Proud of its offbeat and in-tune reputation as the live music capital of the world, Austin welcomes 19 million visitors annually. The South by Southwest music, film and interactive festivals and Austin City Limits music festival draw crowds, but many prefer serene canoeing along Lady Bird Lake and strolling the 10-mile Hike and Bike Trail. Three downtown entertainment districts and the South Congress Avenue area, also known as SoCo, offer shopping, dining and people watching.
The younger sister property of SoCo's Hotel San Jose,' Hotel Saint Cecillia appropriately takes its name from the patron saint of music and poetry. It fulfills its homage with rock-and-roll memorabilia scattered throughout the property and a music collection available for guest use. The intimate boutique hotel offers five suites, six poolside bungalows and three studio apartments. Walk just steps to reach the restaurants, music venues and shopping on South Congress. Relax by the pool, under the grounds' giant oak trees or at the guest-only bar. Pets are welcome.
Hotel Saint Cecilia
112 Academy Dr.
Austin TX 78704
512-852-2400
hotelsaintcecilia.com
Fulfilling the long-standing need for accommodations near the University of Texas campus, the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center opened in 2008, bringing more than 275 guest rooms and 21 suites to the foot of the state's flagship university. The residential accredited IACC conference facility offers 37 meeting rooms, including a multimedia amphitheater. The central location allows access to the convention center, university sporting events and downtown entertainment. Walk to the Blanton Museum of Art, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Harry Ransom Center. The hotel offers an on-site pool and 24-hour fitness facility, as well as fee-based access to many of the university's athletic facilities.
AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center
1900 University Ave.
Austin, Texas 78705
877-744-8822
meetattexas.com
High-end shopping is alive and well in Austin, and The Westin at The Domain prevents long hauls of your packages. With neighbors such as Tiffany's, Neiman-Marcus and Louis Vuitton, the 341-room hotel resides at one of the most prestigious addresses in town. Minutes from downtown, the hotel also offers easy access to Dell, IBM and Advanced Micro Devices. Seventeen meeting rooms are available on-site. The smoke-free hotel provides a 24-hour gym for guest use as well as a heated pool and business center.
The Westin at The Domain
11301 Domain Dr.
Austin, TX 78758
512-832-4197
westin.com
Stepping inside the minimalist design of the Kimber Modern, you'd never imagine you were yards away from the bustling SoCo entertainment district. However, the five-room, one-suite hideaway is down the street from the famous Continental Club music venue and some of the city's most popular restaurants. The hotel's urban décor combines with luxury including Egyptian cotton sheets, Franke self-serve coffee system, I-pod docking stations and Malin and Goetz bath products. The oak tree shaded courtyard hosts daily gourmet breakfasts. Hammocks seduce guests on lazy summer afternoons, while a modern outdoor firebox warms the slight chill of temperate Texas winters. The entire hotel is available for private event reservation.
Kimber Modern
110 The Circle
512-912-1046
kimbermodern.com
