Austin's largest hotel rises 26 stories over one of downtown's quieter blocks, next to small Brush Park (home to the O. Henry House). But the Hilton is defined by its proximity to the colossal Austin Convention Center, and this is the conventioneers' hostelry. It has two proper restaurants, plus a coffee shop and business center, and Austin's second-largest outdoor pool (heated). Standard rooms have two full beds or one king and a leather loveseat; the latter configuration seems roomier. Room safes accommodate a laptop. The entire eighth floor is a 16,000-square-foot health club with a steam room and sauna, and a gym with great views of UT's stadium. Pros: Downtown location, easy drive to airport; Cons: Huge, rather impersonal.
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