The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel

The Stephen F. Austin is our go to hotel in Austin. It is a classic. Location is downtown and convenient for driving located on Congress Avenue. Our room was excellent. It was spacious enough to include the queen size bed, credenza, sleeper sofa, desk, chair and closet. The bathroom was well lit, including a night light. The shower offered instant hot water. Counter space was all that we needed. The bed was most comfortable being a pillow top as were the linens. The hotel was clean. It has a warm character, not like what I call hotels that feel like sterile boxes. We enjoyed dinner at Roaring Fork and breakfast at the breakfast venue. Check in was easy and they upgraded our room. The only concern was valet parking which cost $55.00 per night. We will return on our next trip to Austin.

This is not the Stephen F Austin Hotel I remember from years past. I used to travel to Austin frequently and always enjoyed staying here, but sadly, much of the old charm has been remodeled away. The unique character of the old rooms, including the tiled bathroom fixtures, is gone. Above the second floor, the hotel now resembles a generic corporate chain. While the location is excellent, I found the overall experience disappointing and overpriced for the level of service provided. There was no turndown service, no robes, and the shampoo dispensers in the shower felt more like something you'd find in a budget motel. Housekeeping had to be requested, and when I did ask, the staff member seemed noticeably irritated. Additionally, the valet service seemed expensive for the area. Unfortunately, the combination of these factors has left me feeling that this is no longer the exceptional hotel it once was. I don’t think I’ll be staying here again in the future.

Wonderful place..staff is great..friendly and helpful. Restaurant the Roaring Fork and the breakfast cafe were excellent..restaurant is larger than it appears!! Wait staff were great! Outside balcony area in the bar..very fun to sit and sip outside. Room was samll but that was the only bad thing I have to say..beds were great,coffee and tea available in room,did I say the beds were great..maybe the most comfortable I have had. Great location Would highly recommend

This historic downtown hotel is located far enough away to escape the mayhem of 6th Street that was hopping during our stay, which included the final day of SXSW and St. Patrick's Day. Sonesta appears to be prioritizing maintaining the historic charm and elegance of the first high-rise hotel in Austin, which opened in 1924. The Deluxe King Suite that I booked for my brother and I gave us each separate sleeping quarters and bathrooms (one shower). I was impressed by the comfort of the pullout sofa and by how soundproof the suite was. When my brother arrived in the middle of the night after a late flight, the heavy french doors shielded me from hearing any of his fumbling around! I took advantage of the spacious and clean fitness room that provided refreshing cold towels! There was a great variety of newer equipment that appeared to be well-maintained. I dined at the attached Roaring Fork Restaurant twice because it is a gem and quite convenient. At the end of a busy day of touring, we relaxed and enjoyed the sounds and sights, including a wonderful view (that includes the Capitol Building) of the heart of downtown from the second floor terrace, which is part of Stephen F's Bar & Terrace. Though costly, the Valet Service was excellent. The manager is wise to staff the gateway to the hotel with such pleasant and competent team members.

I decided to take in the full experience of SXSW by staying at the historic Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel since close to many activities like the movie premiers at the Paramount Theatre located next door. I valeted my vehicle where the parking attendants were super nice. They do not have a system to use either a QR code or text message to tip them so cash is the only option. The check-in process was quick and the front desk attendants are very professional and even remember your name. Unlike the new modern hotels downtown this one was a classic and elegant. The room had that wow factor full of luxury along with a huge bath. There was a nice view of the skyline, mini fridge, couch (pull-out bed), and separate vanity. The hotel has access to a pantry store, the Stephen F’s Bar and Terrace which is one of my favorite bars in Austin, Café Fuller where I enjoyed morning breakfast, and the Roaring Fork where I had dinner. They do have a fitness room and indoor pool & spa. The area around the hotel is very safe. Overall had a great stay.