We stayed here for 2 nights on 3/28,29. First time to Austin. It worked out perfect. The price was reasonable too. Marriott offers a guaranty if you find the rate cheaper - they will match and give you an additional 20% off. After booking the room for $229, I found it for $199 on priceline.com. I inquired and price was reduced to $150 a night. The room layout could have been situated better. The small bathroom was right by the bed so the other person always had the bathroom light in their eye. No fan in the bathroom so mirror was always fogged up. It has a great location to walk to bars/restaurants and Congress bridge to see the bats. We arrived at the bridge at 7:30 pm and about 15 min later, bats came flying out. Bats will come out at dusk. Hotel included a buffet breakfast with a good selection of hot and cold foods. Also, included was an evening cocktail hour from 5 - 7 pm with free beer/wine and little munchies. There is a Marriott Courtyard attached to the Residence Inn. I'm sure if you stay there, you could still get the included freebies here. Parking is a little high but we managed to escape the first night. There are meters right across the street that do not charge between 5:30 pm and 8:30 am. There was a spot when we arrived so left it there overnight and moved the car in the morning to the garage. We ate at The Driskill for lunch (best hamburger/banana split) and reasonable. Did the duck boat tour. The water part was a little disappointing. All you do is go in the water, and the driver lets a few people steer in circles and then you come out. We were bored. If you do go, sit on the passenger side of the boat for better views.
