Fodor's Expert Review Renaissance Austin Hotel

The enormous, skylighted lobby and atrium of this hotel—connected to the Arboretum shopping center—is a cavernous gathering place, befit for the conventioneer clientele. Rooms are modern, with most opening onto the atrium. Exterior-facing rooms on upper floors are quieter, with views of the surrounding 95-acre parkland and downtown in the distance. A patio bar, the Knotty Deck, features bites like brisket-stuffed jalapeños, local beers, and signature cocktails like lavender lemon drops. You can’t get any closer to the Arboretum’s flagship and specialty shops—and the Domain is a short drive away.