My wife and I received a vacation package (one of those incentives to visit a time-share presentation) and with it we can take a trip to Texas. We would stay at a Hilton in either Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, or Austin.

We are leaning toward Austin, due to the great music scene and other good things I've heard. Dallas and SA are also possibilities, but I'm afraid they wouldn't be navigable for us. Any thoughts?

Austin, then take a day trip to San Antonio (~90 mi. away).

IF I were you, I'd definately go to Austin. It si a great college town, and has alot of pretty country nearby that you could explore.

It also depends on which airline they'll stick you on, and how easy it will be to get places (Houston has Continental, Dallas has American, Austin has tons of Southwest flights)

I'd narrow it down to San Antonio or Austin, and decide from there based on flights.

I'd pick SA. Its more geared towards tourists, more things to do closer together which will work out better if you are pressed for time. I've been to Austin many times but I don't know why anyone would go there as a tourist. It seems like Everywhere USA with a few more garage bands thrown in. Just doesn't seem like that much to do and getting around is a hassle with the traffic. But that's just my opinion. Also, not sure what you mean by "navigable" but Austin is no more "navigable" than SA, probably less so because its so spread out and so much traffic.

L-
I have heard of friends who have done this kind of thing.In your case,I would pick SanAntonio.There is only ONE Hilton in SA and its on the RiverWalk.Unless you could specify which Hilton in Dallas or Austin.There are multiple Hiltons in both cities and you might not be happy with their selection.IMHO,
R

I'd say that Dallas and Houston should be out of the running. Between Austin and SA, I'd choose San Antonio. You would be in the center of the liveliest area, and could always drive down to Austin for a day. I don't think SA would be harder to navigate than Austin. There is a lot within walking distance in the SA Riverwalk area. I can't speak for other Texas families, but although my relatives have enjoyed going to school in Austin, SA is where they go for a nice long weekend.

Lumpkin,

I'll agree with the advice to try the Hilton in San Antonio.

Dallas is much larger city than SA, and has more to see and do, but as for staying in a Hilton in the Dallas suburbs vs a Hilton on the Riverwalk, you might enjoy San Antonio more, at least for a couple of days.

If you can, you might try to see some other Texas sights after your obligatory timeshare presentation is over. Dallas/Ft Worth is definitely worth a visit.

I would suggest SA. A much nicer city with more to do for tourists. Austin is nice too just in a different way. I do not believe there is a Hilton in Downtown Austin and the parking is limited if you were to come into the City for sightseeing. Search Twin Elm Guest Ranch for my Texas trip report.

If it's going to be a Hilton, I'd pick SA over Austin (I live in Austin). My reason is mainly that if the only Hilton in SA is on the Riverwalk, you'll have much easier access for things to do. There are a few Hiltons in Austin, the nicest being in NW AUstin near the Arboretum. You'll have to drive a bit to get to downtown Austin. The Hilton by the new airport is not too far away, but the traffic to Austin from there is horrific. The Hilton near Highland Mall is okay, but not near anything except a mall.

HOWEVER, if you are huge music fans, then I'd definitely pick Austin. No place beats Austin for music!

By the way, when would you be coming?

Definately San Antonio

I love Dallas, but I live here. I think for a tourist, San Antonio would have the most to offer.

Austin is also a great city, but the activities are a little more subdued (kicking back in the nightclub, etc.)

Stay in either Austin or San Antonio, but you must take a side trip to Fredericksburg - only about an hour or so from each!!! Absolutely beautiful hill country and German heritage.....you might even consider a B&B there!

San Antonio, hands down. Dallas has absolutely nothing novel or unique (well, maybe the Kenendy museum) to offer, just lots and lots of the chain store, chain restaurant, mall and strip center type places. Houston is the largest trailer park in the country; its just that the trailers are 50 stories high and made of reflective glass.
There are actually two Hiltons in SA - the Hilton Palacio del Rio on the Riverwalk and the airport Hilton, which is on the loop (beltway)in a very central location. Riverwalk would be better location, but airport is OK, too, if you have a car. Getting around is pretty easy, though construction can slow things down in a couple places.
The much vaunted music scene in Austin is prety cool (especially if you're into the garage band thing as mentioned above), but SA is not exactly lacking for all kinds if music, either. And SA wins for better food, too!