Sleep Inn & Suites Austin

Opened in 2014, this tidy four-story hotel tends to draw a diverse mix of travelers seeking a price break on the higher rates of downtown hotels. But many travelers end up pleasantly surprised by this Sleep Inn and its relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Guests mingle at the daily breakfasts and the weekday manager’s receptions where free beer, wine, and food are served. The contemporary lobby also gives an appealing space to linger even when snacks aren't set out, done up in soft golds and browns. Clusters of comfortable furniture provide lots of places to hunker down. The breakfast room just off the lobby is especially nice, with leather benches along some walls facing a bank of windows. Bursts of greenery from plants in small pots add the finishing touches.

This Sleep Inn is located northeast of downtown Austin on a frontage road just off Manor Expressway. It’s set back far enough from the road to be quiet. It’s a somewhat isolated setting with a few large apartment complexes behind it, but there is a McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, and two other restaurants within a short walk. Depending on traffic and time of day, it’s roughly a 10-minute drive to the Austin Convention Center and other downtown attractions. The campus of the University of Texas is about 10 minutes by car, too. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a 20-minute drive.

Tastefully decorated with burnt orange accent walls, soft lighting, and coffee-colored bedspreads, guest rooms continue the contemporary look of public spaces. While they're surprisingly modern, rooms can feel dim with their dark hues, and their black-and-white nature photos, while chic, do nothing to brighten the space. Fortunately, rooms are rather spacious, with even Standard Double Queens offering rooms for upholstered armchairs and sizable desks with office chairs. Larger, studio-style Suites hold sleeper sofas and coffee tables, too. Bathrooms are just average in size, with granite vanities and either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. Rooms are nicely equipped with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi as standard, although safes are notably missing. Rooms are generally quiet, and views of the surrounding property are entirely unremarkable.

This Sleep Inn offers some pleasant surprises in its amenities package, such as a free weekday manager’s reception with beer, wine, and light dinner items (think burgers and salads). It's free breakfast buffet is also a good added value and includes eggs, waffles, and other hot dishes. Coffee and ice water are free all day. The hotel's outdoor pool has enough space for a decent swim, and its fitness center has several pieces of modern cardio equipment and a universal strength-training machine. Business travelers can book the hotel's meeting space with room for up to 50 people, and a dedicated business center with a computer, printer, and office supplies is a handy extra for all guests. Valet dry cleaning and laundry services are available, as is a guest laundry room. Parking, Wi-Fi, and weekday newspapers are all free, and pets are welcome with a modest surcharge.