Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

This large mid-range hotel isn't necessarily hip by Austin standards, but decor is bright and contemporary, with a bit of personality that's expected from the Hyatt Place chain. A stone pillar sits by the entrance to the lobby, which has plenty of seating, along with dramatic light fixtures and modern art. The color palette comes in blues and soft earth tones, though pops of coral and orange, along with the occasional light wood accent, look fresh and inviting. The 24/7 Gallery, the hotel's restaurant that's open around the clock, has long communal tables, round tables, and booths and several flat-screen TVs that give it the vibe of an airport bar. The indoor pool gets some light, and the gym is large and well-equipped. The hotel should suit business travelers, given its location a block from the convention center, and travelers that aren't in search of Austin's hipster vibe.

The hotel sits one block from the Austin Convention Center and is a few blocks from the Downtown MetroRail station. It’s surrounded by other chain hotels and is across the street from a Mexican restaurant and a convenience store. The Sixth Street Historic District -- lined with bars and restaurants and home to an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (a movie theater with food service) -- is a five- to 10-minute walk from the hotel depending on the destination. The Rainey Street Historic District is a 12-minute walk, and it’s a 10-minute drive, or a half hour trip via public transportation, to Lady Bird Lake. The trendy SoCo district is a 10- to 15-minute drive, or about a half-hour away via public transportation, and it’s about a 25 minute drive to North Loop, another hip neighborhood. Expect trips to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to take 25 minutes.

The 296 rooms are larger than many in town, and the modern decor looks fresh, with an abundance of gray and taupe alongside mid-tone wood-veneer furniture with clean lines. One of the nicer perks of the rooms is the partially separate living area composed of gray sectionals, sharp red pillows, an ottoman, and work desk. Subdued photographs of flowers bring an extra dash of color and personality to the otherwise straightforward spaces, and flooring includes tiled areas and neutral carpeting. Amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Rooms on the higher floors have better views of downtown Austin. Bathrooms have roomy glass-doored stall showers and long vanities with plenty of storage space, though the sliding bathroom doors may compromise privacy for some guests. Upgraded Kenet MD products are offered. Be aware that room walls are thin, and noise travels throughout hotel interiors.

Room rates include a free buffet breakfast with hot items such as breakfast sandwiches and oatmeal, along with breads, yogurt, and fruit. The 24/7 Gallery -- open, as its name implies, 24 hours -- serves flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, cocktails, beer, and Starbucks coffee, while the attached market sells bottled drinks, to-go salads and sandwiches, and baked goods. The mid-size indoor pool has some lounge chairs and small tables nearby, and a wall of windows at one end allowing in a bit of natural light. The large fitness center, which has a good selection of modern cardio and weight machines plus free weights and exercise balls, is open 24 hours. The business center has four desktop computers, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.