Red Roof PLUS+ Austin – South

This four-story Red Roof Plus+ is a contemporary, low-frills stay popular with budget-seeking leisure and business travelers, who don't mind driving everywhere. One notable aspect is that it allows pets for free, so the lobby is often busy with people and their pooches coming and going. From the outside, the hotel is more charming and well-kept than some budget properties, thanks to landscaped grounds, though the noise from the adjacent highway can deter the pleasant vibe. Aside from the rooms and outdoor pool, there’s little to this hotel, though a station with coffee, tea, a microwave is a welcoming touch. 

This budget hotel is just off I-35 highway, which makes it easy to get to places around the city but means there's nothing in walking distance. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a quick 11-minute drive away, while the buzzing downtown area is about 15 minutes. For convenient dining, there are a Subway, Burger King, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, and Buffalo Wild Wings within a five-minute drive. Immediately around the hotel are several car dealerships and other hotels. St. Edward's University is a five-minute drive, while the University of Texas at Austin is around 15. Parking is free.

The 137 rooms of this hotel are slightly nicer than a standard Red Roof Inn, thanks to contemporary furnishings and the option of Premium Rooms that include breakfast and a snack when guests arrive. Rooms are spacious, have attractive light-wood floors and dark-wood furniture, and are decorated with the chain's typical red accents. All rooms are smoke-free and pet-friendly; there's no specified pet floor, which may be a con for some. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, and hairdryers, and some add microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Some guests have complained of noise from air-conditioning units, the adjacent highway, or other guests and their pets. All bathrooms have shower/tub combos and a couple of free toiletries. Suites have separate living room areas with couches.

A heated outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas is the main feature of this budget hotel. The pool is open year-round and gets lots of sun. Unsurprisingly, the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, and breakfast is only served to Premium Rooms. There are coffee and tea available 24 hours in the lobby. Additionally, the hotel has an “Order Inn” program that helps guests order food from outside restaurants for in-room delivery. The free pet policy is a big perk. One “well-behaved” pet per room is allowed to stay for free. There are also free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout.