7 Best Hotels in Downtown with Sixth Street and Rainey Street, Austin

Built in 1886 and impeccably restored, The Driskill represents a time when people mingled in grandiose settings and continues to epitomize old-world Texas luxury. Each room—decorated with old photos, vintage curios, and refurbished antiques—is unique, so specific requests should be made when reserving. Standard rooms are cramped, but corner rooms showcase nice city views. Reasonably priced suites provide spacious living areas and private balconies that are worth the splurge (try to reserve the LBJ Suite). The 1886 Café & Bakery is worth a visit, as is the elegant bar, which attracts business travelers and savvy downtown revelers with its live music and happy hour.

One of the best-managed hotels in the city, the all-suites DoubleTree has a staff that anticipates your every need. Business travelers, sports teams, and families frequent the downtown high-rise. The Capitol—visible from many of the rooms, spectacularly so from upper-story balconies—is only a short walk away. Most of the classically decorated suites have one bedroom and a large, separate living area (with fold-out couch); some have two bedrooms, two baths, and three TVs. Each has a small kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. The on-site 15th Street Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This 31-story hotel rises over one of downtown's quieter blocks, next to the historic Brush Square Park, but the Hilton is defined by its direct proximity to the Austin Convention Center. Fully equipped with meeting rooms, two restaurants, coffee shop, and business center, this is the conventioneers' hostelry. Standard rooms have two full beds or one king and a leather loveseat. The entire eighth floor is a 16,000-square-foot health club with an outdoor saltwater pool, steam room and sauna, and state-of-the-art gym with views of UT's stadium. The on-site Cannon + Belle restaurant, plus the casual Austin Taco Project, are both excellent eateries.

Always a trusted brand, the JW Marriott is a one-stop shop for modern business travelers. Guests are within walking distance of the convention center, Lady Bird Lake, the hike-and-bike trail, and dozens of downtown's best restaurants and bars. Thousands of square feet of meeting space, three on-site restaurants, and rooftop lounges are ideal for groups who don't need to explore beyond the central business district.

Your introduction to this bustling, business-oriented hotel is a soaring, granite-and-glass atrium lobby. From atrium-view rooms you can spy on diners and scurrying businesspeople below. Exterior rooms have balconies and city vistas (on upper floors). The decor, simple but modern, neither inspires nor offends. The rooftop pool offers beautiful downtown views but fills up fast on weekends. The central downtown location can mean loud Sixth Street overflow for lower-level rooms. At breakfast, the eggs are cage-free and the bagels are shipped in from New York. Service is professional, if on the cool side.

Locally known as the “Stephen F.,” this 1924 hotel relies on its landmark location on Congress Avenue, next door to the equally historic Paramount Theatre, to maintain its downtown appeal. But the "four star" standards of its glory days have reportedly been left in the past. Rooms are bland and in strong need of updating. It's still convenient for downtown theatergoers, and the hotel bar's popular terrace overlooks Congress Avenue and the Capitol.