The Extended Stay is actually in a perfect location for what you want to do. It's on the corner of 6th and Guadalupe, within walking distance of the Whole Foods Flagship store and Walton's, where you can get all sorts of yummy breakfast things to take back to your room. You are also within walking distance of several new bars and clubs on West 6th, as well as within just a few blocks of the Warehouse District. It's by no means "fancy", but it's a great location, usually reasonably priced, and will give you some extra space and a kitchenette. If you do decide to rent a car, it is also one of the only hotels that offers free parking in an actual parking lot adjacent to the hotel, not in a garage several blocks away.

The car is king in Texas and things are spread out. Mr. Ted is spot on (as usual) about the best choice if you're trying to avoid using a car. The type of music and/or venue your looking for could also affect your choices. For example, I would highly recommend Gruene Hall (about a 45 minute drive south) for a Texas Dance Hall experience if you're in to that kind of music.

Got a question for Austin Experts - Do you have any recommendations for places featuring "hand-crafted cocktails" or "pre-prohibition" style drinks? That's a big trend here in SA - with several new bars opening in the last few years.

This is a brand new hotel that just opened and their suites have Mwave and frig:

…hilton.com/en/…index.html

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OCTOBOY, here are some places featuring hand-crafted cocktails:

http://eastsideshowroom.com (Speakeasy you mentioned)

The W Hotel Bar

www.thethreadaustin.com/2010/11/haddingtons/

Austin’s Sixth Street welcomes Haddingtons, an American tavern and restaurant inspired by culture, heritage and British-influenced American cuisine. Opening in December at 601 W. Sixth St. in the heart of downtown’s hip restaurant and bar scene, Haddingtons is the latest restaurant creation from New York City restaurateur Michael Polombo, owner of Austin’s popular Mulberry restaurant and bar. With a chef-driven menu and handcrafted specialty cocktails served in warm, stylish surroundings that thoughtfully pay homage to the early American industrial era, Haddingtons offers a dining experience unlike anything else in Central Texas.

…eater.com/archives/2012/05/25/weather-up-st…

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=hand+crafted+cocktail&find_loc=austin%2C+TX&ns=1&ls=3572f0a0dc6308d1

You've been given some good advice, and while we think Gruene Hall is great, it's definitely not a place to drink and then drive back to Austin.

Extended Stay America is quite a bargain. Basic hotel, kitchenette, free parking, and in a fantastic location for downtown drinking and eating.

Free parking comes into play in you want to rent a car for a day or two.

On this board, someone just mentioned getting the Radisson for $115 a night. That's another good choice. You would have to pay overnight parking if you're there. But again, staying there, you don't need a car unless you venture outside Austin.

Try to start an evening off with Esther's Follies at 6th and Red River. And have a drink at the Driskill Hotel bar, grand old hotel that's beautifully restored.

Welcome to Austin!

Thanks Georgetowngal... Haddington's looks interesting. I'm more of a beer and whiskey person, but I think the wife would really like a place like that.