Where is the best place to stay downtown Austin, Texas & what are they must-see places/restaurants?

heard the 6th street area is fun. looking for authentic plces to eat that or something that Austin is known for.

Public Comments

1. Well, the Omni Downtown is very fancy and a great place to stay, but if you want something nice but not as expensive you've got the Marriott which is a bit better deal. Four Seasons, Driscoll, and if you want cheaper then there are a few LaQuinta's and Motel 6's around as well. Some of the better rest. would depend on the type of food you like. Some of the best places for me would be Nuevo Leon, Magnolia's, Shady Grove, Sullivan's steak house...there are so many!! You will have to experience 6th st. at least once in your life, but I like the wharehouse dist. a little more now that I'm in my 30's. I like dive bars too though, so take your pick...there are lot's of bars in austin that are worth going to. Draught Haus, G&S, Mean Eyed Cat....just to name a few. Hope you come and have big fun!
2. Well, it really depends on your budget and what is important to you. The Marriott is actually now the Sheraton, but it's on 11th/I-35 so it's not ideally located. It's also around the same cost as comparable, full service hotels downtown, so you may as well stay somewhere closer to the action. If cost is not of importance to you, check out the Driskill or the Stephen F Austin. Both have fantastic bars and restaurants, and the Stephen F has a rooftop bar overlooking Congress Ave. The Omni is right there as well. They're all a block from the 6th street bars. If you really do your research on hotels, you can usually find pretty good deals. If you're looking for something not as expensive, there's a Courtyard and Residence Inn right next to each other on San Jacinto and 4th, only 2 blocks from the 6th St. bars. If you're more budget conscious, try either La Quinta on 11th/San Jacinto or Extended Stay America on 6th/Guadalupe. Both are a little out of the way, but you can either get a cheap cab or walk 5 or 6 blocks to the action. Extended Stay doesn't have parking charges, but LQ is valet only, about $12/day. As far as restaurants go, most of the places (that I know of) that are downtown are either just so-so or are chain restaurants. That's certainly not a bad thing, but you may as well experience the city since there's so much to offer here. If you venture a little further south on Congress, you should go to Guerro's for a little TexMex. Once you're done, walk across the street to Hey Cupcake! for an amazing treat. You can also walk up and down South Congress to see all the great shops.
3. I don't know anything about hotels, but you have to go to Chuy's while you're in Austin. It's a great tex-mex restaurant with a really fun atmosphere and good prices (similar to the prices at an Applebee's or Olive Garden). I'd also suggest going by 6th Street- it's one of the best places to party I've ever been to.