Hampton Inn & Suites Austin – Downtown/Convention Center

Given its proximity to the convention center, this Hampton Inn gets busy with convention-goers,  but its downtown location attracts tourists eager to experience Austin’s music scene. The lobby is small, but it's bathed in natural light that nourishes its many potted tropical plants. The rich-wood paneled columns, front desk, and walls and the polished tile floors in reddish earth tones work together to create a warm glow that permeates the cozy space. Across the space is a lovely winding staircase that leads up to the mezzanine level. Old photos of Austin decorate the second-story walls, and glass doors lead onto a delightful covered terrace with tables, where guests can take in the scene on the street below.

The Hampton sits on a busy intersection in downtown Austin, one block from the Austin Convention Center (a five-minute walk). The Downtown MetroRail station is located on the far end of the center, about five minutes' walking as well. The hotel is surrounded by other hotels and several restaurants, including a P.F. Chang’s and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, which are directly across the street and provide room service to the Hampton. The Sixth Street Historic District and its many bars and restaurants is a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel, depending on the destination. The Rainey Street Historic District is a 12-minute walk away, and it’s a 10-minute drive, or a half hour trip via public transportation, to Lady Bird Lake. The trendy SoCo district is a 10- to 15-minute drive away, or about a half-hour away on public transportation. The North Loop, another hip neighborhood, is a 25 minute drive away. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, or a 30-minute trip by public transportation.

The 209 rooms at the Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Downtown, are surprisingly stylish for a chain hotel, with designer touches and a few nods to local culture.

Rooms are spacious, and Standard Rooms offer king or two queen beds. Suites are roomier and have leather sleeper sofas in their sitting areas. Suites also have wet bars and microwaves. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, lap desks, and flat-screen TVs, which are a bit larger in the suites. Note that lower-floor rooms might pick up some ambient street noise. Views of the street and surrounding downtown buildings vary depending on location and floor.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Austin - Downtown/Convention Center has the signature amenities that the Hampton chain is known for, starting with its hot breakfast buffet with eggs, meat, and potato dishes, along with breakfast-to-go bags. A cafe/bar off the lobby focuses on crepes, and the hotel has a weekday evening manager’s reception with free drinks and snacks. The convenience store has an ATM and sells various sundries, drinks, snacks, and frozen meals that can be microwaved, too. The outdoor saltwater pool on the fourth-floor terrace is a narrow, lap-style pool that’s surrounded by tables, potted plants and loungers. It has nice views of downtown. The property's spacious fitness center has a good choice of cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel's meeting space can accommodate up to 135 people, and the lobby business center has a printer and computer station with internet access. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Valet parking comes with unlimited in-out privileges, but there are public self-parking garages nearby with lower rates. Free "USA Today" newspapers are available in the lobby, as is fruit, coffee, tea, and water. Guest laundry facilities are on site, and concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry.