By Melissa Voelker
If you are traveling to
Austin, Texas, and are interested in staying in a hotel with some historical significance, you may want to check out the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel. Located in downtown just blocks away from the entertainment district, this hotel has been around for more than 80 years and offers several guest room styles, dining facilities, and even banquet rooms and a business center for guests traveling for business instead of just pleasure.
History
Named for the famous Texas colonist, Stephen F. Austin, this hotel was first opened in 1924. Its first major renovation happened in 1938 when more floors were added to the existing building, and its last major renovation happened in 1998 when the facilities were modernized and restored.
Size
The Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel is 16 stories tall and holds 191 guest rooms.
Location
The downtown location of this hotel places it within easy walking distance of sites such as the State Capitol, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and the University of Texas. It is also only a few blocks from 6th Avenue, the entertainment hub of the city.
Features
Amenities at the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel include air conditioning, cable TV, high-speed Internet access in some rooms, and an in-room safe. There are regular and deluxe room styles available, as well as suites. Two on-site eateries and a room-service menu can meet your dining needs, and a bar/club can meet your drinking and socializing needs. There is a fitness center with a sauna, lap pool, and a variety of exercise equipment available for guest use.
Considerations
The only parking available at the hotel is done by valet service, and you will be charged a daily fee. You may also find that the regular rooms are smaller than what you might find at a modern hotel, as they are based on plans from many years ago.
Resources
About the Author:
Melissa Voelker has been a professional writer since 2002. She works full time at a TV station in the commercial traffic department and also writes for Paperbackreader.com and Pinkraygun.com. Her articles have appeared in "Listen," "The Spokesman Review" and "Freepress Houston."
