Austin Southpark

The Austin Southpark delivers the chain's reputable service in a location that’s outside the city. The 313-room property draws a mix of business travelers and vacationing families, the latter of which most certainly make good use of the hotel’s large outdoor/indoor pool, which is heated and has an indoor whirlpool and plenty of outside lounge space. The attractive lobby is garnished with plants and flowers, and its circular lobby bar has a grand piano and is popular with business travelers and the happy hour crowd from nearby office buildings.

Southeast Austin isn't exactly a hub of activity. This mixed business and residential sector is five miles south of DowntownAustin, so a car is a must for visitors staying in this area -- there is almost nothing within walking distance. Several family-oriented attractions are in the vicinity, including shopping malls and movie theaters, but expect to head Downtown for bars, restaurants, and tourist sites.

• 10-minute drive to Frank C. Erwin, Jr., Special Events Center
• 11-minute drive to Blanton Museum of Art
• 12-minute drive to Mike A. Myers Stadium and Soccer Field
• 14-minute drive to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
• 15-minute drive to 6th Street and 2nd Street entertainment districts

Comfortable beds are a highlight of these generically styled rooms, with plush white bedding and ikat-print throw pillows that draws the eye. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with cable channels and on-demand movies, two-cup coffeemakers with free coffee and tea, glass-fronted mini-fridges, and digital safes. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, granite vanities, magnifying mirrors, and hotel-brand toiletries. Views are mostly of the highways in the vicinity of the hotel, but in some rooms you can make out the distant Austin skyline. In-room Wi-Fi costs a fee.

Austin Southpark's big indoor/outdoor pool is impressive. It features an indoor dry sauna and hot tub, plus lots of lounge space outside. During the summer months, poolside food and drink service is available. The hotel's bright, decent-sized fitness center has wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, cardio machines, strength training machines, and free weights. Towels are provided, and there are fans, a scale, and a large flat-screen TV.

Onion Creek Grille serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual atmosphere. Its breakfast buffet features Belgian waffles and made-to-order omelets, while a lunchtime pasta buffet offers fajitas and salads. Dinner features seafood selections and Southwest fare. Room service is also available. Austin Southpark's popular, circular lobby bar dominates the lobby near the front desk and features a grand piano.

The business center consists of a single station and fees apply, and spacious meeting facilities are available. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby (there is a fee for in-room Wi-Fi), and abundant guest parking is free.