Stay at Ted's place if you want to feel like a local. It is a great balance of being in downtown where you can walk (if it's not too hot) but in a quiet area on a quiet street. The place is very well furnished--full kitchen with more than basic cooking supplies, several spices which we forgot to bring, tons of linens, books, and games as well as beach towels which you're going to need in Austin. He responded immediately to literally every email or text I sent him but also gave us complete privacy and it really felt like our own private house. The rooftop deck amongst the oaks is even cooler than you think it's going to be.