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It's Slim Pickings as SXSW Hotels Are Going Fast

March 3, 2010 at 12:41 PM | by | Comment (1)

Gone are the days that South by Southwest was a sleepy music festival for music fans and journos. Thanks to the addition of the film and interactive portions, the 10-day event in Austin is now as big as the Internet! And you know what that means? (Cue Debbie Downer trumpet sounds.) Fewer hotel rooms.

In fact, those film and internet types have gone and taken all of the official SXSW hotel blocks for their dates—March 12–16—but there are still some rooms available for the music dates, March 16–20.

Still, it’s slim pickings. To use the official booking site you have to be a confirmed SXSW attendee, and your options are mostly budget chains nowhere near downtown, ranging from the Drury Inn & Suites North and Staybridge Suites Airport ($99 a night) to the Barton Creek Resort & Spa at $199 a night.

Over at Expedia, there are still rooms available for the film and interactive dates, but they’re also a trek from the action, or pretty humdrum chains. The Quality Inn & Suites at the airport, for example, is $100 a night.

Music dates are a bit better through Expedia—the Aloft Austin at The Domain and the brand new Westin at The Domain are both $179 a night.

Keep in mind that all hotels within walking distance of the Convention Center are sold out for all conferences. So if you’re gonna wear your cowboy boots, make sure they’re broken in. Unless the SXSW Shuttle comes by your hotel, you’ve got some walkin’ to do.

Anyone know of hotels with rooms open for SXSW? Send us an email or put them in comments below. [Photo: SkyHigh Photography / Courtesy SXSW ]

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This should be a

This should be a reminder for travellers attending such festivals to book their hotels in advance. The worst case scenario for an event that you are unable to get any free rooms is to pitch tents at parks. It might not be the most comfortable option, but it certainly is the cheapest.
AlistairCTH on December 14, 2011 at 4:16 AM #Permalink

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