My husband and I are planning a long weekend in Austin soon and are in need of hotel/b&b recommendations. Any suggestions for places characteristic of the area, as opposed to the standard hotels, would be much appreciated.

Also what are the must-do's and must-see's in Austin. We're both looking for a relaxing weekend away and are open to all your suggestions. We want to see as much of the "real" Austin as possible.

Thanks.

If you enjoy getting out and hiking, I have a suggestion for you. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a beautiful but easy hike...as long as 12 miles or as short as you want to make it, along Barton Creek, through beautiful canyons, limestone cliffs towering over you, portions of which have some pretty spectacular homes perched inconspicuously along the rim. It was gorgeous. Best of all, the trailhead is practically downtown. You pick it up at the far end of Zilker Park (upstream from the main Zilker Park pool). You'll feel as if you are miles into the Hill Country. Oh yes, a big plus this time of year...it's shady and there are some upstream pools great for taking a dip if you want!

If you are not into hiking, the drive along Bee Caves Rd is a pretty one, showing the better side of the TX landscape.

One of the finest hotels downtown is the Four Seasons overlooking Town Lake. A nice historical hotel is the Driskill Hotel downtown or the newly remodeled Austin Hotel on Congress Avenue. Not familiar with B and B's although there are some. Places to visit include: the capitol, University of Texas campus, Mt. Bonnell (not really much of a mountain, but you climb a bunch of steps for a great overlook of Lake Austin), new History of Texas museum, Barton Springs (great for a hot day swim), LBJ library, and Sixth Street (Esther's Follies is a hoot). I know I'm leaving something out. As far as restaurants, Mexican food, barbecue, and steaks are your best bets-Hula Hut, Chuy's, San Miguel, Guero's, Las Manitas, El Rancho, Salt Lick, Ruths Chris, Sullivans, Cool River--I could go on...Be prepared for hot weather/high humidity and bad traffic (all relative to what you're used to).

The driskill is beautiful but pretty expensive; I would go for a drink in their very Texas-style bar instead. I like the San Jose on South Congress, a small, boutiquey hotel without the attitude, in a good location with cool shops and restaurants nearby. (guero's taco bar and el sol y la luna are my favorites)

Catherine, be sure to check out austin360.com as a good information site for the town. I wish I could provide B&B info for you, but it's been a few years since I stayed in one here. Most of the downtown hotels are going to be pricyand you probably will be happier in a B&B. The Four Seasons is nice, but the Driskill has more character. The Stephen Austin is another equal contender. You will need a car, and most sites are going to be peripheral, so you can stay anywhere. The Renaissance is a nice option on the Northwest end of town. Things to see other than wildflower center, bats and 6th street are Hamilton Pool (nice cool oasis far west of town with a great waterfall), the French Legation and the State Cemetary off east 7th street. Rent canoes in Zilker park just past the mini train and Barton Springs pool.
Check out the produce at central Market (38th and Lamar). Try the Sunday Gospel Brunch at Stubbs BBQ. For a taste of old Austin, try restaurants like the Shady Grove (off Barton Springs Rd) or Mother's (vegetarian in Hyde Park). My favorite restaurant for lunch is the Hyde Park Grill right across the street.
If you like coffee and you're downtown, try the Expresso shakes at Ruta Mays (4th street). Try to stay cool- nearly impossible in Austin between July and September.

Can't help with hotels, but if you do a search of this forum using the word "Austin" you'll find a report from my trip to Austin and San Antonio last summer, with lots of recommendations for restaurants, etc. I highly recommend a swim at Barton Springs, and make sure you go out one night and hear some music, either at the Continental Club or one of the places on Sixth Street or any of the myriad music venues around the city -- Austin is a great music town. If you're a walker or runner, go for a walk or run along the Colorado River -- there are good paths. For food, I like Chuy's, Gueros, Sol y Luna, and too many others to mention -- you can find them in my trip report. Have fun.