ORANGEWOOD INN AND SUITES MIDTOWN, Austin

The hotel sits right off Interstate 35, providing quick car access to downtown (13 km), the University of Texas, and the 6th Street entertainment district, all within about 15 minutes' drive. Ongoing construction around the hotel entrance can make entry and exit slower, so extra travel time is wise. Nearby shopping centres, supermarkets, and restaurants are a 10-15 minute drive, and the highway access also makes it a practical base for exploring the wider Austin area. Parking is free on site and well lit at night, with on-foot access to the building from the lot.

Guest rooms include a seating area, flat-screen cable TV, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, ironing facilities, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Beds are comfortable, and many rooms are spacious, though the decor in some rooms is older and in need of updating. The property has a mix of standard double rooms and suites with separate living areas. Road-facing rooms can hear constant highway noise, so a quiet room away from the front of the building is easier to sleep in. Several reports note a musty or moldy smell in some rooms, particularly with high humidity, and the air conditioning can be noisy. Strong cleaning scents are used throughout the hotel, which can be overwhelming for some. There is no USB ports, and some older rooms have dark cabinets and worn carpet. Balconies are not available. A hair dryer with strong power is provided. The lift was reported out of order at times.

The free breakfast includes hot items such as scrambled eggs and sausage, a waffle station, toast, bagels, yogurt, danish pastries, and juice. Breakfast hours are Monday-Friday 6 AM-8 AM and Saturday-Sunday 7 AM-9 AM. There is no restaurant or bar on-site, and the breakfast menu remains consistent day to day. The breakfast room uses disposable plates and cutlery, and the serving area is staffed. No hot tea was available in some periods, and fruit is not provided. There is a kid-friendly buffet option.

The outdoor pool is open seasonally, generally from 10 AM to 10 PM, with a fence around it, sun umbrellas, and pool towels provided. The fitness centre is open free of charge, with standard equipment that is kept in good order. A spa lounge/relaxation area is also on-site, but there is no full spa or wellness centre.

Free parking is available on site for cars and larger vehicles (up to 7.9 m), and an electric vehicle charging port is managed by Amp Up. The business centre has computers and fax/photocopy services, and meeting rooms are available for conferences. Free luggage storage and express check-in/check-out are offered. Daily housekeeping is included, but there is no laundry room on-site, and no airport shuttle. A safety deposit box is free at the front desk. The hotel is non-smoking throughout. There is an ATM on site, and the property accepts major credit cards plus cash for room payment, though a $50 hold on a major credit card is required at check-in. Wi-Fi is reliable and free in all areas.