303 W 15th St,Austin,Texas
4 (1236)
Reviews
I don't write reviews very often. But as I sit here writing this the hotel is performing some unannounced/unexpected maintenance in the room above me. Like removing tile or flooring with what sounds like a jackhammer (to the point that my ears are ringing and I'm certain it is over the allowable decibels for me to not be wearing ear protection) as I try to work and hold business calls and meetings. I don't think that I would have even have written a review if, when the front desk was informed that is was going on - they moved the person from the floor below me. Now up to the floor above me. Honestly, I know that hotels have maintenance or other things like this that come up from time to time (fire alarm testing, etc). That is not the issue. It is the fact that there was zero notice given ahead of time, no warning. Just as I was talking on a Teams call the noise began and without being able to hear or be heard I had to leave the call and send an apology email. A simple note and I would have been sitting happily in another area of the hotel or at a Starbucks. *By the way, the service at the front desk, valet stand, restaurant was very very good. This isn't a review toward them. I really enjoyed the other aspects of the hotel. It is really lack of management respect for their guests time and ear drums that deserves one star.
After reading some of the reviews prior to staying here, I have to say I arrived with a sense of trepidation. But here is my take: the folks doing the valet parking were extremely courteous and answered the questions I had, the gentlemen at the front desk (sorry I didn’t learn names) were friendly and helpful, my room was clean and the air conditioner more than did the job. It was also very quiet at night, which is a big plus. I spent four nights here and enjoyed it very much.
Dated old hotel with mold around the bathtub and dry rot at the base of the walls. Not what you would expect in an old nostalgic hotel. It’s just dated with distasteful flooring.. nothing you would expect for the money. Air conditioning wouldn’t cool the bedroom area. One hot night. I don’t write bad reviews but this is what reviews are about. I wish someone had shared their experience before I chose this hotel. Very friendly staff but the food leaves a lot to be desired. There were a few grunts from patrons as their breakfast arrived. The $28 buffet might be a better choice.. The $50 valet parking is normal but the choice to self park is frustrating. We will definitely not be staying here when in Austin. This hotel should not be under the Hilton brand. It also smelled like.. butt. I was generous with the service rating. Bad management is what it comes down to.
As I was going through my previous hotel stays, I realized that I forgot to rate/comment on this property (delinquent by 2 years), but I did remember our stay here since we flew in to Austin to attend a wedding. First and foremost, my family and I really enjoyed the time in this hotel. Although I wasn't too enthusiastic on paying for parking, I did appreciate the folks doing the valet service - all were professional and friendly. The room rates were decent for being a Hilton property in the downtown area. The room itself was clean and our view from the room was decent (we're from Las Vegas so I guess we're just used to different scenery). The hospitality services overall were great (housekeeping personnel were friendly and helpful whenever I asked for something). Location of this property was good with the exception of a few (unfortunate) homeless individuals walking around across the street and yelling at you as you walk past them - it was great having Starbucks and 7-Eleven within walking distance of the property. The state capitol building was nearby if you're interested in seeing that structure. The wedding we attended was in that building so it was appreciative of the close proximity (driving) from the hotel. Although the hotel doesn't offer free breakfast, the food they serve there was great! I also enjoyed that bar area in the hotel - was definitely relaxing to grab a couple drinks and sit outside near the pool area. Highly recommend this property to visitors (even locals).
I stayed here twice recently and in our second trip to the hotel, had a medical emergency within our travel party. The hotel staff was so helpful and accommodating. They helped us with our luggage, rooms and vehicles, and with the paramedics on site. Joe really went above and beyond at the front desk. Superb service.