Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown University

United States , Austin - TX
AUSTIN, 810 Red River Street
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2026

Alan

Gym was well equipped. Walking distance to downtown bars and restaurants. Breakfast was great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

John

Everything was good

Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2026

Sheri

Pros: The room was very nice. The staff friendly. Breakfast was very good.
Cons: Very inconvenient check-in. The Holiday Inn and the Indigo share a building and a front desk. There is no place to park to check in. You can't even get in the lobby of the Holiday Inn without a key card. you have to go around to the Indigo's front desk. The parking for Holiday Inn is 3 floors down in the garage (past 3 floors of valet) and the spots are TIGHT. To be fair - I looked at several hotels in downtown Austin and Holiday Inn had the cheapest parking available. This is just part of staying downtown I think. But be prepared for schlepping your stuff up 2 elevators. And the walk to the check-in/out desk is not short and involves yet another elevator.
Also, the hotel provided ear plugs in the room - which raised an eyebrow. However, we were there on weeknights and there was no music festival going on, so we didn't need them. The air conditioner setup leaves a very thin piece of metal to block noise from outside. Again, we didn't have a problem with that, but I can see how it could be bothersome during a festival etc.
I would stay here again if I needed to stay downtown, but I think I prefer to not stay downtown again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Candace

all in all good experience, will stay at again in the future!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2026

Adesuwa

Excellent

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

Mark

No AC in the lobby and bar, apparently it’s a known issue, it’s been going on for a while and it’s still not been resolved

Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Sandeep

I was here for one night only. Check in was a breeze, room was clean and spacious. Breakfast in the morning was good.

Self

8/10

Excellent

06 Jun 2026

Marisa

The location was fantastic and the free breakfast was great but the check in process was very confusing. Also the A/C in the room was very noisy.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

Michael

Great experience. The hotel was really nice. the staff was excellent.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Jun 2026

Raul

El hotel estuvo perfecto el único inconveniente fue el estacionamiento, ya que tiene un costo extra y es bastante caro

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

04 Jun 2026

Olivia

They were having some issues with their water, lobby areas did not appear to have AC, and their room service QR code did not work, ordered or food and when kitchen was closed, learned it was not working. Room were clean, minor cosmetic issues but nothing major.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

03 Jun 2026

Naushad

This was a really bad experience. The staff overall it seemed did not want to be accommodating at all. Plus, they had disabled all the vending machines so you have to buy water bottle for $6 which most hotels give for free.
The staff kept saying to complain to corporate for everything I asked.
I would not every stay there and would not recommend this along with its sister property which seems like the owners merged two hotels into one.
Very bad.

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jun 2026

Jonathan

Complimentary breakfast is awesome. Self Parking fee is expensive ($49+ daily).

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Irene

Below my expectations.

Business

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2026

Helene

The room was clean overall. The tub had trouble draining.

The AC started rattling on the third day but maintenance fixed it promptly

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jun 2026

Norma

The lobby was not like the regular hotel where you check in and go to the room in the same building. You have to go around and two different elevators. The room felt very humid. The shower was not working well and it made a very loud noise. The tub floor look dirty with black spots.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Lowell

Very friendly staff and central to the downtown area!
Easy and convenient location for sure!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Martha

Perfect location, clean and friendly staff. Great pool!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

31 May 2026

Jason

I would call the hotel before booking. There was a pool party going on during our stay we could have used the pool but there was alot of drinking and smoking. The music was also really loud.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 May 2026

Harold

Extremely difficult parking and hotel to navigate. You check in at Hotel Indigo for the Holiday Inn Express. The hotel are in the same building but it like a rat maze to get around

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2026

Jeanette

The rooms were nice & clean. However, the front desk was located at another hotel where you had to take the elevator to another area which was an inconvenience. Parking was $50 which is ridiculous!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 May 2026

Lisa

I go to this property everytime i go to austin..but this stay was disappointing..the room smelled really bad...the hot water didn't work..the air conditioner was extremely loud..
Had to go to a lower floor to get ice because the ice machine didn't work.
And couldn't get any sleep in the early morning because the staff were extremely loud..hollering down the hallway..steam cleaning the carpet..slamming doors..and every morning knocking on my door even though the no disturb sign was on the door.
I go to austin to get solid sleep and enjoy the city but with all the noise not much sleep was happening..
Also went to bar and no air conditioning..the front desk area and bar and restaurant area didn't have air conditioning the whole stay..

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

27 May 2026

Michelle

I was charged $242.86. Hotels said my TOTAL cost would be $179. The room was on the 2nd floor with a club nearby.. so the noise was horrible. Then the a/c was so loud, it woke me up every time it turned on or shut off. Over charged and no sleep.. smh. Never again!

Self

6/10

Pleasant

26 May 2026

Channell

Arrival and parking were not use friendly.

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2026

ELIZABETH

The staff was friendly and very helpful.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2026

Amy

The parking wasn't easy. It was almost $50 per night to self-park, but getting to and from the parking garage wasn't easy.
The staff was incredible! The bar/restaurant downstairs was awesome!

Family

4/10

Poor

26 May 2026

Jared

Parking garage elevator was broken was trapped in elevator

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Manuel

Breakfast was awesomely hosted! Workers are super friendly and thank you for awesome stay! Wife loved it too! Lol

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 May 2026

Tereza Verduzco

Elevator wasn’t working from garage to lobby. Too many valet parking spots, not enough parking for guests. Lots of homeless people around the hotel. Location was okay, but you hear all of the sirens and loud music from 6th st. Breakfast was basic, nothing good.

Friends

2/10

Poor

24 May 2026

Molly

A neighboring hotel acquired this hotel in January of 2026 and they clearly have neglected the Holiday Inn Express side. The two hotels are connected, but the Holiday Inn side is dirty, in disrepair, and the staff are far less helpful to the Holiday Inn guests than they are to their connecting hotel. They shouldn't even be renting these rooms. The tub didn't work. The couch had stains. When I asked for a new room, they said they'd send maintenance right away for the tub, but didn't answer me on being given another room. I was up late waiting for the tub repair person so I could take a shower. The phone to the front desk wasn't connected, so I had to walk all the way back to the other hotel to talk to anyone at the front desk. Their automated texting service texted me to ask how my stay was and how check-in was. I responded with my complaints and asked if there was another room I could stay in. No response at all. This may have been an ok hotel at one point in time, but not anymore. Don't stay here, there are much better options nearby. Based on the way I was treated by the staff, I also don't recommend staying at the neighboring hotel, Hotel Indigo, on the other side of the block. If they are operating both hotels, they should be treating their guests equally.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2026

Jadira

Great night stay

4/10

Poor

20 May 2026

Rita

The room was fine. The problem is that Holiday Inn and Indigo are in the same building and seem to be joining together. Had to go to the Indigo registration desk to register for Holiday Inn. Had to use separate elevators. It was all very confusing and resulted in a lot of walking. The best part of the stay was the sales mgr, Brenda, who took the time to lead us to correct elevators and explain how to use the key card in the elevator. We won’t be staying there again. Maybe they will eventually get it all streamlined. They do need to warn to check in at Indigo on websites.

2/10

Poor

20 May 2026

Hera

Parking was a nightmare.

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Julie

We enjoyed our stay. It was an easy walk to the Moody Center from the hotel.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Iliana

Clean room, nice and helpful staff. Location close to everything near down town or Barton springs. Walking distance to restaurants and bars on 6th street.

Partner

4/10

Poor

19 May 2026

Brian

Parking directions, elevators and water pressure are a nightmare

6/10

Pleasant

18 May 2026

Naeemah

Service and complimentary breakfast was good. Rooms weee dated. AC consistently made abrupt noises, hard to sleep. The shower paint was coming off.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Claudia

It was just an overnight stay, When we arrived we had to go around the block. Not sure if the Indigo Hotel is buying the Holiday Inn or vice versa. It was pretty confusing. Both hotels are kind of combined at this time. Parking is in the deep basement for Holiday Inn, but check in is at the Indigo. You have to use the elevator, walk down a long hallway, then take another elevator down to the Indigo Lobby. Parking was almost 50 bucks through Metropolis (parking garage company) for an about 24 hour stay as hotel guest.
Even though it was pretty confusing the staff was all very nice and accommodating.
Room was great, had fridge, micro wave, all your soaps and shampoos. Missed a coffee maker though.... That would have been nice.
Continental Breakfast was your usual breads, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, yogurt, cereals, juices, fruit, etc.
Hotel is at a good location and walkable to many downtown restaurants. Pool looked nice, just didn't have time to indulge.
Would stay there again. Just hate to pay big bucks for parking.
I liked the safety, you have to have a room key in order to go up to rooms in the elevator. There is a security pad inside every elevator where you have to scan your key in order to get to your rooms.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Allisa

Cleanliness of rooms, staff friendly and Breakfast was excellent.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Calvin

Our room was clean and comfortable. Staff was professional and helpful. Unfortunately, we had to pay for parking.

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2026

Margaret

Very confusing on checking in and parking .

Family

4/10

Poor

15 May 2026

dhatri

The AC unit was super loud and smelly air was coming out of it. Room was clean and spacious but AC ruined it.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

15 May 2026

Richard

Long walk to front desk, confused at first

Partner

4/10

Poor

15 May 2026

Brendon

It’s now joint connected to a hotel next door and a be a bit of a headache if you’re on a schedule. It was a long maze of finding the check in desk. Breakfast was sad but the staff was nice.

Partner

2/10

Poor

14 May 2026

Khemraj

I did not like anything check in was messed up as they merged two hotels. Very hard to find room..long wait for elevators.I really wish i had chosen somewhere else to live.A trip to forget.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

12 May 2026

Melissa

Room was clean, we asked for a room for 5 and the sofa bed was a ragged out chaise lounge. Good for overnight trips!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2026

Jaide

Good location! Great stay.

4/10

Poor

12 May 2026

Linda

I always liked staying here. The welcome staff was wonderful but the evening staff was rude and terrible. I mean exptremely rude. I have never been treated so bad and spoken to in such a bad manner.

Family

8/10

Excellent

12 May 2026

Sun-Wen

A/C is noisy. Restroom ventilation is not good. Space is wide and customer service is great.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

10 May 2026

Brandon

Breakfast is meh! Check in and service being in a separate hotel is annoying. Rooms and staff are great!

6/10

Pleasant

10 May 2026

Carrie

Pulled up and had to walk all around the building to check in and than take 2 elevators to get to room and only 1 was working in actual hotel. Toilet wouldn’t flush. Nobody at front desk . Breakfast was good, great location

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2026

WEN

excellent staffs

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 May 2026

Maria

Everything was great but the breakfast, they need to improve on it.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2026

Wendi

great

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

07 May 2026

Sue

The entrance to holiday inn is no longer there, the hotel is merged with the indigo. Most ride shares drop you at the old entrance and you need to walk with your luggage down a hill. The room was okay, a little weathered, toilet seat loose, things just worn. Also there was no guide for the tv, which would be helpful for out of town visitors. Just a mid price nothing special hotel.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

05 May 2026

Eric

Shower was pretty weak. Elevator situation was confusing

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 May 2026

David

Okay place but in a kind of flux where you had to check in via the neighboring hotel which placed exceptionally loud music in the lobby and I had to pretend it was normal.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2026

Ramon

Good location, walkable, attentive staff but lacking amenities, as in bottled water!

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

02 May 2026

Stephanie

The hotel is semi decent for the price. The front lobby didn’t have air conditioning which was frustrating during check in because I was sweating the entire time. Breakfast in the morning was plentiful

Partner

4/10

Poor

02 May 2026

Tracy

Tub/shower in really bad shape. Husband got athletes feet. Toilet paper holder dangling from wall

8/10

Excellent

01 May 2026

John

Location was excellent with lots of stuff within walking distant. Neighborhood was in an area with lots of homeless people. Hotel needs updating.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

01 May 2026

Ben

HI&S has been combined with Indigo Hotel with one check-in desk. Two people man the desk for the hotels. It is difficult to find someone to which you can address a question.
On the plus side, the location is very convenient. Walking distance to downtown, the capital, and We did not rent a car and walked or used Uber for longer trips.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2026

Robert

i didn't like the ice machine didn't work on our floor, the self parking fee was too much for one nite, never paid for parking when i come to Austin , will have try other hotel , one nite stay was more expensive than expected.

Partner

4/10

Poor

27 Apr 2026

Frank

Parking terrible

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2026

latriece

Breakfast was great. Parking was entirely too expensive.

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2026

Kelly

The staff were all friendly, helpful and amazing! Cheers to Koran! The breakfast was great. Fruit, coffee, juice, pancakes, omelets, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage and yummy cinnamon rolls. The bed was comfy. Overall, the hotel could use some upgrades, but our stay was pleasant and we were satisfied.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2026

Zhiwen

Clean

Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2026

Kelly

Best location
Confusing, but well marked maze to get through hotel

Friends

4/10

Poor

24 Apr 2026

john

There’s no one at the front desk to check into if it’s raining you have to walk in the rain to check in. That’s ridiculous in itself. I had no hot water for my shower and my cheesecake plate was left inside my room at 74° instead of putting in the refrigerator and was garbage.

Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Apr 2026

Anne

Good breakfast. Nice room. Location within walking distance of 6th Street bars, restaurants, & entertainment. Stubbs BBQ is conveniently across street. Confusing interior at first with 2 hotels sharing the same building, but we figured it out.

Partner

4/10

Poor

20 Apr 2026

Blair

There was loud construction going on. Realize this would always be a problem but would suggest that the construction near breakfast could have started after breakfast was finished

4/10

Poor

20 Apr 2026

Adolfo M

Parking costs $50 PER DAY

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

19 Apr 2026

Toni Leann

Check in was weird. Check in at the sister hotel front desk, take a set of elevators to the connecting hall to the Holiday Inn Express, take the other set of elevators to your floor to get to your room. The 1st room we were given smelled like something died and there were ashes on the back of the toilet seat. We requested to move rooms due to the smell. The staff was friendly and accommodating, so they gave us complimentary drink vouchers to the bar for the inconvenience.
The 2nd room smelled better, but the shower had terrible water pressure. The bathroom sink had too much pressure & leaked and the toilet seat wasn't attached.
It was the small things that added up. There wasn't a USB cable connection in the room for charging my phone, so I bought a plug-in block. Ear plugs came with the room because of the university district party crowd. The chaise lounge was hard, but the beds were cozy and clean.
Again, the staff was very friendly and accommodating. Location was also nice.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2026

James

I had a very nice stay and the breakfast was great also close to everything downtown. I will definitely stay again soon..

Self

6/10

Pleasant

17 Apr 2026

Jin Hyun

Very overpriced for this hotel

Business

4/10

Poor

17 Apr 2026

Lucrecia

Location was great. Staff was also excellent but unfortunately, all downhill from there. 3 room changes in 5 days. First room had to take an ice cold shower at 6am..no fun. Room was changed at that point since water kept failing. Second room was handicap accessible which should be fine, but shower only had a handheld wand that shot across the room but could not be angled down. So you had to hold it all shower long or aim it at the wall while you applied soap or shampoo without any water on you. Also armuior had a bar only at the height for wheelchairs so my wife’s dresses and even my shirts hit
the ground on a hanger..so room change again..room 3 had a tub with damaged porcelain and was either dirty or just warn so bad it looked dirty, hard to tell ..oh and water not ice cold but just warm enough to step in after running it for 20 minutes. If not for the staff and location it’s a 1 star hotel…

Business

4/10

Poor

16 Apr 2026

Joe

Breakfast was listed on the website until 11 but upon arriving we were told that it’s only until 9:30.
Parking accessibility is weird having to use 3 different elevators from the parking to the rooms. Someone also tried to access our room in the middle of the night.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2026

Jessica

Everything was great, it is just a bit confusing since it’s two hotels in one property and the front desk is too far and inconvenient for where the area is, other than that it was great.

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

15 Apr 2026

Norma Iris

NO in room coffee maker!! Apparently that ended our first night there…. Also- if you’re noise sensitive- this is not the place for you. One side if the building faces a bar/club. The music AND base comes through the AC vents!!!! We moved rooms… every single time the AC kicks on - even the sounded sleeper woke up - every single time.
After 3 nights - Looking forward to a good night sleep tonight somewhere else.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2026

Shree

The parking was Expensive, almost $60.00 the building has 2 hotels in one and check in was in n the other hotel lobby which was confusing.

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2026

debbie

The hotel is across from some music venues. The have a music ordinance that music ends at 10:30pm so if sleeping early or have small kids you may want to stay somewhere else. Also entrance is thru IHG loft hotel that they share location with

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2026

James

We stayed 5 nights and really enjoyed it. The hotel provided everything we needed, was well located in a slightly quieter part of town but all our restaurants and bars were easily accessible on foot. Breakfast was plentiful each morning and slightly changed day to day. The beds were comfortable and the swimming pool was a great bonus. Would definitely recommend for a stay in Austin.

Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Apr 2026

Nicole Marie

Place was clean and nice. Our bed was so comfortable. Great location to walk to 6th street
Breakfast was amazing every morning! Bartender Kristine was so friendly and nice!!

Partner

2/10

Poor

13 Apr 2026

GABRIELA

Disappointing Stay Despite Good Location

I recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and had a frustrating experience.

The check-in process is extremely inconvenient. There is no check-in at the hotel—you must walk about a block to the Hotel Indigo, then return. This was never communicated, making arrival stressful. The Indigo entrance is also very busy, with no easy place to stop.

The hotel advertises a heated outdoor pool, but it was not heated at all during my three-day stay. The water was freezing.

In Room 240, the shower took a long time to get hot, and the controls were reversed. This was confusing for my 7-year-old, who initially thought there was no hot water and was left freezing.

The front desk offered two drink vouchers, which I did not use. This did not feel like adequate compensation.

Positives: good location, convenient parking, and decent breakfast. The room was acceptable.

I am attaching pictures so future guests know what to expect. This is the review I wish I had read before booking, as others do not mention these issues.

Overall, poor communication and misleading amenities made this stay disappointing.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2026

Macey

Great experience. Wish they provided water bottles in room.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

Jennifer

Yed

6/10

Pleasant

10 Apr 2026

Ashley

the parking situation was not as described online. i was frustrated and charged half of the 24 hours when i left for the first time after being in the hotel for an hour. if you sign up for parking at the desk like you'd think you should, it will charge you incorrectly. I had to argue with their 3rd party customer service for an hour before being assigned the right parking pass which was more than what was told to me by front desk

8/10

Excellent

10 Apr 2026

Stacey

I was not aware of an airport shuttle. I used Uber because I was told there were no shuttles. That 30.00 i could have saved.

8/10

Excellent

10 Apr 2026

Paul

Staff friendly and helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

Jenny

Very clean! Check out time was noon no rushing up and getting out. The breakfast offered was good with variety of choices. Shower was amazing great pressure and a good size! Great dove products to use . Definitely happy with our stay. Parking was expensive I felt like it should be included with
Your stay

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2026

David

As mentioned, the daily buffet breakfast was one of the highlights of this property. Special kudos goes to Nicolasa and Ana from the breakfast staff for their excellent work. It is so rare that you can find thin bacon that is not entirely over cooked and they both kept the food stocked despite busy and aggressive crowds. Another dissapointing swimming pool. I suppose they don't want to heat it sufficiently so as to prevent algae build up, but it is not comfortable to swim in. Additionally, they closed the hotel's front desk on Neches Street and combined it with Hotel Indigo's front desk which faces Red River Street. It is confusing upon arrival and the walk to your room can be quite lengthy. Our room was the farthest away from the front desk as any. Fortunately, we like to walk. If we were much older or handicapped, it would not be ideal. The room was good, fresh brewed hot coffee and hot water 7/24, friendly staff, and a great location make this hotel a good choice.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2026

Tiffany

Pros: good price, free breakfast, nice pool, staff was nice and it was clean.

Cons: location is 1 block from homeless shelter, bathroom fan was horrible, AC unit was either freezing or sweltering with only 1 degree change, tv remote was basically unusable. 😂

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2026

Ishaan

Clean room | Great lounge/common area| walking distance to most of the places you want to see

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2026

Lee

Attentive cleaning staff, overall very clean, tidy and well presented hotel. A good breakfast and good coffee. The poolside seating and relaxing areas are a huge bonus. Would highly recommend.

Partner

2/10

Poor

08 Apr 2026

James

My stay was satisfactory, however, there waz some iss

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2026

Lawrence

Hotel is nice. Great location. Walls are a little thin so if you have noisy neighbors, get ear plugs. Other than that hotel was good.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2026

Sylvia

This is our go to place to stay when we go to Austin. We at least 4 times a year to see a live show. Centrally located, it is very convenient and in walking distance of 6th street. Staff is friendly and the rooms are always clean. The buffet breakfast is tasty for being complimentary. Will be booking again for an August show.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Apr 2026

lee

Staff was very friendly. comfortable bed, good location for us.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

Danny

Checking in was a different process, as you had to check in at an adjoining hotel, then walk back to the Holiday to get to your room. A bit confusing in the beginning but you get used to the route.

Self

4/10

Poor

05 Apr 2026

Julie

Was a hassle walking through the maze to check-I which involved multiple elevator banks and winding hallways. Decor was dated; staff was friendly but would not stay here again.

The additional deposit of $100 that was not mentioned on Expedia which was taken out of my account and not refunded for 5 business days was a joke.