Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown-University: A Comprehensive Review
The Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown-University, situated in Austin's vibrant Red River nightlife district, offers a compelling stay for those seeking to immerse themselves in the city's dynamic atmosphere. Located across from the iconic Stubb's BBQ, the hotel's location is ideal for exploring Austin's celebrated live music scene, attending conferences, visiting the Texas State Capitol, or touring the University of Texas at Austin. This review delves into various aspects of the hotel, drawing upon firsthand experiences and aggregated guest feedback to provide a comprehensive overview.
Booking and Value
Securing a reservation at the Hotel Indigo can be achieved through various means, including cash bookings and IHG Rewards points. It's worth noting that some offers mentioned may no longer be available, and it's always best to view the current offers. While the property was once available on the IHG PointBreaks list for 15,000 points per night, those nights sold out quickly. Standard redemption rates are around 40,000 IHG points per night, which TPG values at $240. Cash rates typically start around $150 per night, although they can fluctuate significantly based on demand and season.
Travelers with the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card can leverage the card's fourth-night-free benefit to save on longer stays. One five-night stay was booked for 60,000 IHG points, a value of approximately $360 based on TPG's valuations, thanks to this perk.
Prime Location in Downtown Austin
The Hotel Indigo's location is a major draw for many visitors. Nestled in the eastern part of downtown Austin, it's surrounded by the energetic Red River bars to the north and south and adjacent to the renowned Stubb's BBQ. The view from the rooms facing east overlooks Stubb's outdoor concert venue.
The hotel's strategic location provides easy access to numerous attractions:
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- Nightlife: Sixth Street is a short walk south, while Rainey Street's bars and the restaurants on East Sixth and Seventh Streets are within a 15-minute walk to the southeast.
- Convention Center: The Austin Convention Center is approximately a 12-minute walk south.
- University of Texas: The edge of the University of Texas at Austin campus is about a 20-minute walk northwest.
- State Capitol: The grounds of the state capitol are less than a 10-minute walk northwest.
While the presence of a nearby homeless shelter may concern some guests, personal experience suggests that the area remains generally safe.
Check-In Experience
Early check-in requests are accommodated based on availability. In one instance, a call was made at 11:00 AM to inquire about early check-in, and the hotel contacted the guest at 2:45 PM, shortly before the official check-in time.
The check-in process itself was efficient, although there was a missed opportunity to acknowledge IHG Platinum elite status. Despite this, a complimentary upgrade to a King District View Studio Suite was provided, a rare occurrence for domestic stays.
Comfortable and Well-Equipped Rooms
The King District View Studio Suite offers a spacious and comfortable environment. The suite features a large king bed with nightstands equipped with storage and individual lights. A wooden desk with a rolling chair provides a functional workspace, complete with ample power outlets, wired internet, and a desk lamp. Additional amenities include a dresser with drawers, a Keurig coffee machine with coffee and tea pods, and a large flat-screen TV.
The sitting area includes an L-shaped sectional and a coffee table, creating a relaxing space. A large closet with hangers and storage space, along with a bench and a long mirror with hooks.
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The bathroom is generously sized, offering sufficient counter space. It is equipped with Aveda shampoo, conditioner, bar soaps, lotion, and a makeup-remover towelette. Thoughtful touches include a basket under the sink for towels.
One significant drawback was the poor sound insulation of the connecting door to the adjacent room. Noise from neighboring guests was easily audible, disrupting the sense of privacy.
Food and Beverage Options
The hotel's lobby restaurant and bar serve as a coffee shop during the day, offering a range of coffee drinks. Happy hour specials and evening drink discounts are available on weekdays.
Room service offers reasonably priced options, with breakfast items ranging from pastries to omelets, and lunch and dinner options including salads and a ribeye steak. For those seeking local flavors, Stubb's BBQ on Red River Street and Easy Tiger on Sixth Street are highly recommended.
Amenities and Services
The Hotel Indigo shares a rooftop pool and bar with the Holiday Inn Express, offering views of downtown Austin. The pool area includes cabanas, making it a pleasant spot for relaxation. The pool is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, although the pool bar's hours may be limited to weekends.
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A well-equipped gym is located on the same floor as the pool, featuring treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, and weight-training machines. A small seating area with computers and a printer is available in the lobby.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided, along with wired internet access in each room. The hotel utilizes the IHGConnect framework for easy connectivity.
Valet parking is the only parking option, costing $35 per day plus tax.
Guest Feedback Summary
Guest reviews generally highlight the hotel's cleanliness, excellent location, and good amenities. The noise from nearby live music venues is a recurring concern, affecting some guests' sleep. The staff receives positive feedback for their service, and the breakfast options are well-regarded.
Potential Improvements
While the Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown-University offers a solid experience, several areas could be improved:
- Soundproofing: Addressing the noise issue from adjacent rooms by improving the sound insulation of connecting doors.
- Elevator Access: Streamlining the elevator access system to reduce the need for repeated card taps.
- Elite Recognition: Ensuring consistent recognition of IHG elite members during check-in.
tags: #hotel #indigo #austin #downtown #university #review
