If you are coming from out of town, you may find this page helpful. Listed is information on the city of Austin, the weather, getting around town, airport transportation, and hotels. Please pay special attention to the parking warnings since much of UT is closed off to through traffic during school hours. You may also want to direct inquiries to us via email.

Austin

Although Austin is the capital of Texas, it has a small town feel in comparison to cities like Dallas and Houston. Despite this, there is usually much to do once you arrive. Sixth Street and the Warehouse District, which are about a five-minute drive from the conference venue, is considered the center of Austin nightlife. And, because the weather is warm most of the year, outdoor activities are very much a part of Austin’s social scene. Below is a list of links that will give you an idea of the range of activities that are available in Austin.

• Austin Convention Bureau
• Austin City Search
• University of Texas Guide to Austin

Transportation

Fares for taxi cabs will run about $20-30 for trips from the airport to hotels that are near the conference. Suggestions are below.

• American Yellow Checker Cab Company - (512) 452-9999
• Austin Cab - (512) 478-2222

Shuttle services are also available and are often a more affordable alternative. A shuttle ride on Super Shuttle Super Shuttle from the airport to the university costs about $15 and is often most convenient since they are located next to baggage claim in the airport. The telephone number is: 1-800-258-3826.

Finally, the most affordable of transportation option is bus service. The Capital Metro bus service offers an airport bus route, and the schedule is located online. Also, Capital Metro has a weekend bus route providing passengers a safe, easy way to travel between Austin's many cultural, historic and outdoor attractions. Route 470, also known as "Tour the Town," runs every 45 minutes on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Hotel Information

Below is a list of hotel options that are convenient to the conference site and to Interstate 35. The prices listed are estimates. We suggest that you call the hotels directly for current ratesl. Make your reservation as soon as possible to be guaranteed a room. You can also check the Austin convention bureau hotel database or Yahoo Austin for a more complete listing of Austin hotels.

Inexpensive Hotels

Hostelling International- Austin
2200 South Lakeshore
Boulevard, Austin, TX 78741
Tel: 800-725-2331 or (512) 444-2294
Email: hiaustin@swbell.net
URL: www.hiaustin.org

Their prices start at $16.75, and this is actually a great location! The hostel is a renovated boathouse that is located on Town Lake and is central to several mass transit stops. You can also catch the North Riverside campus shuttle (NR) for free. The NR bus drops you off directly in front of the conference site, the George I. Sanchez Building. Facilities include a TV room, laundry room, kitchen, and a store that rents kayaks and boats.

Rodeway Inn
2900 N. I-35
Austin, TX 78705
Tel: 1-800-228-2000 or (512) 477-6395
URL: www.RodewayInn.com

The Rodeway Inn is located right across from the university. The campus is quite large, so it will be a bit of a walk to the actual conference site (about 20 minutes), but the weather is usually pleasant in March and April. Also, the campus shuttle stop is a block away from the hotel. The shuttles run frequently and will drop you off accross from the Perry Casteneda Library, which is next to the conference site. Be aware that the Rodeway doesn't look like much from the outside, but the rooms are clean and equipped with cable tv's, refrigerators, coffee makers, and microwaves. Also, it’s located next to Arredondo’s Enchiladas, which is open 24 hours a day. This is a convenient location.

Moderately Priced Hotels

The Austin Motel
1220 S. Congress
Austin, TX 78704
Tel: (512) 441-1157
URL: www.austinmotel.com

This place has lots of character! It is located on Congress St. in a very hip, shopper-friendly part of town. It is a five-minute cab ride to downtown and 10 minutes from the conference venue. Amenities include a pool, complimentary coffee, and cable.

The Brook House
609 West 33rd St
Austin, TX 78705
Tel: (512) 477-0711
Fax: (512) 476-4769
Email: governorsinn@earthlink.net
URL: www.travelassist.com/reg/tx108.html

The Brook House was built in 1922 and restored to its present country charm. The bed and breakfast is located seven blocks from the University of Texas with easy access to local restaurants and live music. Very picturesque. Amenities include private baths, cable TV, individual phone lines, and bluebell ice cream.

Expensive Hotels

Embassy Suites- Town Lake (Downtown)
300 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704 US
Ph: 512-469-9000 1-800-EMBASSY (362-2779)
Email: embassy@swbell.net
URL: www.embassy-suites.com

Live music, shopping, and outdoor activities are just some of the attractions convenient to the hotel. It is only a short walk to 6th Street, which is the center of “social” interaction in Austin. It is also within minutes of the university and provides complimentary transportation to the airport and to downtown Austin, including the University of Texas. This hotel offers numerous amenities including complimentary breakfast and a complimentary cocktail hour.

Holiday Inn Town Lake
20 N. I-35
Austin, TX 78741
tel. (512) 472-8211 or 1-800-465-4329
URL: http://hiaustin-townlake.felcor.com/

The Holiday Inn Town Lake is located right on Town Lake at I-35. The Town Lake hike and bike trails are within walking distance. It is about 5 minutes by car or taxi and 10 minutes by bus from the conference site. Austin's famous live music scene on 6th street is also within walking distance from the hotel. Amenities include complimentary airport transportation, exercise room, outdoor heated pool, sundeck, sauna, whirlpool, and a coin-operated laundry.

Near the Airport

La Quinta Inn
1603 E. Oltorf (at I-35)
Austin, TX 78741
tel. (512) 447-6661 or (800) 687-6667
URL: www.laquinta.com

Of the hotels listed here, La Quinta is the closest to the airport. It is conveniently located off the I-35 corridor in South Austin. It is close to the Town Lake hike and bike trails and about 10 minutes from the university by car.