Best hotel in Austin for relaxation/pool?
 

Looking for personal recommendations for a quick weekend getaway trip. Will have a car. Where would you stay? Thanks.

Anyone with suggestions?

My favorite hotel in Austin when I'm not there on business is the Renaissance at the Arboretum in Northwest Austin. It is a very pleasant area with art movies and restaurants as well as retail stores all surrounding the hotel Also the 4 Seasons on Lake Austin is downtown and right on the River (Lake). It is along a great walking path that goes for several miles around the river if you are into walking or jogging. If so, that is a better choice for you. 4 Seasons is probably considerably more expensive than the Renaissance however. Both hotels have very nice pools. Because of business I stay frequently at the Marriott at the Capitol or the Courtyard on I-35 North. Both good places but not the atmosphere of the other two.

Another vote for Four Seasons. Close to the bats, right on the lake and close to 6th street.

Just got back from Austin. The Radisson on E. Cesar Chavez was pretty nice. It's within walking distance to downtown area 6th street, right next to the Congress Ave Bridge for bat viewing, adjacent to a walking trail, with a great view of the lake, a TGIF restaurant on site with outdoor seating....and, of course, a pool!

The best hotel in Austin is the historic Driskill in the heart of downtown. It has recently been restored and has a fabulous bar and restaurant. It is pricey, but worth it. The Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental is also a great hotel, and just across the street from the Driskill. You can view the Capitol from the deck off the bar, and it has also been recently remodeled.

Driskill IS very nice, but it doen NOT have a pool. Not sure, but don't think the Intercontinental does either. <BR>The Radisson is a good suggestion, but The San Jose is great too.

NO matter which hotel you decide on, definitely do miss swimming at Barton Springs. One of my favorite swimming spots in all the U.S. Water is spring fed and stays a constant 68 degrees. Believe me, that feels might good on a hot Texas day. FYI-It's only a couple of miles downtown / 6th St bar district.

"ptobin" is waaaay out to lunch. <BR>The Driskill is better than the Four Seasons? <BR>On what planet? <BR>This one's a no brainer. The 4S is Austin's best by far.

I live in Austin, so I haven't stayed in a hotel here. If you are coming to Austin to really see Austin, I would not recommend the Arboretum area. You have to get in a car to get anywhere, and frankly, it is without much character. But I always recommend the Driskill and Four Seasons for high end options (both downtown, a vibrant place at any time of day), and then Hotel San Jose for those who want to really get a dose of all that is "Austin." It's very L.A. in decor, but it's location can't be beat. It's on S. Congress, just across Town Lake from downtown, with the Capitol in full glowing view. S. Congress is one of the more hip, local areas to go... eclectic clothing stores, antique and junk shops, fantastic restaurants (El Sol y La Luna, Guero's, Vespaio), and don't ever forget Continental Club, a beloved music venue. Have fun and welcome to Austin.