AT&T Hotel and Conference Center

Guests enter the hotel from University Ave. into a foyer with restaurant access, an outline of the state of Texas built into the floor, and a split grand staircase leading up to reception. The lobby is cozy and inviting, and has a contemporary feel with wood paneling, brown-leather sofas, and burnt-orange accents that showcase the University of Texas colors. Throughout the building, touches like the seal on display at the entrance, photographs of the campus, and longhorn emblems on guests’ robes are a nod to the affiliation of this university-owned hotel. Outdoor space is limited, but in the center of the rectangular building, there’s a pretty brick-paved courtyard with fountains and some patio seating. The hotel is popular with business travelers for the wide range of modern facilities, as well as with campus visitors and leisure travelers avoiding the congestion of downtown.

This hotel is on the edge of University of Texas at Austin campus, just a five-minute drive north of downtown. It is in a busy area, particularly crowded during school events like football games, but it generally lacks the congestion of downtown. Guests are within easy reach of a wide variety of fast-food restaurants, many within a five-minute walk along Guadalupe Street (also known as The Drag). The famous UT Austin Tower is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, and the Texas Longhorn's football stadium is a 15-minute walk away. The hotel is also convenient to off-campus sights like the Bullock Texas State History Museum -- a five-minute walk away -- and the capitol building -- 15 minutes away. The heart of downtown Austin, with its plentiful entertainment and dining options, is a five-minute drive from the hotel. Zilker Park is and South Congress Avenue are both about 12 minutes away by car. There are a few bus stops within a three-minute walk of the hotel, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

Thanks to renovations in 2016, comfortable rooms have a fresh design and modern amenities. Neutral tones are soft and relaxing, often with pretty blue accents in bed runners and cozy chairs. Large photographs over the bed are representative of campus life, featuring university buildings, longhorn cattle, and local maps. Picture windows offer views of the city or campus, and some rooms have a balcony (either private or shared). Each room has a 48-inch flat-screen TV, DVD player, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, iron, safe, and an iPad with local and hotel information preprogrammed. Microwaves are available on request. Upgrades offer options like king-sized beds, sitting areas, and dining areas. Bathrooms have granite counters and usually shower/tub combos. Hairdryers and robes are provided, as are a range of free toiletries. 

Although lacking a spa, this hotel offers a good range of features for its clientele of business and leisure travelers. On-site restaurants are good, with options for fine dining in a lovely, warm space with an open kitchen, or a more relaxed atmosphere in the cafe/sports bar. Alternatively, guests can grab a quick snack at the lobby coffee bar. Breakfast costs extra, though some packages include it. The small jetted pool sits on a nondescript patio with a few tables and loungers.There's also a 24-hour fitness center with good equipment. A range of modern meeting spaces includes classrooms, teleconferencing rooms, an amphitheater, and grand ballrooms. There’s a business center with several computers and a printer, open during the day. An on-site gift shop and an art gallery featuring work from the university's art department offer shopping opportunities. Self-parking and valet service come with fees. Wi-Fi is free, but the signal is not always strong.