Has anyone stayed at an Extended Stay America Hotel? I am looking at one of these facilities in Austin. It's located at 6th St & Guadalupe, which appears to be in a central location within walking distance to the Capitol, LBJ Library, Congress St Bridge, etc. I was thinking about the Austin Motel on South Congress but the location doesn't seem as good as would be on the other side of the river. Are there any late night unsafe areas in central downtown? Comments from Austin folks please. Thanks.

I've not stayed there, but I can just about see it from my office window, as I work about a block away. I have always felt very safe in this part of downtown Austin. The parts I would avoid are the ones east of I-35. The places you named are within walking distance for a healthy person, although the LBJ Library is a bit far. However, there are many buses that run from downtown to the campus area. Call 474-1200 if you need route info. I think you have chosen a good location. If you will be walking, I would definitely choose this over the Austin Motel.

Nothing wrong with that location. Very central location to all you mentioned. As PM mentioned, the LBJ Library is a bit far (I think it's about 30th and the freeway), so the bus or a cab would be a good option there.

You mention the Congress Street Bridge. Have you heard about our famous bats? Depending on when you're coming, it's pretty awesome to see them take flight at dusk -- literally millions of them.

The Capitol building is only a few blocks away, and of course you've got all the clubs on 6th Street and many good restaurants within very close walking distance.

The bluebonnets are practically in full bloom right now, probably until mid April.

Welcome to Central Texas!
Happy travels!

Thanks kopp & P_M. The info I was looking for you have given me. One reason I mentioned Congress Street Bridge was due to what I heard about the bats. Looking forward to Texas.

Shea - just so know - Extended Stay doesn't offer maid service everyday. We stayed there while my husband was in Austin working. For some reason, the bedspreads kept falling off the beds (poly on poly I guess).

But I think the location is great for walking around even at night. Down 6th, toward Lamar, are some small places to eat.

And since you mention it...I now like to stay at the Austin Motel. There are many cool shops and restaurants. It all depends on what you want to be near.

One of my favorite Austin restaurants is just a few blocks (4-5?) West of that hotel on 6th. It's called Z-Tejas and just about everything on the menu is great. Easy walk back too after a couple of margheritas on the patio. One block S of Z-Tejas is another good place, called Castle Hill.

Must be getting near dinner time, because all these great Austin restaurants are popping into my stomach, I mean head.

Even closer to the hotel near 3rd & Colorado or 3rd & Guadalupe (pronounced guadaloop by the way) is the Warehouse district with a bunch of fun restaurants.

Shea, I have just come from the new Whole Foods Market on 6th & Lamar, which is just a few blocks from your hotel. This store just opened about a month or so ago and there was a lot of hoopla about it in the local news. Everyone has been saying it's so much more than a grocery store, and boy were they ever right!! Many people go there just to have lunch or dinner. I can see why because this is one of the best selections of food and desserts I have ever seen. I was overwhelmed by the choices and I'm sure I'm not remembering everything, but here's a sampling of what I saw: Pizza oven, pasta bar, salad and soup bars, many types of Asian cuisine, BBQ, freshly made sandwiches, and seafood. There was a pastry shop and another place for all sorts of cakes, pies and cobblers, a gelato bar, expresso bar, and a chocolatier. The chocolatier sells all kinds of chocolates and truffles, and they have many treats that they will hand-dip into chocolate for you.

For lunch I had chicken fricassais (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) with potatoes and asparagus, all for $8.00. For dessert I had a slice of peanut butter pie which I couldn't finish and my husband had chocolate cake. I also brought home a chocolate-dipped strawberry from the chocolatier.

Some people think Whole Foods is a store for vegetarians and health nuts. Well believe me, my husband and I are neither of these things!! We love good food, and this was like going into complete food nirvana. I would recommend a stop at Whole Foods to anyone visiting Austin, but since your hotel is so close by, I absolutely forbid you to miss it.

One last thing--be sure to walk completely around the store before deciding what to eat. Although most food bars are on the left side of the store, there are a few on the right. Have a great time in Austin!!