The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
About The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Discover the perfect blend of Austin's storied charm and modern elegance at the award-winning, AAA Four-Diamond rated Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel. Nestled in the heart of downtown, our historic hotel offers unmatched proximity to Austin's top attractions, including the iconic Paramount Theater, just steps away. Explore the vibrant energy of Sixth Street and Rainey Street or visit the Texas Capitol and The University of Texas nearby. Unwind in our beautifully appointed rooms and suites where Texas hospitality shines. Savor elevated dining experiences and enjoy a drink at Stephen F's Bar & Terrace—the only outdoor terrace on Congress Avenue. Stay active in our state-of-the-art fitness center, featuring Peloton bikes, or host a memorable meeting or wedding in our 6,000 square feet of event space, accommodating up to 400 guests. Long Live the Guest at the Royal Sonesta.
Amenities
- On-site parking
- 24-hour front desk
- Meeting space
- Fitness center
- On-site dining
- Valet parking
- Bar / lounge
- Café / coffee shop
- Breakfast available
- Business center
- Express check-in / check-out
- Concierge
- Dry cleaning
- Self-service laundry
- Luggage storage
- Multilingual staff
- Full kitchen / kitchenette
- In-room refrigerator
- Pool
- Spa / sauna
- Pet friendly
- Family friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transit access
Reviews
Guests generally have a positive experience at this hotel, appreciating its central location and friendly staff. However, there are some recurring issues with room cleanliness and maintenance, as well as concerns about hidden fees and poor communication.
- Central location
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Room cleanliness and maintenance issues
- Hidden fees and poor communication
- 5/5
Great service, extremely comfortable bed, really enjoyed our stay.
- 4/5
It's an older hotel in a good location. It's an average hotel. Nothing was bad but nothing stood out to make it something to remember. Would I stay again? Maybe if the price was right.
- 5/5
This location was Amazing walking distance to everything cool in downtown Austin
- 5/5
Great location and the property is beautiful
- 5/5
Staff was very helpful!
- 5/5
Great location
- 5/5
nothing
- 5/5
Really nice and wonderful staff that were patient and able to help me out.
- 5/5
You won't find a better experience in downtown Austin for location, amenities, staff, and food and beverage choices!
- 2/5
I booked a room advertised as having two double beds, but upon check-in, we were given a room with one king bed. We went downstairs assuming there had been a mistake, only to be told that this was the correct room and that the sofa pulled out into a bed. This was not what was advertised in the reservation description or photos. The sleeping arrangements were uncomfortable, and we slept poorly all three nights. Very disappointing experience, and we will not be returning.
- 5/5
Convenient to everything
- 4/5
Quiet room. Comfortable bed. Towel and shower quality subpar for the price.
- 5/5
Staff very friendly and room was very clean and well maintained.
- 4/5
Rooms are surprisingly large for an older building, and clean, but a bit dated. Bed was good+. Front desk staff was very good, and valet service perhaps the best I've experienced - very efficient, helpful, pleasant and thoughtful. Bar was nice, but whiskey and beer focused; few cocktail options. Selection was good+, but knowledge about those selections could improve.
- 5/5
Good
- 4/5
Convenient location. Nice bar on the second floor.
- 4/5
Hotel is beautiful and historic. A bit dated…my room could’ve used a makeover. It was tiny with very little counter space, peeling finish on tub, well-worn and dated fixtures. However, it was very clean with a comfy bed. Cafe Fuller was disappointing. $25 buffet and no bloody mary’s or mimosas (or any alcohol options). The bar upstairs has only a charcuterie option and doesn’t allow outside food to be delivered. The hotel comes off a bit stodgy and dated and needs to compete better in these areas. Every staff member I dealt with was extremely friendly, helpful and professional. Front desk, valet, housekeeping…all top notch! Had a pleasant, safe stay here.
- 5/5
Terrific location! Beautiful room! Loved the open-air terrace outside of the bar - great for drinks and people-watching!
- 5/5
Really helpful and nice staff!
- 4/5
Ok
- 5/5
in particular the receptionist very kind with us was a 5 start treat
- 5/5
No
- 5/5
Best staff i have experienced. Highly recommend.
- 5/5
The staff was incredibly helpful and very nice. The rooms are a little dated but that's the charm and the history of the building. It was such a convenient location, easy to get around. Highly recommend
- 4/5
Clean and great location, exceptionally comfortable bed! We definitely stay there again Decor a little tired
- 3.5/5
Location No housekeeping
- 5/5
Location, location, location is everything when traveling and they have the best here! No complaints it was perfect.
- 5/5
Location, location, location is everything when traveling and they have the best here! No complaints it was perfect.
- 3.5/5
Location No housekeeping
- 5/5
Came to ATX for a busy weekend and this hotel was a perfect vibe in a perfect location! Located close to everything, I simply parked my car and had no further need of it during my stay! Big, luxurious room, impeccably clean, and a wonderful bed. Enjoyed the retro decor and cocktails on the patio overlooking Congress Ave. the staff were polite and professional and shared many local recommendations. Would definitely stay here again!
- 5/5
Great location. Wonderful balcony facing the Capitol.
- 5/5
This is our second stay in a month. This hotel is well located and appointed. The restaurant is great. I received a note with our Expedia VIP extras and was upgraded to a suite. I’ve had the VIP amenities at other hotels disregarded and I appreciate that this hotel actually honors them.
- 5/5
Nice place downtown
- 5/5
Great Place, great location
- 5/5
Everyone was helpful and friendly.
- 5/5
Staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. Great location.
- 5/5
the location, the front desk, the doormen, & the beds were wonderful! There was apparently a mixup & our room was not serviced by housekeeping our 2nd day.
- 5/5
the location, the front desk, the doormen, & the beds were wonderful! There was apparently a mixup & our room was not serviced by housekeeping our 2nd day.
- 5/5
No
- 5/5
All the staff were friendly and helpful. Wonderful check in experience!
- 5/5
Great location! Very upscale property with excellent staff.
- 5/5
The staff is very friendly, and the rooms are beautiful
- 5/5
Great location and the staff was really helpful and friendly.
- 5/5
Thanks!
- 5/5
Great location to downtown Austin restaurants and bars.
- 5/5
The staff is always very polite and helpful.
- 5/5
Super friendly staff. Hotel is very charming. Room and bed were comfortable.
- 4/5
The valet guys were great. Quick friendly and helpful. There was one young girl at the check in desk who seemed clueless. We had an issue with a security guy named Chris. He was harassing us about getting a coffee from the downstairs restaurant and bringing it up to join our group in the bar area after we asked the bartender if coffee was available there. He was rude and unprofessional and made it out like we were doing some illegal activity. Front desk was notified. Overall happy with the hotel and the location.
- 5/5
Everything was outstanding, great attitude and very clean
- 5/5
Love this place stayed a couple of time booking again today
- 5/5
Close proximity to things.
- 5/5
Excellent stay
- 4/5
Very well located in downtown Austin. Only gripe would be lack of onsite parking, you’re dependent on expensive garage or valet parking nearby or first-come first-served onstreet public parking. But other than that it’s a great place to use as a base for exploring Austin.
- 5/5
Clean and opulent room. The place has serious character. The staff made us feel extra special. When I got back to Austin, I will stay here again without a doubt.
- 5/5
The property was beautiful and in a great location. The only complaint i have is that the cost for the valet was more than expected as there were some fees that were not explicitly explained. Other than that, it was a great experience!
- 4/5
I loved my stay at this hotel. Staff and valet were very friendly and helpful until the last day, when the bellman forgot to get my stuff so I waited almost an hour for help that never came. It was the only time I was disappointed with them and it’s unfortunate that was the last thing that happened since everything else was wonderful
- 5/5
Beautiful hotel, everything super stylish and well maintained. The staff was super welcoming. Totally recommended very well located my number one go to in Austin, Texas.
- 3/5
The hotel is in a good location. Nice bar and restaurant. Rooms are small and the bathroom is tiny and outdated.
- 5/5
Beautiful hotel, perfect location
- 5/5
This is a very well run hotel. The room was very nice and the furnishings were perfect for a historic hotel. It is a beautiful property in a great location.
- 4.5/5
Construction nearby
- 5/5
Love the Boutique vibes! We usually stay at more corporate establishments, but we really enjoyed the quirky touches on the shampoo, lotion bottles, etc. Wish the bathroom had more than just a Pedestal sink however. We needed more space to lay things out a bit. But for just the overnight stay we were there for, it was perfectly fine, and we enjoyed our stay immensely. Would definitely recommend giving this hotel a try, and we will be back again soon.
- 4/5
.
- 5/5
We really enjoyed our stay! The room was beautiful and clean. Loved the location and the convenience of restaurants and nightlife in walking distance. Will definitely come back. Staff were friendly and very helpful.
- 5/5
Excellent stay. Great location, outstanding staff. We will definitely stay here again!
- 5/5
The Stephen F Austin is my favorite hotel...anywhere...its the ambience, the staff, the convenience...its the whole package!
- 5/5
The Stephen F Austin is my favorite hotel...anywhere...its the ambience, the staff, the convenience...its the whole package!
- 5/5
Great location and great staff!
- 4/5
A bit older Hotel but ok for downtown Austin
- 5/5
Very pleasant stay, staff was freindly and helpful.
- 5/5
Place was amazing all together, staff was great place is clean
- 5/5
I loved the size of the bed and the view from the room! Also the keycards have cute animal pictures on them! I didn’t like the parking situation
- 5/5
I loved the size of the bed and the view from the room! Also the keycards have cute animal pictures on them! I didn’t like the parking situation
- 5/5
All the staff at the property was very friendly and unique.
- 5/5
Awesome stay
- 4/5
Friendly staff, nice amenities, exceptional valet parking staff, nice room. We enjoyed our 2- night stay!
- 5/5
Great location & everyone is super nice and helpful!
- 4.5/5
The beds are great !
- 4/5
Location, location, location . Great value and very comfortable. Doorman seldom opened door for me. Breakfast area unappealing
- 4/5
Location, location, location . Great value and very comfortable. Doorman seldom opened door for me. Breakfast area unappealing
- 2.5/5
Pool is too small
- 5/5
This is a lovely and historic property. Great central location in the downtown area, near the famous Driskill hotel and other famous buildings. The staff were friendly and helpful. I enjoyed breakfast at the cafe in the morning and had a lovely lunch at the adjoining restaurant, The Roaring Fork.
- 5/5
Enjoyed my stay
- 5/5
Amazing staff. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Great location for day and night.
- 5/5
.
- 5/5
Cleanliness
- 5/5
Excellent all aspects. We enjoyed the distance to everything. Perfect!
- 5/5
The staff were very friendly, and the hotel was clean and comfortable. Thank you for a pleasant stay!
- 5/5
Beautiful property with easy access to downtown. Staff was incredible!
- 5/5
The staff was fantastic and we loved our room. Perfect location downtown to walk to everything.
- 5/5
Beautiful and clean property, will be back.
- 5/5
Great restaurant and pub. Great central location in downtown Austin.
- 2/5
We had such high hopes after seeing the beautiful pics of hotel and the room with 2 double beds. Sadly, our room was nothing like it promised in the advertisement. The AC in our room never worked snd it wasn’t until I called down to the front desk well after midnight…maybe 2:30 am, that I was asked if we finally wanted to change rooms? That was just one of the negatives we experienced. The lack of sleep in the hot and humid room left us irritable and exhausted. We both left the hotel feeling incredibly disappointed and let down. But, as a single mom that gets very few moments like this with her 23 year old son, I left utterly heartbroken. Being on a teacher’s salary, trips like these with my son are extremely rare. I just wanted our mother/son road trip to Austin to the best for him, and a nice and comfortable hotel stay plays an integral of any trip you take..no matter who you are. I truly wanted to love the Sonesta…but I’m truly feeling like I let Zach down.
- 5/5
Friendly and funky and unique. And it’s a 10-15 minute walk to downtown and the plaza.
- 5/5
Outstanding hotel situated exactly where one needs to be when visiting Austin
- 5/5
Amazing
- 5/5
Great staff was awesome
- 4/5
Nice building in a very convenient area. All staff were very pleasant and helpful. It is an older building but is overall well maintained. However, there was an issue with the hanging of our bathroom door, which was obviously known about due to the stripped screw heads on the upper hinge from an apparent failed repair job, which made closing the door difficult and loud to close. Nevertheless, we would not hesitate to stay again.
- 5/5
We really enjoyed our stay. A beautiful room and lovely bar upstairs in the hotel. Great location and friendly staff.
- 5/5
Absolutely love this romantic old hotel. Right within the heart of so much austin has to offer. Splendid!
- 5/5
I had a great stay. Myneka welcomed me at check in. She was very helpful. Not only she gave me the room I preferred but also was helpful in locating convenient restaurants late in the evening to order food from. She went out of the way to help out. I have not come across this kind of hospitality before and I am a frequent traveler. Thank you Myneka. Also, the rest of the hotel facility and staff is very good. Location is very convenient. Room prices are very reasonable. I will book this hotel every time I am in Austin.
- 5/5
beautiful hotel, perfect location & extremely friendly staff!
- 5/5
Staff was very helpful and friendly. Room was clean and serviced each day.
- 5/5
I was able to check in early and check out late. Very close to walkable attractions.
- 5/5
Our favorite hotel in downtown Austin.
- 5/5
Great location and easy in/out parking access.
- 5/5
Lovely hotel!
- 5/5
The location was wonderful for walking around downtown Austin. The staff were super friendly and helpful during our stay. The room had nice ambiance and amenities.
- 5/5
Awesome location! Very cozy room.
- 5/5
Perfect location, great hotel with a nice atmosphere.
- 5/5
The bar is very enjoyable. Valet parking expensive but very convenient
- 5/5
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- 5/5
Hot tub and pool were a welcome delight and my wife and I had it all to ourselves both times we went
- 5/5
Staff is wonderful and helpful. Enjoyed our stay very much and would definitely return and recommend to others.
- 4/5
You can park a block away for a lot cheaper. The location is superb.
- 5/5
A wonderful place to stay in the heart of downtown Austin. Nice quiet room. Impeccably clean. Super staff.
- 4/5
Located within walking distance of 6th street.
- 5/5
This is an elegant hotel. Comfortable beds with all amenities! The staff is amazing and property is well kept. Stayed for business but will definitely stay here again for any occasion.
- 4/5
I planned a quick getaway to Austin for the weekend. I enjoyed that the hotel was in downtown walking distance for the night life. In addition, it was easy to get to Barton Springs Pool.
- 5/5
Loved staying at this hotel and love how they have preserved such a historic location.