Question 1

Which are the best hotels to stay in Austin as a budget traveller?

Accepted Answer

For budget-conscious travellers seeking excellent value in Austin, top choices include The Frances Modern Inn, Drury Inn & Suites Austin North, Heywood Hotel, Cambria Hotel Austin Uptown Near The Domain, and Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North/Near the Domain.

The 3-star The Frances Modern Inn, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, offers guests beautiful and clean rooms. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly and amazing staff, as well as its great location. Free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries are also provided for added convenience.

Another fantastic option is the 3-star Drury Inn & Suites Austin North, rated 9.6. This hotel stands out for its generous amenities, including free breakfast on weekdays and weekends, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary self-parking. Guests frequently comment on the comfortable and clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and the great breakfast spread.

The Heywood Hotel, a 3-star property with a superb 10.0 rating, provides excellent and clean rooms. Reviewers often highlight the attentive staff and appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi and free self-parking. Many rooms also feature a furnished balcony, patio, or terrace for added relaxation.

The 3-star Cambria Hotel Austin Uptown Near The Domain, rated 9.6, offers spacious and quiet rooms. Guests consistently praise the friendly and fantastic staff, great amenities, and delicious food. Complimentary Wi-Fi, free self-parking, and free parking for RVs, buses, or trucks make it a practical choice.

Finally, the 3-star Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North/Near the Domain, with a 9.4 rating, provides spacious and clean rooms. Travellers often praise the great and delicious breakfast, friendly and helpful staff, and its nice, modern location.

Question 2

How much does a budget hotel in Austin cost?

Accepted Answer

Budget hotel prices in Austin vary, but you can find a great deal from CA $90 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.

Question 3

Which area of Austin is best to stay in for cheap hotels?

Accepted Answer

For budget-conscious travellers looking for affordable accommodation in Austin, areas such as North Central Austin, particularly around the University of Texas campus, and parts of South Austin offer excellent value. These neighbourhoods often feature a higher density of budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses compared to the more central, bustling districts.

North Central Austin, especially near the university, provides a vibrant setting with numerous eateries suiting a student budget. Solo travellers will find plenty of affordable lodging options, from hostels to no-frills motels, and the area is well-served by public transport, making it easy to reach downtown attractions without incurring high taxi fares. Many local parks offer free outdoor activities, superb for an afternoon stroll or a picnic.

Families might find South Austin, particularly areas further from the immediate downtown core, to be a good fit. This district often presents a more relaxed vibe with a selection of value-oriented hotels. It's also home to several parks and green spaces, like Zilker Metropolitan Park, offering free or low-cost activities such as playgrounds and open areas for children to play.

Question 4

What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in Austin?

Accepted Answer

For families seeking top-rated, affordable accommodation in Austin, excellent choices include Staybridge Suites Cedar Park - Austin N by IHG, Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin-South/Airport, and Hyatt Place Austin / Lake Travis / Four Points.

The 3-star Staybridge Suites Cedar Park - Austin N by IHG, boasting a fantastic review rating of 9.4, offers exceptional value with complimentary WiFi and free parking. Guests consistently praise the comfortable beds and the great free breakfast, which is available on weekends as well. For those travelling with infants, free cribs are also available.

Another superb option is the 3-star Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin-South/Airport, rated 8.6 by our customers. This hotel provides free WiFi, free parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast, including a convenient to-go option. Reviewers often highlight the clean rooms and the wonderful, friendly staff.

The 3-star Hyatt Place Austin / Lake Travis / Four Points, with an impressive 9.2 rating, is also a great pick. It offers free WiFi, free parking, and a delicious free buffet breakfast, available on weekends.

Question 5

What cheap hotels in Austin offer complimentary breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For travellers seeking affordable hotels in Austin that offer complimentary breakfast, excellent options include Drury Inn & Suites Austin North, Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North/Near the Domain, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin/Cedar Park-Lakeline.

The 3-star Drury Inn & Suites Austin North, with an impressive 9.6 rating, provides a free buffet breakfast that guests frequently praise as great and good. This hotel also offers free WiFi and free self-parking, adding to its value. Reviewers often highlight the comfortable and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and helpful staff.

Another fantastic choice is the 3-star Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North/Near the Domain, rated 9.4. This hotel includes a free continental breakfast, described by customers as great and delicious. Guests appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, the friendly staff, and the convenient location. Free grocery shopping service is also a useful amenity.

The 3-star Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin/Cedar Park-Lakeline, also rated 9.4, offers a complimentary buffet breakfast that is frequently called delicious and good by guests. This hotel is known for its spacious and clean rooms, friendly staff, and great location.

Question 6

When is the most affordable time to visit Austin?

Accepted Answer

The most affordable time to visit Austin is typically during the off-peak seasons, specifically late autumn (November) and throughout the winter months (December to February), excluding major holidays. During these periods, you'll find lower prices for flights and accommodation, as the intense heat of summer and the crowds of spring festival season have subsided.

For solo travellers, visiting in November or January means you can often snag better deals on boutique hotels and guesthouses. The weather is pleasantly mild, superb for exploring the city's outdoor attractions like Zilker Park or taking a stroll down South Congress Avenue without the scorching heat. You'll also find it easier to get into popular eateries and music venues without lengthy queues.

While December can be affordable, be mindful of the week leading up to Christmas and New Year's Eve, as prices for accommodation and flights tend to rise.

Question 7

What are the best cheap hotels in Austin with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For excellent value hotels in Austin that offer a refreshing pool, consider the Drury Inn & Suites Austin North, Cambria Hotel Austin Uptown Near The Domain, and Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North/Near the Domain.

The 3-star Drury Inn & Suites Austin North, with an impressive 9.6 rating, is highly praised for its comfortable and clean rooms, as well as its friendly and helpful staff. Guests particularly enjoy the great complimentary breakfast and the convenience of a free outdoor pool.

Another fantastic option is the 3-star Cambria Hotel Austin Uptown Near The Domain, also rated 9.6. This hotel offers spacious and quiet rooms, and its staff are consistently described as friendly and fantastic. It features a seasonal outdoor pool, and complimentary self-parking is a convenient bonus.

The Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North/Near the Domain, a 3-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, provides spacious and clean rooms. Reviewers frequently highlight the great and delicious breakfast, and the staff are noted for being friendly and helpful.

Question 8

Which cheap Austin hotels are near Austin, TX (AUS-Austin-Bergstrom Intl.)?

Accepted Answer

For cheap hotels near Austin, TX (AUS-Austin-Bergstrom Intl.), the Hyatt Place Austin Airport is an excellent choice.

The 3-star Hyatt Place Austin Airport, with an impressive 9.2 rating, is conveniently located just 0.6 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Guests consistently praise the friendly and amazing staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and the excellent, delicious breakfast. Key amenities that offer great value include a free 24-hour airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary buffet breakfast. Free toiletries and free cribs are also available, adding to its practical appeal.

Question 9

Is Austin a budget-friendly destination?

Accepted Answer

While Austin is generally considered to be a more expensive city in the United States, travellers can absolutely experience its vibrant culture and attractions on a budget with some smart planning.

For accommodation, look for options slightly outside the immediate downtown area, such as in East Austin or South Austin. These neighbourhoods often offer more affordable hotels, guesthouses, or short-term rentals and are still well-connected to the city's main attractions by public transport or ride-sharing services. Solo travellers might find excellent value in hostels located nearer the university campus.

Couples can enjoy many of Austin's best experiences for free or at a low cost. Stroll along South Congress Avenue for unique shops and street art, or relax by Barton Springs Pool (though a small entry fee applies, it's a refreshing dip). Many parks, like Zilker Metropolitan Park, offer ample space for picnics, and hiking or cycling trails along Lady Bird Lake are completely free. For live music, a hallmark of Austin, seek out venues that offer free shows, especially on weeknights, or those with very low cover charges.

Food can also be budget-friendly if you embrace Austin's famous food truck scene. These culinary hubs offer a vast array of delicious and affordable options, from tacos to BBQ. Many local breweries also have food trucks on-site, providing a great atmosphere for a relaxed meal.

Question 10

How can I save on a budget hotel in Austin with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Austin. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards program, to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel booking. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Question 11

What cheap hotels in Austin offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels in Austin that offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes, you have several excellent choices, all highly-rated 3-star properties.

The 3-star Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North/Near the Domain, with a 9.4 rating, provides rooms with full kitchens. Guests often praise the spacious and clean rooms, and the hotel also offers a complimentary grocery shopping service and a delicious free breakfast on weekends.

Similarly, the 3-star TownePlace Suites by Marriott Austin Northwest/The Domain Area, also rated 9.4, features convenient kitchenettes in its comfortable and clean rooms. Reviewers consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, and a great buffet breakfast is included.

Another fantastic option is the 3-star Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin/Cedar Park-Lakeline, boasting a 9.4 rating. Its spacious and clean rooms come equipped with kitchens, and guests can enjoy a free grocery shopping service and a delicious buffet breakfast.

The 3-star TownePlace Suites by Marriott Austin Round Rock, rated 9.4, offers rooms with kitchens. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms and the convenient location, along with an excellent complimentary continental breakfast.

Finally, the 3-star Residence Inn Austin-University Area, with a 9.4 rating, provides rooms with kitchens.

Question 12

Which cheap hotels in Austin have good reviews for customer service?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels in Austin with great customer service, travellers often praise The Frances Modern Inn, Drury Inn & Suites Austin North, and Heywood Hotel.

The Frances Modern Inn, a 3-star hotel with an impressive 9.8 rating, consistently receives excellent feedback for its amazing and friendly staff and excellent service. Guests also benefit from free WiFi throughout the property.

Another outstanding option is the 3-star Drury Inn & Suites Austin North, rated 9.6. Its staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful, and guests particularly appreciate the excellent breakfast staff. This hotel also offers complimentary breakfast and free self-parking, adding to its great value.

The Heywood Hotel, a 3-star hotel with a superb 10.0 rating, is highly regarded for its attentive staff.

Question 13

Are there any cheap hotels in Austin that allow for late check-out or early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several budget-friendly hotels in Austin are great for handling non-standard arrival or departure times, though specific policies can vary.

The 3-star Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin/Round Rock, TX, with an 8.8 rating, offers early check-in and late check-out options, which can be particularly convenient for travellers. Guests frequently praise the comfortable and clean rooms and the excellent, extremely helpful staff. The free breakfast and quiet location also contribute to its high value.

Another excellent choice is the 3-star SpringHill Suites by Marriott Austin Parmer/Tech Ridge, rated 8.4. This hotel also accommodates early check-in and late check-out. Reviewers often highlight the spacious and clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and fantastic free breakfast.

The 3-star Residence Inn by Marriott Austin Southwest, with a superb 9.4 rating, provides early check-in options. Guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, spacious rooms, and great free breakfast.

Atwell Suites Austin Airport by IHG, rated 9.4, is another great option for flexible check-in and check-out. This hotel offers a convenient location, comfortable rooms, and excellent service, making it a solid choice for those needing flexibility around their flight times. They also provide free airport transportation.

Finally, the 3-star Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin NW near The Domain, with a 9.2 rating, offers early check-in and late check-out. This hotel is commended for its spacious and clean rooms, friendly staff, and good free breakfast. Its location is also considered great by many guests.

A good tip for any hotel is to contact them directly after booking.

Question 14

What free activities should we do in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Austin offers a fantastic array of free activities, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious solo travellers. You can easily fill your itinerary without spending a penny while experiencing the city's unique culture and natural beauty.

For those who love the outdoors, a visit to Zilker Metropolitan Park is a must. This expansive urban park is superb for a leisurely stroll, a relaxing afternoon by Barton Springs Pool (swimming here has a small fee, but lounging by its edge is free), or simply enjoying the green space. Nearby, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail offers stunning views of the city skyline and Lady Bird Lake, ideal for a walk or run. You can also explore the Texas State Capitol Building, an impressive architectural marvel offering free self-guided tours during opening hours.

Music lovers will appreciate the numerous opportunities to catch live performances without a cover charge. Many bars and venues along South Congress Avenue and in the Red River Cultural District frequently host free shows, especially earlier in the evening. Keep an eye out for local listings to find out where the best free gigs are happening. Additionally, strolling along South Congress Avenue itself is an activity; you can browse quirky shops (window shopping is free.) and soak in the vibrant setting.

Finally, for a unique Austin experience, head to the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk between March and October to witness the spectacular flight of North America's largest urban bat colony.

Question 15

Is it cheaper to book flights and a hotel in Austin as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

Question 16

Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Austin for you.

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Our top choices for Austin cheap hotels

1. The Inn at Green Pastures

2. 1 Hotel Austin

3. Hotel ZaZa Austin

4. Hampton Inn by Hilton Austin East Side 5th Street

5. The Eastside Lodge Austin

6. Omni Austin Hotel

7. Fairmont Austin

8. The Carpenter Hotel

9. Holly House

10. AT&T Hotel & Conference Center at the University of Texas

11. Lynn's Lodging

12. The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel

13. Austin Marriott Downtown

14. ROOST Rainey

15. Hotel Saint Cecilia

16. The Loren Hotel Austin, WorldHotels Luxury

17. Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels

18. Hotel San Jose

19. Austin Motel

20. Tru by Hilton Austin University Capitol District

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