citizenM Austin Downtown

The Living Room lobby was my favorite part. It has a big mural, lots of little objects on the walls, and a cozy feel, with good spots for working, lounging by the TVs, or eating and hanging out at the bar and canteen. Breakfast was fantastic. I loved the thick-cut bacon, cooked just right, and there was a nice spread of pastries, eggs, yogurt, fruit and juice. In the morning the bartender makes espresso drinks, using a proper machine, thank goodness. I can't stand the push-button kind. It was $21 per person, with $10 taken off through my Marriott Platinum food and beverage allowance. This was my first citizenM stay, and I’ll be back. It’s like a more fun, cuter, slightly more upscale Moxy. There’s one room type, the “XL King.” Rooms are small but useful, with the bed against the window, a little desk and a nice bathroom. Two people fit comfortably. I wouldn’t choose it for a family, which is fine by me. The lights, curtains and AC can be adjusted on the intuitive iPad or with room switches, and I liked having both options. One odd thing was that there were no bottles of water or even cups in the room. They’ll give you glasses at the bar, and there are a couple of bottle filling stations in the second-floor Living Room, but I’d still like cups or water in the room.

I always come back to this hotel when I'm in Austin. The lounge feels so cozy, there's a bar inside, and the whole place has great vibes. Everything is within walking distance. The rooms are small, but that doesn't bother me. The tablet for the LED lights and curtains is such a vibe.

The room's on the small side, but it still feels homey, and the iPad lets you control almost everything. The lounge is welcoming and the staff were amazing. Check-in was easy with the modern iPad setup, and you can choose where your room is. Really enjoyed my stay here. I'd recommend it for a work trip or a fun city getaway.

The price is hard for me to judge since I used Marriott points. The hotel is very clean and modern, with lots of technology, and it’s close to just about anything you might want downtown. Still, this wasn’t my idea of a hotel stay, and I’ll most likely not return. There are much better options in Austin. The room was extremely small, about like an inside cabin on a lower cruise ship deck, and a tight fit for two. The bed was very hard and uncomfortable, pushed against the wall, so one person had to crawl over to get to the far side. There were no cups or the usual room amenities. It was the most uncomfortable hotel stay I can remember. Getting to the room was a hassle too. Check-in was glitchy, and the elevators were awful because you have to change elevators between ground level and your room. Then the parking bill was the final straw. The hotel directed us to the Indeed lot across the street, quoting $33. We arrived at 2:30 pm and left at 8:30 am the next morning, but it cost $71. Never park at Indeed. Almost anywhere else is cheaper, even if you walk or take an Uber.