I just got back from the Radisson in Austin. I had no problems with anything. The room was basic chain hotel but very clean and decent quality. The cleaning staff cleaned it immediately after we left every day. We would go have breakfast and each day it was totally serviced when we returned.
The sleep number bed was fine. I wouldn't go out and buy one, but I slept well every night on it. Nice fluffy comforter and pillows, good sheets, and reasonably thick towels. The shampoo, conditioner, and soap were nothing special but were good enough to use every day. (I usually have to go out and buy my own at other hotels.)
We were on the top (12th) floor, and had no noise issues. The air conditioning worked well, although it seemed to dry out my sinuses a bit. But I'm pretty sensitive to that kind of thing.
The pool was good. I am a pool connoisseur, so I can't say that this was a super wonderful one. But it was large enough to swim laps, there was always plenty of room for sunbathing, and they had nice pool towels. It was not crowded, even on Saturday and Sunday. You could order drinks, but service was spotty. I just went inside to the bar at Friday's, though, and they served me quickly. They seem to only skim the pool once in the morning, so by afternoon there are a few leaves and whatnot in the pool, but nothing serious enough to deter swimming.
It was nice to have the Friday’s onsite, but with so many other local (non-chain) places within quick walking distance, we didn’t use it much. But good for a nightcap before bed, or for pool drinks and snacks. The bartenders were friendly and fast. There is a Starbucks onsite too, and a little gift shop.
One minor problem. I had booked a king room through Orbitz, and I arrived early. I couldn’t check into a king room until 3:00 (normal check in time) that day. At 3:00 the hotel suddenly couldn’t find my reservation. Eventually they did, but it was a bit annoying.
This place is within easy walking distance to tons of bars and restaurants. I recommend Las Manitas (211 Congress) for a wonderful Mexican breakfast. Try the plato de chorizo (US $6.95). Malaga (208 W. 4th St.) serves a fabulous Mexican martini. The Roaring Fork (701 Congress) has superb steak, although a bit pricey. Darwin’s Pub (223 E. 6th St.) serves great margaritas and has one of those bar trivia games, as well as a pool table. I loved Manuel’s (310 Congress) for dinner, especially the enchiladas verdes and the bittersweet chocolate bread pudding. Yum! And don’t forget the Ironworks (100 Red River) for Texas barbeque. Huge portions of the best ribs ever. These were the meatiest beef ribs I’d ever had.
I would recommend this Radisson. I didn’t use the parking garage or the business center, so I can’t comment on them. We did use the free WiFi in the lobby and at the pool, and it worked fine.
