HotelWedding VenueBusiness Meeting LocationsHoliday Inn Express
Downtown Austin Hotel Near 6th Street and UT Austin!
Welcome to the brand-new Formula Blue Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown University hotel! Centrally located in the Red River District of downtown Austin, the Holiday Inn Express is one of downtown Austin's newest hotels offering Smart Design for Smart Travel. Whether you are here to take in the sites or are looking to grab a bite and a drink while taking in some live music on 6th street, we’ve got you covered! We are minutes away from the Texas State Capital, University of Texas at Austin, 6th Street, and the Congress Street Bridge, home to the world-famous bats.
No matter your reason for visiting, we have you covered! Our downtown Austin hotel is only minutes away from offices for USDA, Facebook, Deloitte, Accenture, and University Medical Center. Our rooms offer large desks and comfortable chairs for burning the midnight oil. Our entire hotel offers free Wi-Fi, plus we have a business center available 24 hours a day. Need more space? Our board room is available for rent with space for 12 for that conference call or presentation. Everyone will enjoy our free breakfast, featuring our minute pancake machine and a wide variety of hot and cold breakfast items Those looking to burn off some energy, can enjoy our 24-hour fitness center, or just relax at our heated outdoor balcony pool with access to the redesigned Skyline Bar.
Location
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG
Numerous reviews highlighted poor customer service, including rude staff interactions and unhelpful responses to complaints.
Cleanliness Concerns
Several guests reported significant cleanliness issues, including dirty rooms, hair in beds, and maintenance problems.
Parking Problems
Many customers expressed frustration with the high parking fees and confusing parking arrangements.
Noise Complaints
Guests frequently mentioned noise disturbances from nearby clubs and poor sound insulation in the hotel.
Positive Staff Experiences
Despite the issues, some guests praised specific staff members for their friendliness and helpfulness, particularly in the breakfast area.
VV
V Vart
5 days ago
5.0
I had a great stay at the Holiday Inn Express Downtown Austin. The hotel was very clean and well-maintained, which made the stay comfortable from start to finish. The location is excellent—right in downtown Austin and close to major attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, making it easy to get around without much hassle.
What really stood out was the value for the price. For such a central location, the rates were very reasonable, especially considering the cleanliness and overall quality of the hotel. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for an affordable, clean, and conveniently located place to stay in Austin.
KR
Kyle Rossi
Dec 30, 2025
1.0
The surrounding area is filled with homeless. Many streets blocks that if you were to walk down you would be the only non homeless person. The comments saying it is not bad is people with little to no street smarts. I live in a city with a larger metro population than Austin and walk to work everyday in downtown so I am used to homeless. The area surrounding the hotel is uniquely bad. The hotel is also a mess no ac in one of the rooms we stayed in or the hotel lobby. Elevators also were not working for the most part during our stay.
MP
Moises Pliego
Dec 28, 2025
1.0
Las habitaciones y la ubicación bien el servicio muy malo tuvimos un problema y el personal no hace nada por apoyar eso sin mencionar que el desayuno es malo y lento el estacionamiento muy caro y la verdad el personal muy indiferente no hay seguridad
WW
wingnut
Dec 24, 2025
1.0
DO NOT STAY HERE!!! The housekeepers stole my Christmas presents that my only 12yr old son bought me. He even wrote me a special message on the back. (See pic) I was in room 411! I talked to Johnathan that said, "We will look in the lost in found." Sir! I didn't lose my gifts. It was stolen from my room!
A manager called me named Kila? I don’t know how to spell her name. She said that noone entered my room. They deleted the entries. Did Christmas elves make the beds and throw the trash out? I don’t think so. And now I am not getting my deposit back because I complained! ALL BECAUSE HOLIDAY INN WANTED TO SAVE MONEY!! This is getting out of hand... enough is enough!
I call for a Boycott of all Holiday Inn. The housekeeping manager is trying to protect their own. Is your job worth $20 gifts? Please, do not stay here! also, don't send me a pathetic message stating to call you over this issue. I tried to rectify it with the hotel managers...
(On Oct. 24, someone staying at a Hampton Inn for work discovered that their hotel room had been burglarized and several of their credit cards had been used at multiple retailers.)
What if it is the same person. 🤔
AZ
Al Zepeda
Dec 17, 2025
1.0
Overall experience from the confusing entrance. Terrible service horrendous parking. There is too many flaws to even consider it a 1 star. The elevator works maybe 1% of the time on the 2nd floor for holiday inn guest. The receptionist are confused and not helpful in any manner. That along with it being merged with another hotel makes their priorities not align with each other. Choose one or lose the other quite simple its a confusing process to even check in when there are multiple people in line.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG
What are the check-in and check-out times at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University?
Check-in time is at 3:00 PM, and check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
Does the hotel offer free breakfast to guests?
Yes, free breakfast is available featuring a buffet with hot and cold items, including a minute pancake machine.
Is the hotel accessible for guests with mobility challenges?
Yes, the hotel is mobility accessible and has accessible parking available.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
No, pets such as cats and dogs are not allowed at this property.
Does the hotel provide free Wi-Fi and business facilities?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and there is a 24-hour business center along with a rentable board room for meetings.
Are there fitness or recreational facilities available at the hotel?
Yes, the hotel offers a free fitness center with equipment including elliptical machines, free weights, and treadmills, as well as an outdoor heated balcony pool.
What safety and sanitation measures does the hotel have in place?
The hotel uses commercial-grade disinfectants, offers enhanced cleaning in guest rooms and common areas, removes high-touch items, provides sanitizer stations, and supports contactless check-in and check-out.
Is the hotel located near popular Austin landmarks and entertainment areas?
Yes, it is centrally located near 6th Street, the Texas State Capitol, University of Texas at Austin, and the Congress Street Bridge, known for its famous bats.
Are there nearby parking options available for guests?
Yes, nearby parking options include SP Plus, AMLI Parking, Laz Public Parking, 4th and Trinity Lot, and SP+ Parking, making it convenient for guests with vehicles.
What nearby dining and entertainment venues can guests visit around the hotel?
Guests can enjoy nearby dining and entertainment spots such as The Mims Supper Club, Ladybird Kitchen and Bar, The Grub House Food Truck, Stubb's Bar-B-Q, Cheer Up Charlies bar, and the Roxy Theater for arts and entertainment.