Last Minute Austin, TX Question re: Hotels
 

We're thinking of a last minute road trip to Austin, TX (from San Antonio). Looking for a hotel recommendation. I've looked at Tripadvisor, but I wanted the opinion of the wise Fodorites. We're looking for:

1. Kid/family-friendly
2. Close proximity to Children's Museum and/or bat-viewing and/or Barton Springs.
3. Safe neighborhood
4. Clean, comfortable (3 or 4 star)

I read a trip report here on Fodor's suggesting the Embassy Suites, but the Tripadvisor reviews aren't great.

Thank you!

Anyone?

Maybe I should plead like my daughter does when she wants ice cream...

(Hands clasped) "Pleeeeease. Pleeeease!!"

;)

Hi Siena1. We stayed at the Embassy Suites Downtown in March. As with all ES, it was very family friendly and a great location, but I would probably categorize it as 2-3 star not 3-4. It is ideally situated for all 3 destinations that you mention. I'd stay there again if that's any help :)

Is the Radisson on the Congress Ave bridge still around? It used to be good. And it's like two blocks from the bats.

Hampton Inn is right there too - just around the corner from Radisson.

Embassy Suites is on the opposite side of the river from downtown. Not too far, convenient to the bats and the hike/bike trail along the river, but a little longer walk to the kids museum.

Extended Stay on 6th st is also convenient. - a little longer walk to Congress st bridge but you can catch the free 'Dillo trolleys that run up/down congress, and also East/West on 5th/6th to get to Whole Foods, just down the road.

We stay at the Embassy Suites every summer when we go to Austin to visit the relatives. I don't think it's as nice as most Embassy Suites (probably rates a 2.5 to 3-stars), but it's got a great location and is definitely family-friendly. You can easily walk to see the bats and, speaking of ice cream, you can easily walk to Sandy's. Sandy's Hamburgers is an Austin institution (been there for years) and we can't leave Austin without getting one of their swirl soft-serve ice cream cones. I'd recommend Embassy Suites if you get a good rate.

Capitol Cruises is a fun way to see the bats if you want to get out on the water.

Thanks so much for all of the responses! I usually don't plan things this last minute, so I'm a little nervous about finding a hotel we'll like.

Embassy Suites sounds like a possibility...would you consider $130 a decent rate? That's the best rate I've found for that one so far. The Hampton Inn downtown is $140.

Thanks again, everyone!

I usually stay at the Holiday Inn Express by the airport. Not right downtown but very easy to get there quick using Riverside Dr. I love Austin. Enjoy your trip!

I'd say the Radisson on Town Lake (111 Ceasar Chavez) fits your bill. You can see the bats from the patios outside and the Childrens' museum is a few blocks away. Perfect for what you are looking for.

All of the suggestions around downtown are good. The Radisson has some exceptionally large rooms on some of the lower floors so check into those. Also, if you're really looking for 4*, the nicest IMO is the 4 Seasons, about 1/2 block from the Radisson, just east of Congress. Beautiful grounds and fits your criteria. We've been able to get some great last-minute rates so it's at least worth checking.

siena - if you want an excellent meal, consider the Shoreline Grill, located between the Radisson and next to the 4 Seasons. It's on the Lake, but probably too warm to eat on the balcony. Very good food. Entrees are usually in the $20s, less for lunch.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Dfr4848-- Could we bring a 2 year old to the Shoreline Grill? It sounds great!

Austin is very kid friendly. I've seen 2yr olds at Ruth's. As long as the kid isn't loud or free range in the restaurant you'll be fine just about anywhere, incl Shoreline.

Yep, I've seen plenty of kids at Shoreline. View is also great.

www.shorelinegrill.com

"free range in the restaurant" - J62. Ha! I'll remember that one.

Good to know! I love the "free range" comment. And no, we definitely don't allow that when we go out to eat! ;)

I do have one more question. Where is the best place to view the bats? I've heard that there are usually lots of people on the bridge, but along the side of a major road doesn't sound like the best place for a toddler.

We were thinking of going on this little adventure this weekend, but now we're thinking we might go some other weekend in July. I'll let you know how things go!

Best place for the bats is the lawn area on the south/east side of the bridge - directly opposite from the Radisson. You'll see the crowds hanging out there. Bats start to emerge 30 or so min before sunset, then begin to form a steady mass that lasts for about 15-20min or so.

The Austin Statemen building, I think that is what the place is called, is a great place to view the bats. You park in their parking lots and walk over to the water. There are signs out with information about the bats. Take a blanket to sit on the ground. It is a lot of fun to do. Sometimes people come by selling ice cream and glo lights, etc. People of all ages are there to see the bats.

The building kkukura mentioned is the home of the local newspaper, the Austin American-Statesman. It is just south of the Congress Avenue bridge, on the left.

If you're looking for another fun activity in Austin, we loved the botanical gardens - really beautiful.