"I just booked my room at the Marriot Capitol City for $79 per night. It is walking distance from Stubb's and a very nice hotel! Thought I would pass along the bargain. Prices go back up on the 2nd."

"Here's the tiny bit that I can contribute:

1)  Omni Hotel had rates of $95.00 for the weekend of August 18th if they ask for the AAA (Automobile Club) rate or some rooms were already at that rate without the discount.

2)  Extended Stay is usually a good place to stay.  It is a hotel, but styled like studio apartments.  Has a full size refrigerator, stove top (no oven) and microwave and dishes.

3)  There is a coupon/discount book for Austin (as well as other areas throughout the U.S.) on Entertainment.com.  The book for Austin is selling for $10.00, but has fabulous rates, discounts (buy one get one free), etc.  It is worth a look."

"For those of you who have not yet booked a room, here is some information from travelocity.com (a site that uses mapquest to find hotels near a location you select by clicking on a map). 

The closest hotels to Stubbs are the Marriott (512-478-1111) and the Omni (512-476-3700). Although the Omni advertises a per night rate of $95, when I called they were sold out of these rooms. The Marriott gave me a rate of $79. These hotels are only 4 blocks from the venue. Other hotels that are almost as close are the Sheraton, the Driskill, and the Inter Continental (advertised rates of $85, $189, and $149, respectively)".

"Saw this info on the RSTCA board (voy.com/16690):

Omni Hotel has a "Third Night's a Charm" rate for the weekend. 3rd night is free. Weekend special only, so I double-checked with the Omni toll free number (800) 843-6664, and they confirmed it. Rate is $119 for Friday, $119 for Saturday and Sunday is FREE.

I asked if the rate would be the same if I came earlier and stayed the weekend (i.e come Thursday and stay through Sunday night). He double-checked and said "Thursday is $179, Friday and Saturday are $119 each night." So, that rate may help those staying until Monday (or beyond).

You may be able to get cheaper rates for the Thursday stay. I am paying $99.50 for Thursday the 9th and $95.00 the following weekend."

"Aaah, Austin, that laid-back city in the lake-laced hills, home to cyberpunks and environmentalists, high culture and haute cuisine. A leafy intellectual enclave lying well outside the realm of Lone Star stereotypes, Austin has been compared to Berkeley and Seattle, but it is at once its own place and entirely of Texas.

Many Texans who live in faster-paced places like Dallas or Houston dream of someday escaping to Austin, which, though it has passed the half-million population mark, still has a leisurely, small-town feel. Meanwhile, they smile upon the city as they would on a beloved but eccentric younger sister; whenever an especially contrary story about her is told, they shrug and shake their heads and fondly say, "Well, that's Austin."

Uh, in a word, YES. Bring your antihistamines, 'cause you will most likely need them. I take prescription allergy medication everyday, or I would not be able to survive! Unfortunately, Austin and the whole central Texas area is one of the worst places in the entire U.S. of A. as far as allergy problems are concerned. Lucky me, as I live outside of Austin and have allergies. It might not be as bad as you think, though. It depends on exactly what you are allergic to and if it is blooming/pollenating in the dead of August. Fortunately, not too much is going on in those terms because of the heat and lack of rain that time of year. I use to work for allergists, and believe it or not, summer tends to be one of the better times of year here (although it is still not good by any means, again, depending on what you are allergic to) for folks in terms of allergies. Just be glad you aren't going to be here during the early spring, or during winter (cedar fever). No fun whatsoever. It's always better to be prepared just in case, so that you aren't miserable while you're here.

Other favorite places:

Mother's. If you've been there, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, go. Excellent stuff. Vegetarian. I love their mole.

East Side Cafe. Ahhh, talk about some good eatin'. They grow their greens and veggies. They're not entirely vegetarian, but they have a good selection. Plan to spend some time there.

The Texican Cafe - Great Tex-Mex, with a little bit of Cozumel thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend their Chile Rellenos. The Cheese ones, of course. If you're really in the mood for cheese, hit them up for the Queso al la Parilla. Hot, bubbly cheese, onions and peppers that you wrap up in tortilla and eat as fast as you can (otherwise, everyone else will eat it all up!) Heaven, in this cheese head's book. Which brings me to...

La Zona Rosa. Really good food - they'll bring you out a BIG bowl of melted cheese (an old boyfriend called it a hot heart attack in a bowl) and a stack of tortillas for next to no money. Their other food is great, too... Did I mention that they also feature lots of touring acts?

If you're in the mood for REAL BBQ, head out to the Salt Lick. Not in Austin, but close enough, and you'll get to see some pretty views of the hill country (as long as those *&@$*&!$# developers don't buy it all up and start building more subdivisions). Out near Camp Ben McColloch (between Buda and Driftwood) - where you can go swimming in the creek when we've had enough rain..

Plan to spend some time there, as it gets away from you once you walk into the place.

Other fun places -

Kerby Lane. There are at least 3 that I can think of, unless they've put another up North.. Good breakfast place, and they've got awesome chocolate cake.

Alamo Draft House - catch a movie and dinner at the same time. Great selection of draft beers, too..(usually). One of my favorite places to go when I'm out on a 'date' with the hubby.

If you like migas, then La Fuente's is a good place to visit. Fairly well hidden in South Austin, as the area has grown up around the place. Out on South Circle S.

For a quick bite to eat, and a little shopping, I recommend Central Market Cafe - there's a Central Market in South Austin, as well as one in Central Austin... You can buy some blue potatoes, red bananas, and white asparagus AND have your lunch at the same time...Great menu.

Another fun spot is Hyde Park Grill. Giant fun fork out front sports large, and often unusual decorations on a regular basis. Catty-cornered across the street from Mother's. Rumors are that it's not quite the place it used to be, but I can't and won't believe they've changed their fries! They'd NEVER do that. 

I'm sure I'm leaving out a ton of places, but I've go to go deal with RL now...

I'm STARVING! 

Kerbey Lane
2606 Guadalupe / 512.477.5717

Mojo's Daily Grind
2714 Guadalupe / (512) 477-6656

Mother's Cafe & Garden
4215 Duval / 

Mr. Natural
1901 E Cesar Chavez St / 5124775228

Sarovar
8440 Burnet Rd., Suite 100 / 51245486

Thai Noodles Etc. House
2602 Guadalupe Street / 512-494-1011

Thai Passion
620 Congress Ave Ste 105 / (512) 472-1244

*Threadgill's Kitchen*
6416 N. Lamar Blvd. / 512-459-3855

Thunder Cloud Subs
all over town / ?

Veggie Heaven
1914A Guadalupe St. / 512-457-1013

Wheatsville Food Co-op
3101 Guadalupe Street / (512) 478-2667