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.

You get what you pay for in superior service and amenities at this elegant hotel on beautifully manicured grounds overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Rooms are average in size, but stylish—beds have goose-down pillows, L’Occitane bath products are provided, and iPhone docking stations are standard. Some rooms have small balconies, and upper-floor units enjoy impressive views, either of the lake or downtown Austin. Extras include a lending library of Texas literature and an outstanding on-site restaurant, Ciclo, which attracts discerning locals in addition to guests. The hotel has an attractive outdoor saltwater pool, indoor pool, and whirlpool, as well as a fitness center and full spa.

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.

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.

Located next to Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater, Austin’s W Hotel is one of the city's busiest places to see-and-be-seen. The Second Street property, encompassing a full city block, is the first mixed-use occupancy building of its type in the world to be LEED-certified. Rooms are contemporary yet inviting. The lobby features a variety of hip hangout spots, from the Records Room to the in-house W restaurant featuring a seasonal all-day menu. The Wet Deck outdoor pool lounge swells with beautiful people on weekends, and the AWAY Spa provides a relaxing oasis the otherwise crowded property.