If you like chain hotels, Dallas nightlife and meals at Chili's, steer clear of what is one of the hippest examples of what Austin is about. There's no better way to feel the flavor of Austin than by walking down South Congress to check out all the funky furniture and jewelry stores. In the middle of the week, enjoy the SoCo festivals where artisans, musicians, dancers and hip Austinites blow off some steam. The legendary Continental Club is right across the street. Guero's is about a block away and has some of the best Tex-Mex in Austin. Even though I live in Austin, I stayed there one night with a date just as a different thing to do on the weekend. The saltillo-tiled floors and antiqued furnishings gave the place character. The ambiance of South Austin gave it a down-to-earth feel. I can't recommend the Austin Motel highly enough.
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