The hotel offers both valet parking ($30) and self-parking ($26); it appeared that the garage was underground. We used the valet service because the difference in price was not worth the effort to park our car ourselves. This hotel is located adjacent to the convention center, although there is no connected/undercover access.
The hotel location is great - just across the street from the Austin Convention Center and many other hotels, bars, and restaurants. There are plenty of taxis (both motorized and pedicabs) just outside the main entrance.
The hotel features a large rooftop pool area on the 8th floor. There are a good number of lounge chairs, and there is also plenty of space to lay a towel on the cement or faux grass if the number of people exceeds the number of chairs. A semi-permanent small bar with bar seating is available, which is staffed during the pool hours. There is also a grouping of lounge-type sofas and chairs with fluffy cushions on one corner of the deck. Smoking is not permitted on the terrace.
The Tower fitness center/spa is large, with about 20+ machines and free weights, and several different kinds of treatment rooms for massages, facials, and pedicures. Saunas are also available, and the entire fitness facility is manned by attendants. You must pass through the fitness center/spa to enter the pool area.
Our room was somewhat small, but featured a sofabed and king-size bed. The room had a mini-bar, although it was locked and we did not request the key. The closet contained 1 bathrobe but no slippers, and there was no evening turndown provided. The number of towels (two 3-piece set of washcloth, hand towel, and bath towel) was a little skimpy for our needs, particularly because they were not replaced because of the non-existent evening turndown.
The lobby is large and attractive. The hotel contains several dining/drinking venues, including Java Jive (which serves Starbucks products and has both indoor and outdoor seating), Finn & Porter (a steakhouse with both indoor and outdoor seating), and the Liberty Tavern (a more casual, standard-hotel-fare restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner). There is a small fashion store in the lobby (it is not a hotel gift shop), as well as a UPS outlet.
When we checked in, no one informed us of the executive lounge hours or features, so we cannot comment on the lounge facility or the breakfast offering.
For the most part, we enjoyed our stay at the Hilton Austin and would consider staying here again if we find ourselves in Austin.
