Austin, TX
 

Has anyone stayed at the Embassy Suites on Town Lake and/or the Hilton Downtown? I am debating which would work best....am interested in the hike/bike path and restaurants being close by....but also feel the Hilton is probably a better room and only a few blocks from the path, etc...?
Are there good restaurants close to both establishments?
ST

Anyone? please..!!!
ST

Both the Embassy Suites and Hilton are convenient to hike/bike path - neither more than a few blocks. From the Hilton you can walk right over to Congress St. bridge or cut behind the 4 Seasons to the crew boat docks and join the path there. From the ES, you can walk 2 blocks down to Riverside/1st St and be on the path there.

Hilton is closer walking distance to good restaurants, as the ES is on the S. side of the river.

I've stayed at the ES several times when in town for business and since I'm driving the location, price, rooms and breakfast buffet all work well for me. Never stayed at the Hilton as it's pretty new.

Thank you! We have only two nights there and travelling with a 13 yr old so wanted to maximize our time and be able to walk to restaurants, shops, etc. I haven't been to Austin since 1986, when I lived in HOuston! I'm sure I'll be surprised... I appreciate your input!
ST

Do you already have daytime plans or are you still looking for 13yr old appropriate activities?

I was thinking of the walk around the lake, which I know won't be too appealling to her! But need to do a bit...maybe a splash in Baarton springs...a little shopping...the childrens museum is right there close to the Hilton, I think. Any other ideas?
ST

I should have also added that we are meeting other family members on the third day and are renting a house on Lake Travis for 4 nights. I am thinking that the entire family (10 of us) will want to take a road trip to Gruene area for the Gristmill, etc. (my husband and I lived in HOuston in the early 80's....had done the Gaudeloupe river, the gristmill and San Antonio, so we're anxious to see it all again)...there's the antiquing, eating and wine tasting that along with that part of the trip. I think we'll enjoy the Oasis one afternoon and maybe do some jetskiing. That is why I am trying to enjoy the downtown Austin area as much as possible before heading out to the house on the lake....we are arriving two nights earlier than anyone else to do so. I want to eat at Chuy's, The Salt Lick and hopefully find one night of good music somewhere...
ST

With a 13y/o, definitely skip the children's museum - it's geared for the 8 and under crowd. (or younger)

Things to do w/ 13y/o downtown

Definitely visit the Bullock State of Texas museum, just behind the capitol bldg. With an IMAX movie plan on approx 3hrs there is enough.

Take a tour of the state capitol

Go to top of UT tower for view

See the bats emerge after sunset at the Congress st. bridge

Consider Esther's follies show - some people say it's not ok for kids, but 13y/o you need to judge yourself. Not sure if/when they have shows.

Side trips

New Braunfels/Gruene
Guadalupe river toobing or Schlitterbahn.

Natural Bridges Cavern or wild animal park (wouldn't make either a destination but if you are in the area and have time to kill they can be 'ok')

Fredericksburg - Climb Enchanted Rock. Better to do this as an early am side trip from Lake Travis, as you'll be ~30min closer. If you go on a hot day, be sure to get there by about 8am.

Will be there in 4wks myself w/ 10, 12yr old so I'm looking for others (you know who you are) to chime in with stuff I've forgotten.

thank you! much appreciated. I'll keep researching and will share with you my findings.
have a great trip otherwise!
st

We liked the Hilton a lot, and were able to walk to most things. The rooftop pool and hot tub are really nice, as is the gym.

We also liked eating at Chuy's and the Salt Lick. For breakfast, try the Magnolia Cafe. There are 2 locations, one across from Town lake, and the other on South Congress (www.cafemagnolia.com)

Another fun place to eat is the Hula Hut on lake Austin ( www.hulahut.com).

Amy's icecream is good on 6th st.
www.amysicecream.com

The Duck Tour was also a lot of fun, and we really enjoyed the town of Gruene.

awesome! Thanks for your input...should be a fun trip! Not really interested in packing it too full, just some highlights! Thanks to all!
ST

a Question: is the salt lick closer to lake travis? or other direction....?
ST

Salt Lick (the real one, not the in-town version) is south and a bit west of town. If you are on the south side of Lake Travis, it might be closer from there. If you are on the North shore, forget it.

I think Salt Lick is better with a group as it's a destination (since it's a drive). There are a couple of bbq places right downtown, including IronWorks right near the Hilton that area great bbq dives.

If you go to Gruene, you can take back roads to Salt Lick on your return to Austin as an option.

I'm glad I asked...thank you! I need to find out where the house is we're staying...Thanks again!
ST