The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
701 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
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4.5
#40 of 232 hotels in AustinLocation
Cleanliness
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Value
Travellers' Choice
GreenLeaders Bronze level
Immerse yourself in Austin's history and charm amid the unbridled elegance of the The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, located in the heart of The Live Music Capital of the World. Our Sonesta love of art comes to life in this splendid hotel - from our historic Art Deco façade and sophisticated décor to our carefully crafted cocktails and cuisine. Settle in to our beautifully appointed rooms and suites, and let our Texas hospitality wash over you.
Our two upscale-dining establishments add memorable flavors to your stay, as does our historic bar. Experience the Peloton Bike in our fitness center. Our 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space are all located on one level, adding convenience to your gathering of up to 400 attendees. And it's all centrally located at our Congress Avenue hotel in downtown Austin near famed attractions like Sixth Street and Rainey Street just to name a few.
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Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Wifi
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Parking
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
ATM on site
Doorperson
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
VIP room facilities
Iron
Flatscreen TV
On-demand films
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
701 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Getting there
Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
Austin-Bergstrom Intl Airport
11.1 km•
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1,674Review14Q+A100Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
The staff at this hotel are terrific. Very nice, competent and caring. But that is the only good part. This is not a four star hotel. It really isn't a three star hotel. There is no restaurant. There is an Intercontinental frequent guest club, but if you don't belong, no meals for you. Seriously, there is no restaurant in this hotel. There is no parking. Valet is good. But that is your only, expensive, choice. The hotel is old, so the rooms probably vary. But, for our two stays, the rooms (both times) were tiny and quite shabby. On one stay, there wasn't even a headboard on the bed. Nor was there a comforter. Just sheets and a blanket. The rooms, both times, were perhaps 150 square feet. The climate control is non existent. Sometimes it is cold, mostly it is hot. The noise from Sixth Street is very much a part of your night. You should bring earplugs, or you will be able to hear the lyrics of the bands quite clearly. Bathrooms not large enough to even close the door if you are standing in it. Certainly not large enough for two people to use. The sheets and towels are of modest quality. Not four star. Not Holiday Inn standard. Something lower. Again, these are nice people. But they aren't being honest by claiming that this is a four star business hotel. And, watch your bill. Our experience is that "miscellaneous fees" of $80 creep onto the bill. The front desk is happy to remove the fees, and apologetic - when you point them out. But, strange that it happens more than once. Similar things happen with charges from the bar (which is quite nice, with nice staff, but questionable billing practices). Really too bad. We forgave the first trip, thinking that we had an unusual experience. But after the second time, we won't be staying here again.
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Date of stay: August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Aug 12, 2013
Thank you for the feedback from your recent stay with us. I do apologize for what appears to have been a most frustrating stay. I'm sorry you were not made aware of the in-house restaurant, the Roaring Fork. While not owned by our hotel, it is easily accessed (with direct entrance from our lobby) and our guests may charge meals/beverages to their room when dining there. Breakfast is indeed provided at our property for a fee, again, my apologies if there was a misunderstanding. With regard to valet parking, it's true we are valet only however there is independent parking close by if you choose to use it. Again, my sincere apologies for the inconvenience you experienced and thank you for providing your comments.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The SFA (as they told me in their Tweet) is a very nice upscale hotel in the heart of Downtown Austin. Convenient for 6th Street and the Capitol. The staff were excellent at all points, very friendly and welcoming. The hotel is more European in style and all fittings are of high quality.
The pool was undergoing refurbishment at the time but the area with the gym was very nicely done.
All in all, an excellent stay. Well done to all the staff,
The pool was undergoing refurbishment at the time but the area with the gym was very nicely done.
All in all, an excellent stay. Well done to all the staff,
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Date of stay: July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Aug 12, 2013
Thank you for those very generous remarks! While it's true we have a privileged location next or close to so many great Austin venues, we are equally as proud of our wonderful staff and the consistent, great guest service they provide. We appreciate the fact that you found both aspects acceptable, and hope we are able to welcome you back very soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My recent stay at hotel was awesome! My family really enjoyed the stay because of the most friendly and hospitable staff!!
I strongly recommend this hotel for stay, you can’t find this level of service in another hotel in Austin. They credit goes to the management and the staff!!! Great job!!!
Looking forward to stay again and again!!!!
fm
I strongly recommend this hotel for stay, you can’t find this level of service in another hotel in Austin. They credit goes to the management and the staff!!! Great job!!!
Looking forward to stay again and again!!!!
fm
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Date of stay: July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Aug 6, 2013
Thank you so much for your very kind remarks! Testimonials, referrals and reviews and the most sincere compliments that you can offer us, and we truly appreciate that you took time out of your busy schedule to share. I hope we can welcome you and your family back in the very near future! Take care.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Staff was very helpful, the hotel lobby is very impressive. Our room was recently renovated and very nice and comfortable. The downtown central location was perfect, as we could walk to 6th street, shopping and the Capital. The only inconvenience was that the pool was not in operation, and even though we could visit the Omni's pool with our room key, this was too inconvenient to bother with.
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Date of stay: July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Jul 30, 2013
We are delighted that you found our hotel to have an excellent location for so many venues here in Austin! I am sorry though, that our pool was not available during your stay. Here's hoping your next trip to Austin brings you back to the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin where you can experience a dip in our newly-renovated lap pool! Thank you and have a delightful remainder of the summer!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was in town for an 8 day conference which I normally find very fatiguing in a hotel stay, but was very pleasantly impressed with the Intercontinental. The room was large, clean and all the amenities you could need were stocked in the room. Staff were very friendly and helpful with suggestions of place to go and the location was perfect for walking everywhere.
One disappointment, was that they charge for wifi in the room, which I find surprising for a hotel of this level. Fortunately, when I raised the issue, they immediately provided it complimentary for the week.
One disappointment, was that they charge for wifi in the room, which I find surprising for a hotel of this level. Fortunately, when I raised the issue, they immediately provided it complimentary for the week.
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Date of stay: June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Jul 30, 2013
Thank you for that kind review! The InterContinental's location is unique. It truly is easy to navigate around downtown Austin, regardless of whether you're sightseeing, looking for one of our wonderful restaurants or simply wanting some live music, we've got it covered! I hope we contributed toward making an otherwise non-exciting conference week away from home, into one that was memorable. Thank you again and hope to see you soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent 2 days here in June. The room was excellent could not fault anything and the staff could not have been more helpful. Location could have not been better. It enabled us to walk everywhere we needed to be.
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Date of stay: June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded Jun 17, 2013
I'm so glad you were pleased with our property, and hope we are able to welcome you back very soon! Thank you for your business!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Was in town for business, only one night but it was a good stay. I slept well. Decent accomodations, nice staff, top notch for Austin Texas. Valet guys do a great job. Only a block away from many restaurants as well. I recomend it if you are ever in Austin overnight.
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Date of stay: February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded May 30, 2013
Hello and thank you for the great feedback! We hope to see you again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I didn't stay at this hotel, but I visited the bar for drinks with a coworker. We had spotted the Terrace Bar on a previous trip and wanted to check it out. The bartender, Taylor, was very friendly and helpful. They have a broad selection of drinks and nice wine list. The atmosphere was great to enjoy a glass of wine outside on the terrace overlooking the capitol and the chairs/couches are very comfortable.
Overall it was a nice experience and will return on future trips.
Overall it was a nice experience and will return on future trips.
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Date of stay: May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded May 16, 2013
Thank you for those wonderful comments! We appreciate your feedback and your patronage.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed at the SFA for business meeting. The room was great. Upgraded to a suite. No complaints.
The meetings rooms were fine. The breakfasts and lunch provided were great.
Would choose SFA whenever visiting Austin.
The meetings rooms were fine. The breakfasts and lunch provided were great.
Would choose SFA whenever visiting Austin.
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Date of stay: May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded May 16, 2013
We appreciate your comments! Thank you for sharing!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We failed to make reservations, but the staff at the front desk were able to find us a room. The room was small and extremely nice and comfortable. We visited a local street event a few blocks away and had an amazing weekend out of town. We would highly recommend this older, but refurished hotel. It's a landmark hotel, elegant and affordable.
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Date of stay: May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from StepheFAustinHotel, Guest Relations Manager at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Responded May 16, 2013
Hello and thank you for taking time to provide feedback from your recent stay. We are so glad you found our property pleasing, and hope to see you again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I’m certain there’s probably a bus system but the airport isn’t near downtown . We took an Uber
Don't think so but you can check with the hotel for other possible arrangements.
We have an indoor salt water lap pool located in the lowest level.
"Some of the suites have bedrooms that back onto service hallways that can be noisy."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$311 - C$529 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
intercontinental stephen f. austin hotel austin, intercontinental austin
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin
LOCATION
United StatesTexasAustinDowntown
NUMBER OF ROOMS
190
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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