Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Austin

This Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Austin offers a tasteful combination of classic chain-hotel comfort and a dash of southwestern style. The expansive, six-story white building features a facade inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture, with arched porticos at the back that face a nice courtyard pool. In the lobby, grand arched windows with French doors and a wood-beam ceiling offer a nice backdrop for decor that's still fresh from the hotel's mid-2016 renovations -- and is surprisingly chic for a chain property. There's a hint of a hipster vibe here, with a measured dash of Austin quirk, and playful southwest accents. Bright patterned carpets, geometric pendants that hang from the ceiling, and an impressive collection of splashy artwork from local Austin artists complete the look. Business travelers make up a big client base, but other travelers, including families, make use of the spacious rooms and on-site amenities.

The hotel is situated right off Interstate 35 where it intersects with Highway 290, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Austin. The immediate area is fairly isolated for travelers who prefer to be on foot, but there are a few restaurants within walking distance, and a shopping plaza with a movie theater is located across the highway. Downtown Austin attractions, including the popular, music-filled Sixth Street, Austin Convention Center, and Texas State Capitol are about a 10- to 20-minute drive, depending on traffic. The University of Texas at Austin and the LBJ Presidential Library, are a bit farther north, reachable in as little as seven minutes by car. Barton Springs is about a 20-minute drive, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport takes roughly 20- to 25-minutes by car. 

The hotel offers modern guests rooms and suites that start at a roomy 340 square feet. Decor is chic and trendy, though the look is a touch manufactured. The muted color scheme features white walls and bedding, gray accent walls, chevron carpeting, and gray-washed wood laminate furniture. Accents like mini gallery walls of framed art, bright throw pillows, and geometric-printed fabric headboards makes spaces feel homey. Bathrooms are similarly styled, with gray walls, sinks with granite countertops, shower/tub combos, and Crabtree & Evelyn bath products. 

In-room amenities include 42-inch HDTVs with premium channels like HBO, free Wi-Fi (there's a fee for premium speed), sofas, and desks with ergonomic chairs. They also have coffeemakers, safes, and irons and ironing boards. Mini-fridges are only available in some entry-level rooms, but guests who request a fridge can be assured that they'll have one. Bathrooms have hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Upgraded rooms are more spacious, and suites add dining or living areas with fold-out sofas, plus other extras like microwaves or sinks.

From dining to wellness facilities, this hotel offers an versatile set of amenities geared toward a range of travelers. The restaurant and bar, TEXTURE, serves breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner, and it stays open for late-night drinks and bites. Breakfast has buffet and a la carte options, and there's a mini-cafe that serves Starbucks coffee and grab-and-go items like bagels and muffins. Room service is available into the evening, and guests get a free warm cookie on arrival, a Hilton DoubleTree staple.

Wellness facilities include a fitness center and outdoor pool and hot tub. The courtyard pool is a highlight, surrounded by Spanish-colonial arched porticos, a few palm trees, and a terra-cotta-colored patio with lounge chairs. There's also a separate, crescent-shaped hot tub. The fitness center isn't epic, but it's decent, with modern treadmills and ellipticals with individual screens, and weightlifting equipment including a full rack of dumbbells. 

The hotel has flexible meeting and event space and a small business center with computers for guest use. For those traveling with children, there are kids' menus, high chairs, and cribs. Guests complain about extra per-day fees for valet- and self-parking. Wi-Fi throughout is free, though high-speed access costs extra.