Austin's BEST Downtown Hotel? (Residence Inn Review!)

Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center Austin (TX) United States

Austin's BEST Downtown Hotel? (Residence Inn Review!)

Austin's Best Downtown Hotel? Hold My Lonestar: A Totally Unfiltered Residence Inn Review!

Okay, y'all, let's be real. Finding the perfect hotel in Austin is like trying to find a decent breakfast taco at 3 AM – a challenge, but a rewarding one when you succeed. And after a recent stay, I'm ready to declare: the Residence Inn Downtown Austin just might have cracked the code. But, because this is me writing, expect less polished travel blog and more, well, this.

(Deep breath. Pop open a Topo Chico. Ready.)

First Impressions & Location, Location, Location!

Pulling up in the heart of downtown, I was immediately struck by the… urban-ness of it all. Giant buildings, bustling streets, the intoxicating aroma of BBQ wafting from somewhere nearby… Pure Austin magic. The Residence Inn itself isn't some over-the-top, flashy monstrosity. It's… sensible. Clean lines, modern exterior, and a vibe that said, “Hey, you’re here to experience Austin, not just look at Austin." That was A-okay with me.

Accessibility: A+ for Effort (and a Few Minor Hiccups)

Now, I’m not a wheelchair user myself, but I always pay attention to accessibility. The Residence Inn here boasts elevators (duh), and ramps and elevators made sense for any guest with mobility concerns. While I would have loved to see more detailed info about the rooms and the layout of any accessible facilities.

The Room: My Home Away From… Almost Home.

I snagged a room with a view. (Always ask for a view. Trust me.) This wasn't a "OMG, INSTAGRAM-WORTHY" view. This was a solid, "Hey, I can see the city and a sliver of the Lady Bird Lake!" kind of view. And you know what? I loved it.

The room itself? Spacious. King-sized bed (thank the heavens). A little kitchen area with a mini-fridge and a microwave. Now, being a notoriously messy traveler, this was a game changer. I could actually, you know, function in a space without feeling like I was living in a cramped suitcase.

Internet? Wi-Fi in All Rooms? THANK YOU, SWEET BABY JESUS.

I work remotely, so reliable internet is non-negotiable. The promise of free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was music to my ears. And I can happily report: it delivered. Solid connection, no buffering nightmares during Zoom calls. (And, yes, I did binge-watch a few episodes of my guilty pleasure in between work sessions. Don't judge.)

Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Breakfast Buffet Bliss & Beyond.

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff: food. The breakfast buffet was a lifesaver, especially after a late night of live music. They had everything: eggs, bacon, pastries, fruit… the works. Let's be honest, a good hotel breakfast is a key to ANY good stay. I actually went back twice for the breakfast tacos, and they were surprisingly good (maybe I was just hungry, but I stand by it!).

Beyond the free breakfast, there's a convenience store in case you need a midnight snack or a bottle of water. There are also restaurants nearby and room service to assist guests.

Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Austin at Your Doorstep.

This is the real beauty of the Residence Inn's location. You're steps away from:

• Music Venues: Sixth Street is a short walk, and there are countless other venues nearby. Prepare to be amazed.
• The Lake! Swimming pool [outdoor] and close access to the Lady Bird Lake, perfect for a run.
• Shopping: There's stuff to buy everywhere from shops to boutiques, all accessible on foot.

Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound

I’m a bit of a germophobe, so cleanliness is a big deal for me. The Residence Inn seemed to be taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products were used, and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. I appreciated the precautions, especially with everything going on in the world.

The Quirks (…and the Minor Annoyances)

• Parking? Yeah, it's downtown, so parking ain't cheap. The car park [on-site] is available. Factor that into your budget.
• The Gym: It’s there. It works. Cardio and weights. But let's just say it wasn't the most inspiring fitness center I’ve ever seen.
• The Elevator: While I appreciate the elevator for accessibility, sometimes it felt like waiting for the Hogwarts Express.

Final Verdict: Austin's Best Downtown Hotel?…Maybe. Seriously, Book It.

Let's be clear: the Residence Inn Downtown Austin isn't perfect. But it's damn good. It nails the essentials: clean rooms, great location, reliable Wi-Fi, and that all-important free breakfast. The staff were friendly and helpful.

The Real Austin Deal?

The Residence Inn Downtown Austin is a great spot to get a feel for the real Austin.

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My Unfiltered Offer - Because You Deserve It!

So, you're thinking about booking? Here's my take:

• Book Directly: Forget the third-party sites (unless they're offering a ridiculous deal). Go to the Residence Inn's website or call them directly. You might be able to snag a better rate and score perks.
• Ask for a High Floor! Trust me, the view is worth it.
• Embrace the Breakfast: Seriously, it’s good.

Why I’m Saying This Is a Score:

I went to Austin for fun, for the music, for the tacos, and for the experience. I wasn’t looking for a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel. I wanted a home base that fit the Austin vibe. The Residence Inn delivers. It's comfortable, convenient, and provides a solid foundation for exploring this crazy, vibrant city.

Book your stay at the Residence Inn Downtown Austin and get ready for a good time. (And maybe, just maybe, you'll find your new favorite breakfast taco spot, too.)

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Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center Austin (TX) United States

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned trip! We're going to Austin. And we're gonna do it… well, our way. We're holed up at the Residence Inn Downtown – good choice, by the way. Location is key, especially when you factor in the potential for copious amounts of barbecue and… other activities. Let's see how this unfolds, shall we?

Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center: The Unfiltered Austin Adventure

Day 1: Arrival, Aching Feet, and the Pursuit of Brisket Perfection

• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Touchdown and the Awkward Hotel Check-In. (And Did I Pack Enough Socks?!): So, landed at the airport feeling… underwhelmed. Delayed flight, of course. Is that ever avoidable? Made it to the hotel, finally! Residence Inn looks clean, staff seemed friendly. But…the elevator is slow. Really slow. Like, time to contemplate the meaning of life slow. Checked in, got my key, and immediately realized I forgot to pack enough socks. Seriously, who does that? Already regretting the decision to wear non-breathable travel pants. This is where I start wondering if I should have just stayed home. (Spoiler: I eventually get over it. Mostly.)
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Unpacking/De-Stress and the All-Important Pre-Barbecue Research: Hotel room is… yeah, it's a hotel room. Fine. Trying to unpack and pretend to be organized. Failed. Okay, time for the real mission. The quest for the holy grail of Texas barbecue. Research time baby! Yelp, Google Maps, Food Network… the whole nine yards. Reading reviews is like wading through a swamp of passionate opinion. Everyone's a barbecue expert in Austin, apparently. I just want some darn brisket!
• 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM: The Pilgrimage Begins: Franklin Barbecue (or at Least, the Attempt): Okay, so everyone raves about Franklin. Everyone. So, against my better judgement (and my desire for immediate gratification), we're going. Google Maps says it's a fifteen-minute drive. Google Maps is a liar! Traffic is a beast! Finally get there, and the line… dear GOD, the line. It’s already like a mile long. I'm talking hours of waiting. The Texas sun is beating down. This is a test of my commitment. Decision time… Do I wait? Do I cry? Do I bribe someone with… what? Okay, We're trying. Pray for us. (May or may not have started questioning all my life choices while standing there. Worth it to make a quick escape.)
• 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Barbecue Back-Up Plan: La Barbecue (and, THANK GOD, Less Waiting): Okay, so we wimped out. Franklin was just too much. But we had to get some barbecue. We heard good things about La Barbecue, and guess what?! The line was manageable! Thank the lord of smoked meats! Finding a parking spot was an adventure of its own. Finally snagged a spot and sprinted inside.
• 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Brisket Bliss (and Collapsing into a Food Coma): The moment of truth! Brisket. Sausage. Mac and cheese. Slaw. My stomach has never felt so full, yet so satisfied. Pure, unadulterated barbecue perfection. Worth every single calorie and every bit of the existential dread of the Franklin line. I'm not kidding, I think I saw a tear roll down my cheek. Happy tears, of course. Immediately regretted wearing those travel pants though.
• 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Hotel Recovery and the "Is This the Right Room?" Mystery: Lumbering back to the hotel, stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey. Collapse. Sweet, sweet, air-conditioned bliss. Realized I had no idea how to use the air conditioning. Was pretty close of calling the front desk. Turns out I was just an idiot. Then, the kicker. Went into the lobby to grab a snack and almost walked into someone else's room key! Apparently, the door numbers were off. Or maybe my brain was just fried from the meat sweats. Good times.

Day 2: Live Music, the Regret of Overeating, and a Brush with Artistic Genius (or at Least, a Cool Mural)

• 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Hotel Buffet Survival and the "I'm Too Full to Live" Struggle: Free hotel breakfast! Hooray! Except, after yesterday’s food orgy, my stomach is still slightly traumatized. This buffet is okay, but nothing to write home about. Cereal, some sad-looking fruit, and lukewarm scrambled eggs. Tried to force myself to eat something, just to get my money's worth. Regretted it instantly. Feel like I'm moving in slow motion.
• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Downtown Wanderings and the Quest for Coffee (and Dignity): Need caffeine. Desperately. Venture out. Austin is… colorful. And hot. Found a cute little coffee shop (the name escapes me, I swear I would remember it if I was not so tired!). Walked around, took some pictures, and tried to look like I knew what I was doing. Felt like a tourist, which, I suppose, I am.
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch…Again? No, Seriously This Time… Light lunch ordered. Soup and salad! Yes! Because I still feel like that Thanksgiving turkey. Need something to cool down my system. The waiter thought I was a mad woman when I demanded the tiniest of portions but I refused to eat any more!
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring the Murals and Channeling My Inner Art Critic (or at Least, Taking Photos): Austin is famous for its murals. They're EVERYWHERE. Some are fantastic, some are… well, let's just say the artists had a vision. Wandered around, trying to find the coolest ones. Tried to figure out what they meant. (Spoiler alert: I often failed). Took a ton of pictures. My Instagram is gonna be lit! Or something.
• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Guilt Trip: Shopping on South Congress (SoCo) and Trying to Avoid Spending All My Money: Okay, South Congress. SoCo! Cute boutiques, quirky shops, and all the things I don't need. Felt the familiar tug of consumerism. Resisted the urge to buy a cowboy hat (at least, for now). Managed to acquire a t-shirt that said "Keep Austin Weird" (obviously). Pretty sure I'm now officially a cliché.
• 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Happy Hour and the Search for Live Music (and Avoiding the Tourist Traps): Time for happy hour! Needed a drink. And a snack. Found a place with outdoor seating and potential live music. Ordered a margarita (or two). Tried to look cool. Failed. The band was okay, but the atmosphere was great. Austin has something… this 'je ne sais quoi' about it.
• 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Live Music! The Continental Club and the Real Austin Vibe: Finally! At the Continental Club, Austin's music is really just something else. Got up close and personal with the stage. Got lost in the music. Felt connected to something bigger than myself. Pure, unadulterated Austin magic. Stayed way later than I should have. Slept in the following morning.

Day 3: Goodbye, Austin. (I'll Be Back. Probably.)

• 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Hotel Breakfast, Round Two: The "I Need to Eat Something to Function" Edition: Back to the hotel buffet. This time, armed with slightly more sleep and a stronger sense of self-preservation. Managed to choke down some oatmeal. Hoping it will hold me over long enough for the flight.
• 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble and the Dreaded Hotel Checkout: Panic! Need souvenirs! Hit the hotel gift shop for a last-minute panic purchase. Grabbed a postcard and a cheap water bottle. Checked out of the hotel. Elevator still slow.
• **

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Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center Austin (TX) United States

Austin's Best Downtown Hotel? Yeah, About That… (The Residence Inn Diaries)

Okay, Spill. Is the Residence Inn Downtown Austin *Really* the Best? Like, Pulitzer Prize material, or...?

Alright, easy tiger. "Best"? That's a loaded word, like saying "best hangover cure" after a night on 6th Street. Let's just say... it's *up there*. I've stayed there a bunch. And honestly, sometimes it's a love affair, sometimes a slightly-sour-milk-in-the-breakfast-buffet-kind-of-situationship. But "best"? Depends what you're looking for. If you want luxury that screams "I made it," maybe not. But if you want a solid, well-located basecamp for Austin adventures, especially when you’re hitting the best shows and food, then… yeah, probably. Look, I'm practical. Free breakfast is a huge win. And being able to walk to the Continental Club after a long day is… well, let's just say it's restorative for the soul. Speaking of which...

The Breakfast. The Rumor Mill Claims It's...Legendary. Any Truth?

Legendary? Okay, maybe not. But it's *damn* good for free. Look, hotel breakfasts are always a gamble, you know? You're taking your chances. But Residence Inn? Usually solid. They rotate the hot stuff: eggs, sausage, the usual suspects. The coffee is…well, it's coffee. Gets the job done. The best part? The waffles. Always. Warm. Syrupy. Glorious. I’ve definitely gone back for seconds (and thirds, don't judge). I once saw a small child *literally* weep when the waffle maker temporarily went down. It was a scene. A waffle-related tragedy, you know? The fruit can be a gamble, though. Sometimes it’s fresh and juicy, sometimes it's that sad, pre-cut stuff that's been sitting around for hours. But hey, it's free! And the bagels... ah, the bagels... I'll tell you about my bagel situation later.

Location, Location, Location! Is It ACTUALLY walkable to everything? Or just...mostly?

Okay, this is *major*. The location is the BIG selling point. It's *crazy* walkable. Sixth Street? BAM. Few blocks, you're there. Rainey Street? Also a quick stroll. The food trucks? Dozens in easy reach. The Continental Club? Right there. It's a DREAM. I usually Uber to and from the airport. But once I’m at the Residence Inn, I barely touch a car. It's the best feeling ever. Except… there's a but. If you're planning on visiting the Domain… or, you know, anything north of downtown, be prepared for a hike or a rideshare. (Seriously, it can take forever.) The Zilker Park? Can be a bit of a trek, too. But for most of the core Austin experience? Absolutely golden. You’re basically in the heart of the action.

The Rooms: Spacious and Luxurious? Or Functional and… Adequate?

Okay, the rooms. Let's be real. They are…functional. Spacious? Compared to a shoebox, sure. Luxurious? Nah. They're clean, comfortable, and have the basics. A good bed, a decent TV, a little kitchenette, which is clutch for leftovers (hello, Franklin BBQ!). They're well-maintained, usually. But don't expect marble bathrooms, or a view of the Austin skyline from your jacuzzi tub (because, well, no jacuzzi tubs!). The suites are a step up. A little more elbow room. But the standard rooms? They get the job done. They're your home base. A place to crash after a day of exploring, a place to recharge.

Parking: The Dreaded Parking Situation. How Bad Is It?

Ugh, parking. The bane of every downtown hotel experience. At the Residence Inn, it's… well, it’s *there*. It exists! It's a parking garage, and it's attached. It's generally a bit pricey. Expect to shell out a decent chunk of change per night. Sometimes, the garage fills up completely, especially during peak season or big events. Then you're scrambling. Look, it’s not ideal, okay? Nothing's ever truly “ideal” when it comes to parking, is it? Especially in Austin. The upside is that at least they have *a* garage. And it's attached, so you don't have to walk a mile in the Texas sun. So… it’s not the *worst*. Prepare to pay, and try to arrive early to secure a spot. And, seriously, Uber and Lyft are your friends.

Service: Friendly Faces? Or "You're on Your Own"?

The staff there? Generally good. Not the Ritz Carlton level of attentive. But they're friendly, helpful, and usually go out of their way. I’ve had some issues with a slow check or two. But, you know. No one is perfect. I remember one time, I was in a dead panic because I thought I’d left my laptop charger at home. I need my laptop for work! The lady at the front desk must have seen the look of absolute dread on my face, because she *immediately* helped me. She called IT, found a compatible charger, and saved me from a total work-related meltdown. I seriously owe her. They are responsive to requests. Room service is… well, it exists. But who needs room service when you're in Austin?! Just get out and eat, people!

The Pool: Instagrammable Oasis? Or a Tiny Dip?

Okay, the pool. Here's the deal. It's not massive. It's a pool. It’s… fine. It’s good for a quick dip after a day of walking around. It's usually not *too* crowded. It’s shaded in the afternoon, which is a huge plus in the Texas heat. But it's also not some sprawling, resort-style pool with a swim-up bar and daybeds. Don't expect that. Lower your expectations. Enjoy the water, relax a bit. And be prepared for some kids. I mean, it’s a family-friendly hotel! It is what it is. It’s a pool.

The Bagel Incident. Please, Elaborate.

Alright, you asked for it. The bagel incident. This deserves its own paragraph.Budget Hotel Guru

Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center Austin (TX) United States

Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center Austin (TX) United States

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