Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Arboretum

I’ve stayed with this property many times over many years, and from a high level been very satisfied. In the past they have rented me rooms with the plumbing needing to be ripped out and start over, and the curtains allowed to sun-rot into shreds. But, overall, they have done a fairly good job of maintaining Hilton corporation’s high standards, even though I believe this is a franchisee. It’s not likely I’ll be coming back unless some extreme need arises. And, that’s because they have decided to start charging for parking in a place that it’s not customary or appropriate to charge a customer to park. If this was located downtown somewhere that everything goes vertical, and space is at an extreme premium, then parking charges are expected and appropriate. This place is on the edge of town, and there’s no justification for charging a customer to park other than corporate greed. The innkeepers in the neighborhood have not begun to charge for parking. Just in this neighborhood there are plenty of other equal or better properties with the same amenities that don’t charge for parking. The Embassy on N I-35 has also adopted this same practice. If we examine the traffic patterns around either of these properties it’s plenty obvious the architect had no intent or plans for charging to park. My stay there was plenty OK, and the room condition better than some I have rented here in the recent past. They used to have swans swimming around in the atrium fountain, but I can only guess the swans, too, didn’t want to pay for parking, and flew away somewhere they are welcomed. I really do like Hilton’s electronic keys to my phone, and that most of their properties are equipped with an in-room safe. But, none of that is enough to get me to elect to support gouging the customer the way this place is. So, be forewarned if you choose to stay here. I don’t recommend them any longer for that very reason. I didn’t have anything negative to say about the room, the staff, and the overall stay, except for that one hidden charge that is bad for business, and bad for the customer. This is Texas, where we have almost no public transportation, and none that actually works taking people any place they need to be. That leaves everyone with no way to move around except in your own car. Places where it’s customary to pay for parking usually offer other means of transportation other than a car, and that’s nowhere near here. Hitch-hiking was outlawed some years back taking that option away too. I do hope this franchisee comes to their senses and finds other ways to increase profits outside of just gouging the customer with unexpected fees and charges.

This hotel is in dire need of a renovation. They have the same carpet in the rooms as they had 20 years ago. It is a dark musty brown plaid that would hide anything if you did not know any better. We stayed at this hotel 20 years ago and it was borderline then. The rooms smell musty ,the furniture in our suite was dirty and dated and the bed was so uncomfortable.. The arm rests and the seat portions were filthy. Stay at another newer Embassy Suites if you can. The breakfast was such a let down. They are trying to save by substituting cheaper items. The cooked to order eggs were great. Just stay away from the hidden bacon ( yes, they hide it behind the counter ). It was tasteless and undercooked. The hashbrowns were horrible. They were little square shaped pieces of frozen processed potatos that were also undercooked. The french toast tasted rubbery. The make your own waffels were great. The sausage was, well, undercooked too. I do not know if this is a cooporate owned hotel or private owned. If it is managed by Hilton, they need to wake up and fix the quality issues. Oh, I almost forgot, you have to pay $22.00 a night for parking there. They tell you to scan a QR code on your phone and fill out the info and pay a separate company online. They will tow you if you do not abide by those rules. I think the sneaky Tow truck drivers stalk the premises after midnight so beware.

Do not choose this hotel cause it looks cheaper!!!! The actual price of the hotel is just under 200$ with parking and the additional fees, and it was NOT worth that price. All of the technology was incredibly outdated. The amenities were hard to use like the menus in the room. The room

This property does the job of providing a place to stay and a free breakfast that was delicious. I really enjoyed the self-made waffles and the guy at the grill was amazing. Eggs to order at its best.

Great service

The sink in bathroom would clog in seconds after you used it and take over 15 mins to go down.