Austin promotes itself as the Live Musical Capital of the World, and right in the heart of the city is 6th Street. Seven blocks of 6th street are part of the entertainment district of the city. The street is also lined with commercial buildings, historical homes, nightclubs with live musical entertainment, fine-dining restaurants, cafes and art galleries. A few hotels can be found on and adjacent to 6th Street.
The Driskill Hotel is located at 6th Street and Brazos and dates back to 1886. A member of the Historic Hotels of America and Associated Luxury Hotels International associations, the hotel features luxury accommodations and has receive many awards. These include the Foder's Choice Award and the 2009 Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator. Historical events such as inaugural balls for Texas governors have been held at the Driskill Hotel. The hotel features over 18,000 square feet of meeting space and nine meeting rooms. Fine dining is available at its Driskill Grill and 1886 Cafe & Bakery. The nonsmoking hotel has 189 rooms that have the usual amenities along with artwork on the walls, plasma TVs, plush bathrobes and minibars. Guests also receive a free shoeshine. The hotel allows pets for a charge.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Austin, situated just off of Interstate 35 and half a block from 6th Street, is a good choice for business travelers because of its 12,000 square feet of meeting space, a meeting director and a business center. The Crowne Plaza has a fitness center that is open 24 a day. Its Crossroads Grill & Lounge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lounge area also has a daily happy hour and seven flat-screen TVs. Additional hotel highlights include an outdoor swimming pool, a gift shop, an ATM machine and a porter. Guests can also relax in the hotel's lobby, which has comfortable stuffed chairs and a colorfully decorated tile floor. Pets are not allowed.
The Omni Austin Hotel Downtown is one block from 6th Street. This is a luxury hotel with high-end amenities such as a massage service and a heated swimming pool on its roof. In addition to 6th Street, the hotel is withing walking distance of the Austin Convention Center and the Texas State Capitol. The hotel provides room service and has a restaurant that offers Southwestern cuisine, a cocktail lounge and a coffee shop that is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can also take advantage of its fitness center, whirlpool, business center and specialty shops. Horse-drawn carriage rides can be arranged at concierge desk. Pets under 25 pounds are allowed for a fee. The Omni has a shoeshine service.
