estate and Homes a small company in Austin Texas. Their website provides a search of the Austin MLS along with information on Austin Condos

Choosing an Austin Hotel

Whether it is a family get-together, honeymoon or a weekend trip, vacations are an ideal getaway. Vacations provide a perfect platform to refresh and de-stress when dealing with work place anxiety and daily routines. When considering and deciding upon a holiday destination, the city of Austin located in Texas proves to be popular destination. Whether it is the Wild West fascination or theme parks and scenic beauty, Austin has something for every visitor. To make certain a hassle free vacation it is advisable to make advanced reservations at an Austin Hotel.

Choosing an Austin hotel should be a priority when deciding to vacation in the city. This can be arranged for by contacting a local tour operator, an online holiday company or by contacting a particular Austin hotel directly. All three sources are able to locate an Austin hotel that is affordable and fits bin the budget.

A wide selection of hotels are offered in city of Austin to go well with the needs of all those who are looking for hotel accommodations. Groups of tourists can be accommodated in these hotels on the basis of bulk bookings. Some hotels also provide guests with a free breakfast if they have booked a room for one night or more.

After people have chosen the hotel it is advisable for them to get the reservations done. When booking through a local operator it is possible to plan the entire vacation. Along with reservations, these operators plan sightseeing and travel options. Local and online travel agents also cater to businesses and other organizations. These services prove to be reasonable as they can arrange for immediate bookings as they have special tie ups with certain Austin hotels.

Some hotels also provide free transport services from the airport. Hotels make these rules available on their information brochure. Generally, most of the hotels revise their information sheets frequently to provide precise information to the guests about the status of various services provided by them. The list of these hotels is accessible online also. People planning on a visit to Austin can search for a good hotel from these lists.

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.

Interested in a Romantic Evening in Austin? Here Are a Few Ideas

Looking to spend a romantic evening in Austin, Texas? There are plenty of things for couples to do in the evenings in Austin, Texas.

Steam Train

You can try taking a relaxing train ride on your next date. You can chose from an open air car, or an air conditioned Pullman car which is more expensive. This train will take its passengers around Austin for about two hours, with a tour guide to explain historical landmarks.

Paddle Boats

You can easily rent a paddle boat and enjoy the views on Town Lake.

Sailing

You can experience a tour on the Colorado River (also known as Town Lake) on a paddlewheel boat. This type of transportation is perfect for experiencing the views of Austin, while being able to relax out on the water. This tour includes a commentary courtesy of the captain.

Dinner

Enjoy a fantastic meal at Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant. It is said to have the best Mexican food around. This is a great spot for a romantic dinner for two. If you're looking for a different cuisine, there are plenty choices for Austin TX romantic restaurants.

Laser Tag

This is a wonderful idea for a first date if you like activities with energy. Blazer Lazer Tag is the biggest area for laser tag. This arena features a maze-like group of ramps, bridges, and towers, fog, sounds, and lights. All you have to do is strap the vest on, grab a phaser and get to playing.

Horse Drawn Carriage through Downtown

This is a great way to experience the pleasures of downtown Austin. Austin Carriage Service has six different carriages that are horse drawn. You can set up an appointment for a romantic ride, or you can flag down a carriage right off the street. Or you can even call the service and have a carriage pick you up. This is perhaps the most romantic event possible.

River Cruise

On a paddlewheel boat you can experience the Colorado River. These trips do not require an appointment, and they take about ninety minutes. Moonlight cruised are offered during the summer months. You can also have a close up cruise to see the bats that live underneath the Congress Bridge.

Trail of Lights

At Christmas time there is no better way to be romantic than to take your date to see millions of lights. This is a great way to get you into the Christmas spirit. You can see the big Christmas tree, and enjoy the sounds of music and dance performances.

Spend the Night in Austin

After you spend a romantic night on the town, take the stress out of the travel and spend the night in a downtown hotel. With hotels specials in Austin TX available daily, you can relax in the city without worrying about the drive home.

Austin TX romantic restaurants as the perfect spots for great romantic moments. This article about hotels specials in Austin TX well explains it.