Hilton Austin

When large conventions are in town, this hotel is particularly crowded, with lines for the elevators forming at times and the lobby, restaurants, and bars packed with people. The lobby features clusters of modern furniture, back-lit walls panels done in vibrant colors, and long tables made of rough-hewn wood for impromptu meetings or individual work. While there are some leisure travelers staying here, the majority of guests are business travelers. 

The Hilton is centrally located in downtown Austin, across the street from the Austin Convention Center and just one block (a three-minute walk) from the city’s raucous Sixth Street Entertainment District. More entertainment options await at the Warehouse and Second Street Districts, both of which can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. A Downtown MetroRail stop is only a two-minute walk from the hotel, too. The University of Texas at Austin campus is an 11-minute drive or about 20 minutes via public transportation, and the Texas Capitol complex is a 16-minute walk or 20 minutes by public transit. Expect trips to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to take approximately 25 minutes by car, or 35 minutes by public transit. 

Guest rooms have modern decor that features upscale touches like white granite countertops on designer-quality, two-tone wood furniture, but the overall look is a bit staid. Grayish-brown carpeting with a pale blue pattern complements the gray upholstered armchairs and ottomans. While there are colorful photographs on walls, they do little to add life to the spaces. 

Still, units are comfortable and roomy. Standard Kings and Double Queens include desks with leather office chairs, and Larger Deluxe Parlor rooms with sleeper sofas and conference tables are available. Executive rooms are located on the top two floors (25 and 26), and there are 25 Suites. Bathrooms are just average in size, but feature handsome, light-brown tiling around the shower/tub combos that have rainfall showerheads. All come with a generous supply of high-end Peter Thomas Roth bath products. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, robes, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free basic Wi-Fi (premium-speed is only free for Hilton Honors members). Some units offer sweeping city skyline views, while others simply overlook downtown streets. Depending on room location, ambient noise can be heard from the busy streets. 

This high-rise conference hotel is chock full of amenities, including multiple places to eat and drink. Cannon & Belle has an open kitchen and serves breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner, and Austin Taco Project churns out tacos stuffed with cuisine from around the world. There's also a Starbucks on-site. Salads and sandwiches are on the menu at the seasonal Skyline Bar, which provides drink service to guests at the small, heated outdoor saltwater pool, open year-round on the eighth-floor patio. Some past guests have complained that the pool can get crowded. It's part of Skyline Spa and Health Club, where a range of body treatments and salon services is available at the full-service spa, and there's an outstanding selection of cardio and strength-training equipment at the gym. Also, locker rooms each have a sauna and steam room. 

The hotel’s massive inventory of event space can host functions for up to 3,400 people. Other business facilities include multiple guest computers and printers and a full-service UPS store. Basic Wi-Fi is free, but premium Wi-Fi is free only to certain Hilton Honors members. Guests staying in Executive Rooms get lounge access, which includes a free continental breakfast, evening appetizers, and soft drinks. The garage offers valet and self-parking (expect to pay city prices). Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, the hotel offers room service, and pets are welcome with a surcharge.