We're thinking of moving to Austin from San Francisco and are headed there on a scouting trip over 4th of July weekend. Can anyone recommend a hotel in a prime & central location? Looking for something that will give us a quintessential Austin experience.

Thanks!

I was just in Austin a few weeks ago and stayed at the Embassy Suites on South Congress. The funky shops, restaurants and food trailers of South Congress were just a few blocks away, Zilker Park wasn't too far, I had a great view of downtown from my room, plus they have a free shuttle to take you anywhere within a two-mile radius. The hotel is probably due for some interior upgrades, but it was quiet and comfortable, staff was very nice and helpful, it was clean, etc.

Embassy is a great location for the Austin feel. The Hotel San Jose is very cool and in the thick of it. Embassy has more services. Check out their websites and see what you think.

I'd stay here -
http://www.bartoncreek.com/accommodations.aspx

Hit send too soon. Embassy and Hotel San Jose are literally a few blocks from each other. The pro with Embassy is that it's near the Congress Bridge, so you can walk across to downtown, see the bats, etc. San Jose is about 3 blocks south, and while a bit of a longer walk, its right there among shops, restaurants, clubs.

Barton Creek resort is no where near in a prime central location. It's removed from the city. It's beautiful but it's not "Austin"

Different strokes for different folks. Just offering another option for the OP thinking about moving to Austin. I do agree that it is not central or within walking distance of shops, restaurant, clubs. But it's an option for a scouting trip and many who relocate from high $/ expensive locales often choose Barton Creek and similar areas to relocate when moving to Austin. I know that the executives of companies I work with do.

Thanks for the tips!

CLS, what kind of neighborhood are you looking for if you do move here? Austin is so eclectic and has some really cool neighborhoods.

Austin - ideally, we're looking for an established neighborhood, with older homes or at least not cookie-cutter, family friendly and that has great schools. My husband has always lived in a big city so we're trying to avoid anything too suburban if possible. Would love any tips you might have!

Alot will depend on your budget. The established, older neighborhoods with great schools are pricey to live in. Barton Hills, Travis Heights, are cool places, great schools. A 3/2 will start at about $400K. Tarrytown, Brykerwoods and Clarksville are amazing. Probably even more to start there.

Here is a map.

http://www.prideoftexas.net/property...ighborhood.htm

You need to include Rosedale on your list of neighborhoods to check out. Older homes, very family friendly, and walkable to Central Market, restaurants, stores, etc.

This neighborhood borders 38th Street to the South, Shoal Creek to the West, Hancock Street to the North, and Burnet Road to the East. It's really the perfect location as it's central to everything.

I wasn't sure about the schools in Rosedale. Are they as good as others?

Austin and AustinTraveler - thanks for the tips on the neighborhoods. I've added them to our list to check out.

The elementary school in Rosedale is Highland Park and is rated exemplary.