Going to Austin for a week in March.
Would like to stay in north part of Austin at Embassy Suites (with the swans). Has anyone stayed there? Is there a bus nearby to go to downtown Congress Ave? What about restaurants, shopping etc.

It looks like you could take the #3 bus which picks up not very far away (the concierge will be able to direct you) and goes to downtown.

Plan your bus rides on the Capitol Metro web site: http://www.capmetro.org/

I've never stayed there, but there is some shopping at the Arboretum nearby. You could walk, although it might take a bit and you'll be on a busy road. There is a movie theater and more shopping (mostly big-box stores) closer to your hotel.

Are you going for work? Is there a reason you aren't renting a car? Unless you are right downtown, Austin is not very walkable. If you want to be closer to the action, there are plenty of hotels downtown including a Radisson and a Hilton near the lake.

I suggest you visit the South Congress area for restaurants and shopping.

If you want to go downtown you really should rent a car or stay downtown. But please tell us more about your trip and your interests.

Eat @ Pappadeaux's. Fish/Cajun.
Try the Blackened Oyster Fondue.
Fried foods are really good here, but my favorite are the grilled fishes topped with a choice of several different fish/shellfish sauces available.

Keep an eye out for a rerun on the travel channel. It was either Rachel Ray or Giada that visited several restaraunts that might interest you.

We like to head out to the Oasis for great views of Lake Travis and good margaritas. Hula Hut is fun for eating on the water. Chuy's is always a must when we want kitschy Mexican. Mozart's is good for desserts and coffee. If you have time, the lookout from Mt. Bonnell is cool. The bats flying out from under the Congress Ave. bridge are neat to watch - seasonal though, so not sure when that happens. Have fun!

Bats are a summer thing...they feed on mosquitoes and small insects. Right now, they are wintering in Central/South America!

Every responder here, including me, is making the assumption you're talking about the Embassy in the Arboretum area. But there is also one on I-35 in North Austin. If you are talking about the Arboretum area one, I stayed there last week. It is very nice and there are lots of movies and shopping nearby. However, to get downtown is not convenient, and even getting to the nearby restaurants you should have a car, tho the movies are across the street and several restaurants are within walking distance. Good hotel and the swans will entertain the kids for a while.

Not a good hotel to be in (no matter which one) without a car. The North and Arboretum locations are on very busy roads - the North location on IH 35 and the Arboretum location on Mopac/Loop 1. I wouldn't walk anywhere from them. Especially not with kids. Perhaps the hotel will provide you with a shuttle to nearby shopping and restaurants?

ChristieP, are the bats there by the end of April?

Keith

From Austin City Guide:

"About Congress Bridge Bats

The Congress Avenue Bridge spans Town Lake in downtown Austin and is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. The colony is estimated at 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats. Each night from mid-March to November, the bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk to blanket the sky as they head out to forage for food. This event has become one of the most spectacular and unusual tourist attractions in Texas. The most spectacular bat flights are during hot, dry August nights, when multiple columns of bats emerge. There are several points from which to view the event, and an information kiosk is located on the north bank of the river, just east of the bridge."

Our favorite viewing spots are from the bridge itself; from the grassy area just below the bridge, on the south side; and from the patio of TGIF restaurant.

There is also a boat tour; haven't been on that, tho. It's so easy to just stand on the bridge.

I'll never forget the first time I saw them all, millions of them. Absolutely unnerving, and smelly! Be sure to read the plaques near the grass which give the history.

Find a way to get to the Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood which is a bit outside Austin. It's absolutely fantastic, and was a restaurant that Rachael Ray visited on one of her shows as mentioned above.

In town we liked Stubbs BBQ as well.

For BBQ in town, we liked the Ironworks and Artz Rib House. For other food: Maria's Taco Xpress, ZTejas, Roaring Fork and South Congress Cafe. My dining experiences are about 9 months to a year old at this point.

My favorite Austin BBQ is Rudy's (there are several locations, all outside downtown).

1/2 lb brisket, a couple of links, a stack of white bread, bowl of dippin sauce, cole slaw, and a cold root beer. Couldn't get any better.

While do I enjoy Salt Lick it is a haul. Citing it as a Rachel Ray fav. would actually make me want to go there less. I find her taste in dining on par Rick Steeves - very pedestrian. America seems to have a thing for her, but she & her shows are instant flip the channel in my household. To each their own.

By the way, if you're visiting during SXSW then you better already have a room booked!

I agree with skipping the Salt Lick. Unfortunately this out-of-the-way "find" has become more of a tourist trap in my opinion. The place is big on atmosphere, but as the area has become more populous and word got out, the food quality and experience have suffered. Once a place makes it onto national television or has a website for mailorder it is the kiss of death. Prepare for a long, crowded wait if you do go. I would recommend a drive to Lockhart if you are interested in 'que.