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.

Discount Austin Hotels

In Austin hotels heavy discounts are offered, even for four- and five-star hotels. These discounts can be up to 70 percent of the room charges. So if one is lucky enough, or if one does a bit of online research, one can get a four-star hotel room for a two-star price. The chances of getting a discount are higher if you are getting your room booked well in advance.

If there is a group of tourists visiting the city, they can always seek bargains in their room rent in most of the hotels. However, these discounts are mostly offered only when the number of rooms booked by the group is more than 10. Some smaller hotels can give a group discount even if the number of rooms booked is less than that.

There are a number of online and offline resources which provide information about the ongoing discount rates offered by various Austin hotels. Go through them before you get a hotel room booked. Then there are certain websites which provide reviews of these hotels. These reviews often include comments from not only the writers, but also from ordinary people who stayed at these hotels.

However, not all hotels provide discounts. Also, one must verify the kind of services offered by the hotels which are offering heavy discounts. The information sheet provided by such hotels must be read very carefully, since to make up for the discount they might have removed the free breakfast from your list and in the end you might end up shelling out more money for breakfast than you have saved in the discount on your room rent.

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.

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

A Short Guide to Austin's Sixth Street

When most out-of-towner's visit Austin, they are sure to stop by Sixth Street. This district of downtown Austin is popular with young professionals, college students and those who love live music. For the city that is the nation's "live music capital", Sixth Street is it's heart.

Sixth Street is literally located on Sixth Street, primarily between Congress Avenue and IH 35. These seven blocks are lined with restaurants, bars and music clubs, which are packed Thursday through Sunday nights. The college-student-frequented bars are centrally located between sabine and Lavaca streets. West 6th Street, just east of Lamar, is where there are more upscale bars and a less rowdy atmosphere.

Although Sixth Street is now a night life staple, it wasn't always that way. It used to be called Pecan Street and was the home of the rich and famous in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In fact, there are many of these historical buildings still on the street housing bars, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and even tattoo parlors. The upscale Driskill Hotel is also part of the historic remnants of old Pecan Street.

Today, the old buildings are home to a lot of local entertainment - the most popular of which is live music. No matter what type of music you like listening to, chances are you'll be able to find it on Sixth Street. You can find jazz, blues, rock, country, hip-hop, progressive, punk, metal and everything in between. There are also several venues that specialize in cover bands, if you want to relive the music of one of your old favorites. Antone's is a legendary blues hall that features local and visiting blues musicians. Momo's is a Vegas style lounge that is home to many different types of live music. B.D. Riley's Pub hosts a variety of music from folk to Irish to blues to rock.

Food on Sixth Street is just as diverse as the music. You can find chili, ribs, seafood, classic bar food, Cajun-cooking, deli and of course Tex-Mex. Try Geuro's Taco Bar in the old Central Feed and Seed building for authentic tex-mex and live music. The Iron Cactus is a Sixth Street staple with award winning tex-mex food. Halycon is the place to go for coffee, desserts and free wi-fi. The Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill has been a fixture for decades and is a good place to get classic American food. For a more refined evening, try The Mansion at Judge's Hill which specializes in modern American food with a French twist.

It's not only food and music on Street. There are also movie theaters, pool halls and unique venues that you'd only find in Austin like Esther's Follies. This magic and comedy troupe has been doing shows for the last 25 years on Sixth Street.

There is so much to explore on Sixth Street, you might want to visit more than once. There is free parking on the street, but this area is so popular you may want to pay for parking in one of the several parking structures.

Joe Cline writes articles for Downtown Austin condos. Other articles written by the author related to Seven Oaks real estate and Austin homes can be found on the net.