Austin is an area of limestone hills, quick-moving creeks and underground aquifers. In the fall and winter months, Austin has perfect golfing weather, with moderate temperatures and sunny skies. If you are a history buff, include a round at the oldest course in Texas, Hancock Golf Course. It was established in 1899 and is a nine-hole, par-35 course in the heart of the city. With its rolling hills and meandering creek, it almost seems too idyllic to be so close to downtown Austin. You can also get a sense of Austin's history by staying in one of the city's historic hotels.
InterContinental Stephen F Austin Hotel
Located four blocks from the Texas Capitol, the Stephen F Austin was first opened in 1924. The marble staircases, granite flooring and antique furniture belie a modern hotel with luxury amenities. There are 189 nonsmoking rooms and suites, all with marble baths and king- or queen-sized beds. Every room has high-speed Internet access, cable television and dual-line telephones with data ports. The Stephen F Austin also has a large health club with Cybex equipment, a heated lap pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. The concierge staff will arrange a round of golf at the Hancock or any other course you'd like to try.
InterContinental Stephen F Austin Hotel
701 Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 457-8800
austin.intercontinental.com
Mansion at Judges' Hill
This boutique hotel was built in 1900 as the Goodhall Wooten House, named for the prominent doctor who built it for his growing family. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975 and was renovated in 2002 by its current owners. All 48 rooms have unique floor plans, antique furniture and custom bathrooms. They are also furnished with Egyptian cotton linens, and hypoallergenic pillows and duvets. High-speed Internet access is available and multi-line telephones are standard in the rooms. The Mansion is pet-friendly, too.
Mansion at Judges' Hill
1900 Rio Grande
Austin, Texas 78705
(800) 311-1619
mansionatjudgeshill.com
The Driskill Hotel
If golfing during the day makes you want to hear live music at night, then Austin is your city. The center of the Live Music Capital of the World is Austin's Sixth Street, just steps from the Driskill. This hotel was set for demolition in the 1970s before being restored. The hotel was built in 1866 for cattle baron Jesse Driskill. There are 189 rooms and suites in two wings, the Historic and Traditional. Each room has luxury linens, custom furniture and artwork. High-speed Internet and plasma televisions are also included in each room. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness center with cardiovascular machines. The Driskill offers massage services including traditional Swedish massage, as well as sports, deep tissue and aromatherapy massage.
The Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-5911
driskillhotel.com
About The Author
Susan Brockett worked in the computer industry as a technical writer for nearly 20 years at companies including Motorola and Dell Computer Systems. In addition, her articles have appeared in Society of Technical Communications publications. Brockett has a master's degree in English composition and communications from Kansas State University.
