Another Austin accomodations question...
 

The only thing I could book that was under $150 was the Extended Stay America that is on Guadalupe, stumbling distance from 6th and Congress. The Austin hotel is booked and the San Jose is too expensive for our Saturday night (10/14)

But, if we don't stay right down town, what is the next best area? Where maybe we could get a little nicer hotel for a better price.

There is a game that weekend. We do have a car. We don't plan on getting blasted, just a few cocktails, so we could drive a little ways.

I am no expert on Austin, but we stayed at the Embassy Suites and had the complimentary van carry us to/fro. Your motel might offer the same service.

I would definitely stay downtown even if you have to pay a little more. But, to answer your question, the next best area in my opinion would be the Arboretum area.

I agree, stick with what you've got. I think the location of the Extended Stay is perfect and you probably won't spend a lot of time in the room anyway.

PS If you like Greek food, there's a teriffic Greek place about 2 blocks from your hotel called Athenian Grill. It's located at 7th and Colorado, just one block west of Congress. If you go there, you will have a lovely view of my former office. Please shoot them the bird, as they laid us all of last year. :-))

But seriously, I highly recommend Athenian Grill.

I do love Greek food, but am afraid, with one night, that BBQ or Mexican will win out...

Ditto. Stay downtown. Otherwise you're just in some roadside hotel in anywhere USA.

The ESA is right on 6th St. There is a free 'dillo bus that runs West on 6th/East on 5th that can take you right to Whole Foods flagship store (actually close enough to hoof it), and you are very close to Congress St, the Capitol Bldg, etc.

The rooms and beds at ESA are just fine. Fancier hotels will have (expensive) on premesis restaurants and other big hotel ammenities, but the ESA is just a few years old itself.

Enjoy your trip.

I looked into the Radisson cause it was close to the bat viewing area (so is Embassy Suites) and downtown. But never stayed there, as my daughter got her apartment in time and large enough for us to stay with them. I'm guessing that it's over $150.-. Last August, we were quoted $119.-. And I can imagine Fall is pricier than summer, with all the festivals around and cooler weather.

Note on Embassy Suites Austin - you have to pay to park and then schelp your luggage. I was in a huge Lincoln rental car and was afraid I was going to get stuck in the swirly tight cave referred to as their garage. The hotel itself was OK.

For me, downtown and S Congress is where it's at - I've driven to the Arboretum from downtown and it was just too far away, plus there was a heap of traffic on the Mopac.

Stay at Extended Stay...parking is free too...used to be anyway.

Thanks all, you have been a great help. Plus, we can cancel up to 6 pm of that day just in case our plans should change, and that is nice to have, since our lives are always changing. Your comments have been very helpful.

Check www.biddingfortravel.com and bid on Priceline. We always get the Hyatt. Great location for about $46 a night.