For the traveler on a budget who chooses to stay in this area of South Congress Avenue, the Classic Inn offers 24 rooms, including eight bungalows with side doors leading to private parking stalls. The other rooms are more spacious, but guests must park in the lot. The rooms show wear but are neat, clean and functional. The bungalows have Texas limestone facades and really do remind passersby of another era. Insiders say the Hills Cafe next door was the only place in South Austin to get a steak for eons.
Smoking is permitted in all rooms.
Casual comfort is the hallmark of the Ramada, which features 103 guest rooms on six floors. As they say, the cream rises to the top, and the Ramada is no exception. For romantic getaways of all kinds, the Ramada features six Jacuzzi hot tub suites on the top floor. In each room, the double-sized Jacuzzi is up on risers in the center of the sleeping area and next to a picture window that offers a stunning view of downtown Austin's skyline. The hotel also offers six parlor suites in which the living area is divided by a door from the sleeping area.