I have stayed at a number of HI hostels over the years and they have usually followed the same pattern: cleaner than average,less of a party hostel (due to their ban on alcohol), more family friendly. Meh. This was my first visit to Austin and I wanted to enjoy my time both in and outside the hostel I stayed at... More

We stayed at HI Austin for two nights in early april. On arrival (11am) early train, we were offered a private room if we wanted to upgrade. We took this offer and were pleasantly surprised by the room. To get to the private room you must go through the four bed dorm and share the bathroom. The hostel is located... More

I stayed in this hostel in February, 2012. I expected a hostel in a college town over Mardi Gras to be a little noisy, but it was very quiet. At one point there were about a dozen people in the common area, each on their own ipad or laptop or some electronic device with no interaction at all. I guess... More

I really enjoyed my stay at this hostel. It was far from perfect, but definitely clean enough, lots of amenities and close to just about anything you could want within walking distance. There wasn't anything that I needed and couldn't find here. The social experience was very nice and the staff was helpful but not over-bearing. I'd absolutely stay here... More

Unfortunately it's the only established hostel in Austin so you don't have a choice. It's part of the 'Hostelling International' chain of hostels - which no matter where you go is always sterile with zero atmosphere. The dorms are 14 beds and are very overcrowded. They don't advertise this fact on their website, which I find misleading, even though their... More

Stayed here in January 2012 for one night as part of pre-organised tour. The hostel's in a nice location right next to the lake - staff were friendly on check-in. We stayed in a big 14 bed dormroom just for our group. There were plenty of blankets and the room was warm for mid January and pretty quiet really. Our... More

Stayed for 4 nights in September. The hostel wasn't too busy, just as well as it turned out to be a 14 bed dorm. It was pretty dark in the room, a light by each bed would have been great. At least they had free parking... not sure it would have been so easy to get about by walking/bus if... More

I stayed the HI Austin for 5 nights. The only (potential) downside of this hostel is it's distance from town. There is a bus stop that is not too far (5-10 minute walk) but it can seem like quite a walk on an exceptionally hot austin day. The rooms were clean (slightly too cold with the a/c but there were... More

I stayed here for 5 nights during the ACL fest. This place was pretty booked. I stayed in the 14 bed dorm which was alright. I think that 14 beds is too many in that size room considering everyone has luggage. It seem pretty cramped and hot in the room at night. It would be nice if they had small... More