HOTEL INDIGO AUSTIN DOWNTOWN - UNIVERSITY BY IHG, Austin

The hotel sits at the corner of Red River and 9th Street, placing Stubb's BBQ, 6th Street nightlife, and East Austin dining within a short walk. Shoal Beach is 2 km. The immediate area is lively but has a noticeable homeless presence; venturing alone late at night may feel uncomfortable. For car-free travel, use ride-shares or walk to nearby attractions - the Capitol, Lady Bird Lake, and Rainey Street are all reachable on foot. The airport is a 20-minute drive.

Rooms range from doubles with city or pool views to spacious suites with separate sitting areas. Standard bathrooms feature walk-in showers (suites and accessible rooms may have bathtubs). Some rooms have connecting doors for groups. The decor is modern but may show wear: worn chair arms, small rooms without balconies, and dim lighting have been noted. USB ports are not available; bring a charging block. In-room fridges can be noisy. The A/C compressors in some rooms cycle loudly; road-facing rooms are affected by late-night music. Earplugs are provided. Noise-reducing insulation from outside sound is reported as good.

Breakfast includes continental, American, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, plus breakfast-to-go. The dinner menu features dishes like seafood pasta and avocado toast. The bar offers a range of cocktails (tonic machine may be unavailable). The restaurant and bar share a hot, muggy lobby - fans are used but not always sufficient. Special diet menus are available on request. Several restaurants, including Pelons Tex Mex and Hoboken Pie, are within a 5-minute walk, offering variety for other meals.

The pool is open year-round 07:00-22:00 and features a bar with drinks and light food. The fitness centre is equipped for a solid workout. No spa is available. Off-site activities include canoeing, fishing, hiking, walking tours, and live music (most with additional charges). The pool deck offers loungers, day bungalows, and umbrellas. During periods of technical issues, the pool area may close without notice. The pool water and furniture cleanliness have been inconsistent.

A minimarket, lift, and facilities for disabled guests are available. The front desk can hold packages and provide luggage storage. Housekeeping is daily but may not service rooms if a 'Do Not Disturb' sign is out. Room service attracts an 18% automatic gratuity. Laundry and meeting/banquet facilities are available for an additional charge. The lobby has been noted as uncomfortably hot; fans are provided. Shared parking garage with the Holiday Inn Express - use level -4 for direct lobby access.