Where is a good place to stay in Austin, TX?

A lot would really depend on what you’re looking to do while you’re here. Assuming you’re here to check out the city itself, I’d say stay somewhere a little south of the river (the Colorado river which is Town Lake, or Lady Bird Lake as they call it now) and just stay west of I-35 and you should be fine. That way you’re not paying downtown prices but you’re close to the action with maybe a $10 cab ride to 6th street, near Zilker Park, South Congress etc.

If you want a place with a little Austin flavor you can check out the Austin Motel or Hotel San Jose although both are going to be more expensive. If you don’t mind driving a bit to get around you can find places a lot cheaper a little further out. I’d stay somewhere near Mopac (local Loop 1) since it’s a lot easier to get around than relying on I-35.

What are you doing while you’re here and maybe I could help a bit more?

I’m considering moving to Austin as well. Doing a road trip there in spring. Let me know what you think!

We like to stay at the La Quinta on Gaines Loop Road off south Mopac. The rooms run $119 to 169 (various discounts apply), some have small fridges in them, there is a pool, free breakfast, and it is clean, quiet, in good repair and allows pets. Being on South Mopac you have easy access to Ben White Blvd (gets you to the airport) and Lamar to the south, downtown via Cesar Chavez, and all points north. There is also a taxi driver that likes to park his cab there so he is often readily available if you don’t want to drive.

The only drawback is during rush hour Mopac turns into a parking lot, but the rest of the time you have easy access all over town.

I recommend the Austin Motel which is on South Congress. It’s a kitschy old motel that has been spruced up and is totally Austin-ified. You’d be in walking distance to the coolest places downtown. Also, Austin Motel is also home to El Sol y La Luna, one of the best Tex-Mex places on the planet. BEst migas on earth there. Promise.