Looking for a comfortable stay just outside the hustle and bustle of Austin? The Best Western Plus Buda Austin Inn & Suites strikes that perfect balance between convenience and tranquility. I recently spent a weekend here and honestly, it's one of those places that pleasantly surprises you with its understated charm. The hotel offers that sweet spot of comfort without trying too hard to be fancy - exactly what most travelers need.
Key Features
• An indoor swimming pool that's actually well-maintained (trust me, I'm picky about these things)
• 24-hour fitness center with modern equipment
• Complimentary hot breakfast that goes beyond your basic continental spread
• Spotless, spacious rooms with LED TVs and coffee makers
• Free high-speed WiFi that actually works (I managed to stream my favorite shows without a hitch)
• Ample free parking
• 100% smoke-free environment
• Laundry facilities on-site
• Business center for those unexpected work emergencies
• Pet-friendly rooms available (call ahead to arrange)
Best Time to Visit
From my experience and chats with the friendly staff, March through May and September through November are your best bets for a visit. The weather's just right during these months - not too hot, not too cold. Plus, you'll dodge those peak summer rates when Austin gets flooded with festival-goers and tourists. But here's a pro tip: if you're planning to attend any major Austin events, book well in advance. This place fills up quick during SXSW, ACL Festival, and F1 race weekends.
How to Get There
Getting to the Best Western Plus Buda Austin Inn & Suites is pretty straightforward. If you're flying in, it's about a 20-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The hotel sits right off Interstate 35, making it super accessible whether you're coming from Austin or San Antonio. You'll definitely want a car though - while Buda has its charm, having wheels gives you the freedom to explore both Buda and Austin properly.
Tips for Visiting
Let me share some insider tips that'll make your stay even better. First off, request a room on the back side of the hotel - it's quieter and you'll get better sleep. The breakfast buffet gets busy around 8:30 AM, so either go early or wait till after 9 if you want to avoid the rush. And speaking of breakfast, don't skip it! The Texas-shaped waffles are actually pretty awesome.
If you're a light sleeper like me, pack earplugs just in case - while the hotel is generally quiet, you might hear some highway noise in certain rooms. The indoor pool area can get a bit crowded in the evenings, so try hitting it in the morning if you want a peaceful swim.
For food options, there are several great local spots within a five-minute drive. The staff keeps a list of recommended restaurants at the front desk - just ask! And if you're planning to explore Austin, try to avoid rush hour traffic by timing your trips accordingly. The drive to downtown Austin usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but can stretch to 45 during peak times.
Oh, and one last thing - they've got this really nice seating area in the lobby with comfortable chairs where you can work or read. I spent a rainy afternoon there with my laptop and a coffee, and it was surprisingly cozy. The staff occasionally puts out fresh cookies in the afternoon - keep an eye out for those!
Remember to join the Best Western Rewards program before your stay if you haven't already. It's free, and you might as well earn points for your visit. The front desk staff is super helpful with local recommendations and directions - don't hesitate to ask them for tips about the area. They know their stuff and seem to genuinely enjoy helping guests make the most of their stay.
