Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark

Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark Review

This elegant 14-story hotel towers near the tangled intersection of I-35 and US 290. It earns high marks for value, but feels removed from the city though it's only about 3 mi from downtown. The regularly renovated property has a resort air, with a semicircular fountain out front; a huge marbled lobby; an outsized indoor-outdoor heated pool; a large exercise room, whirlpool, and sauna; and modest-sized spa. Rooms are decorated with classic restraint, which some might find stuffy or old-fashioned. (For a larger room without breaking the bank, request a corner king.) Upper floors have unobstructed views from the downtown skyline to the airport tower. A city bus stop is within walking distance; a free shuttle makes the 5-mi trip to the airport.