Are you heading to Austin, Texas, for a business trip or conference? Why not extend your stay and explore this vibrant city?

Whether you’re squeezing in sightseeing between meetings or adding a few days for “bleisure” travel, Austin has something for everyone – from live music and diverse cuisine to craft beer and outdoor adventures.

Preparing for Your Trip

• Gate Transit Time: Expect it to take about 8 minutes and 14 seconds, which includes taking the train to the S gates and ascending what I call the “escalator of doom.”
• Leveraging Credit Card Perks: If you’re not aware, some travel credit cards will re-imburse the cost of TSA PreCheck,

Getting There

Depending on your location, it’s advisable to arrive at the airport a few hours before your flight—preferably two. However, having TSA PreCheck and status with your preferred airline might allow you to cut it closer.

In my case, flying out of SEA with both PreCheck and Delta Airline Status, I’ve found that even with these advantages, the Delta Sky Priority check-in line can still take a few minutes, especially for early morning flights.

Despite this, TSA PreCheck lines are typically short, which can be a significant time-saver. If you don’t have PreCheck, you’re really missing out. Check if your credit card offers coverage for TSA PreCheck, which costs $85 for five years, or consider cards that include it as a perk, such as those from American Express.

Tip: Use flight tracking apps like Flighty to stay updated on your flight status and potential delays. Flighty provides faster information and will even alert you if your incoming flight is delayed and where it is currently located before the airline.

What’s in My Pack?

Here’s look at some of my tried and test gear I used on the road (disclaimer: contains affiliate links).

Staying and Dining in Austin

When your company handles hotel bookings, the choice of accommodation might vary, but downtown Austin offers several prime options:

• Omni Austin Hotel
• The Westin Austin
• The Thompson Austin by Hyatt (this is across from The Westin)
• The Line Austin (notably features the excellent restaurant, Arlo Grey. I tried to extend my trip there, but this was rather price. Maybe next time!)

If you’re planning to extend your stay after your work commitments:

• Consider staying in downtown Austin for its central location and walkability.
• For easy transportation, book rides through Uber or Lyft. Use this link for a Lyft discount and ensure your Delta Skymiles account is linked to earn extra miles.

Dining Experiences at the Hotels

• Stella San Jac (The Westin Austin): Offers Southern fare but my experience was less impressive due to subpar food and service. Delays were common, and seating restrictions were enforced despite available space.
• Arlo Grey (The Line Austin): Stands out with exceptional service and cuisine, thanks to our server Taco who provided the best dining experience in Austin.

Deep Dive into The Westin Austin

Comfort and Convenience:

• The Westin Austin provides a clean and comfortable setting for travelers. Although there was a slight delay in room readiness upon my arrival, the issue was quickly mitigated with a complimentary beverage, enhancing the overall experience.

Amenities:

• The hotel boasts a 24-hour accessible gym located on the 20th floor. This facility not only offers state-of-the-art equipment but also features stunning views of the cityscape and the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (the home of the University of Texas Longhorns Football) (not as big as our University of Michigan Big House which hosts over 100K people, but it’s ok) and a view of I-35. That means if you’re like me getting your treadmill run on to eat some more and get a few extra beers, you at least get some sweeping views of the city. 
• Complimentary amenities such as Aquafina water (which is also re-stocked in your room), apples, earbuds, and towels are abundantly available, ensuring a pleasant and convenient stay.

Tip: If you run out of water in your room, you can simply go up to the 20th floor (the Gym) and grab some more.

Staff and Service:

• The service at The Westin Austin is notably friendly, especially with staff members like Cindy at the front desk, who go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. If you see Cindy at the front desk, make sure to say “Hi!” She made it so when I extended my trip, I could easily stay in the same room and didn’t have to pack up my belongings. Their personal touches significantly enhance the guest experience. My room was decent and clean. And even though it took some time for the room to be readied, I was quickly comped with a drink on the house.

Dining:

• Stella San Jac: The hotel’s in-house restaurant, Stella San Jac, serves Southern dishes. However, my personal experience with the service and food quality was lacking, which might prompt guests to explore other dining options in the area.
• Skip The Westin’s In-House Restaurant: My coworker and I had to wait a bit for certain items, including the check, and were told we couldn’t sit in certain areas—even though they were clearly empty. I’d definitely pass and opt for other in-hotel restaurants like the Line’s Arlo Grey, which had amazing service and food—shoutout to our server Taco (definitely the best service I had in Austin).

 

Exploring Austin: What to Do and Where to Eat

Quick Stops for Busy Schedules: For those with limited time, The Grey Market Austin offers quick coffee and pre-made sandwiches in just 2 minutes, ideal for a brief caffeine fix before meetings. I know this because I once had a meeting starting in just 5 minutes.

Top Spots to Visit:

I would check out see below during the work week that are uberable/lyftable (is that even a verb? I don’t know).

• Coffee: The Grey Market Austin, Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors
• Lunch: Terry Blacks BBQ, OneTaco Taqueria @ Frost Tower, Shoal Creek Saloon
• Dinner: Arlo Grey by Top Chef Winner Kristen Kish, DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana, Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering
• Beer: Nomadic Beerworks (super friendly staff),  Hold Out Brewing,

If I had to pick one winner for lunch, it would be Terry Black’s. For dinner, the winner is Arlo Grey. As for beer, that’s tough to decide, so I’ll plead the fifth.

Returning Home: Advantages of Airline Status

Enjoy benefits like priority boarding and no penalties for overweight baggage when you buy local goods, such as beer and coffee beans.

With airline status, like Delta Gold, you may even be upgraded to First Class, where meal selections are available if made 24 hours in advance.

In my case, I was upgraded to First Class on the return flight even with Gold status, allowing me to select a meal in advance.

While it certainly pays to stick with a preferred airline, make sure you’re not overlooking significant discounts on other airlines to maximize benefits and savings during your travels.

 

Austin

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

• Book your hotel in advance: Austin is a popular destination, especially during festivals and events. Booking your hotel early can help you secure the best rates and availability.
• Purchase travel insurance: Travel insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
• Pack for the weather: Austin has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
• Explore beyond downtown: While downtown Austin has a lot to offer, don’t forget to explore other neighborhoods like South Congress, East Austin, and Zilker Park.
• Get a CityPASS: If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, a CityPASS can save you money on admission.
• Public transportation: Austin has a bus system and a MetroRail line, but it’s not as extensive as other cities. Consider ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft for convenient transportation.

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Tucker Wetmore - Wine Into Whiskey

No matter how long your stay, Austin promises a unique and unforgettable experience. So, embrace the bleisure trend and make the most of your time in the Live Music Capital of the World!