Staybridge Suites Austin Northwest

Given its proximity to three major company headquarters and the rooms' full kitchens, this suburban Staybridge Suites is popular with business travelers and families on extended stays. The lovely two-story lobby has a natural stone fireplace with sofas and broad armchairs around it, giving it the casual look and vibe of a rustic resort lodge. Natural light flows in from a huge two-story window, and guests can have breakfast at one of the many tables placed throughout the lobby. It's not high style, but the ambience is pleasant enough to encourage lingering over a second -- or third -- cup of coffee.

The Staybridge Suites is about 15 miles northwest of downtown Austin, off I-183 in the Arboretum District, which has both residential and commercial developments. It's a five- to 15-minute drive to the headquarters of such companies as Apple, Flextronics, and State Farm. Popular nearby attractions include the Austin Aquarium (a six-minute drive), the Arboretum shopping complex (an eight-minute drive) and Lakeline Mall (a 10-minute drive). Most of the major downtown sites, including the Austin Convention Center, Texas State Capitol, Frank Erwin Center, and Sixth Street Historic District, are about a 20- to 25-minute drive from the hotel. The University of Texas campus is about a 15- to 20-minute drive, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about a 35-minute drive. The hotel operates a free weekday shuttle within a five-mile radius. While no restaurants are within walking distance, many are within a few minutes' drive.

All 80 rooms at the Staybridge are suites, and include Studios, and One- and Two-bedroom units with either queen, king, or two double beds. Studios are one open room, while One- and Two-Bedroom Suites have separate living and kitchen areas. All units include full kitchens with granite countertops, full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, toasters, microwaves, stoves, coffeemakers, dishware, pots, and utensils. Decor is subdued and pleasant, if a bit dated, with light-yellow walls, grayish-green carpeting, brown sofas, and executive-style desks with brown-leather chairs and multi-media plug-ins. All suites come with free Wi-Fi, two-line telephones with voice mail, iHome clock radio/docking stations, flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Multicolored bolster pillows and framed contemporary art add splashes of brightness. Larger suites have dark-granite breakfast bars with two chairs and two flat-screen TVs. Wooden vanities with dark-granite tops are positioned outside the bathrooms, which have walk-in showers with clear glass doors. The Suites are generally quiet, but some guests have complained about hearing other guests coming and going. Most rooms look out on the hotel grounds, adjacent highway, and neighboring commercial buildings. Pets are welcome in select suites with a surcharge. 

As a mid-range hotel, the Staybridge Suites Austin NW has a fair amount of extra features and perks. A daily hot breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and served in the lobby. There's also free weeknight receptions that include beer, wine, and a light dinner. The hotel's fitness center is open 24 hours a day and has a range of cardio- and weight-training equipment, including free weights. And a heated outdoor pool, surrounded by loungers and pati o furniture, gives another spot to stay active or just take a dip. The 24-hour business center has two computer stations with Internet access and a printer, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Business travelers can also make use of the on-site meeting room that can accommodate up to 40 people. The hotel operates free weekdays shuttle service within a five-mile radius and offers free on-site parking.