DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin Review: Family-Friendly Space Near UT Campus

At a Glance

Overview

The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin has one thing that most hotels in this price range don’t: space. Every single room is a two-room suite with a separate living area and bedroom. For families, extended-stay guests, or anyone who’s ever felt claustrophobic in a standard hotel room, that extra space is a game-changer.

I’ll admit, the DoubleTree Suites doesn’t photograph well. The exterior is dated 90s architecture, the lobby is functional rather than stylish, and the hallways feel like they could use a refresh. But once you’re inside the suite, the value proposition clicks. You get a living room with a sofa, a desk, a wet bar, a mini-fridge, and a microwave — then a separate bedroom with a king bed and its own TV. For $150-200/night, that’s a lot of usable space.

And yes, you still get the famous DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at check-in. After staying at hundreds of hotels, I can confirm: it’s still one of the best welcome amenities in the industry. Warm, gooey, and genuinely delicious. Don’t sleep on the cookie.

Rooms & Suites

Every room is a suite. The standard suite gives you about 500 square feet split between a living area and bedroom — roughly double what you’d get at a downtown Austin hotel for the same price. The living room has a pull-out sofa (useful for families), a coffee table, a work desk, and a wet bar area with a mini-fridge and microwave. The bedroom has a king bed, a second TV, and a closet with actual depth.

The bathrooms are standard hotel size with a tub/shower combo. They’re clean but show the property’s age — older tile, dated vanity — though the fixtures appear to have been updated. The toiletries are DoubleTree’s house brand, which is adequate.

I won’t sugarcoat the decor: it’s dated. The furniture is heavy and dark, the color palette is stuck somewhere around 2005, and the carpet in some suites is clearly ready for replacement. But everything is clean, the beds are comfortable, and the space is genuinely useful. If you can look past the aesthetics, the square footage alone justifies the rate.

Location

The hotel sits near the intersection of I-35 and 15th Street, about a mile north of downtown and a 10-minute walk to the southern edge of the UT campus. It’s not a glamorous location — the immediate surroundings are highway-adjacent and commercial — but it’s surprisingly central.

Downtown Austin and 6th Street are about 1.5 miles south, which is a 25-minute walk, a quick rideshare, or a short drive (parking downtown is the variable). The UT campus and the Drag are walkable to the north. The Capitol building is about a mile southwest.

The I-35 proximity means highway noise is real for rooms on that side of the building. Request a room facing away from the highway. The upside of the highway proximity is easy car access to the entire city — you’re one on-ramp away from everywhere.

Dining & Drinks

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is a standard hotel buffet and is not included in most rates (expect $15-18 per person). The dinner menu is unremarkable — basic American fare that’s fine in a pinch but not worth choosing over the many restaurants nearby.

The real advantage is the wet bar and microwave in every suite. You can stock up at the nearby H-E-B (there’s one about a mile south on I-35) and have breakfast in your suite. With the mini-fridge and microwave, you can significantly reduce dining costs — especially valuable for families.

For actual Austin dining, you’re close enough to several good options. Kerbey Lane Cafe is a classic 24-hour spot nearby. Torchy’s Tacos is a short drive. And the restaurants on East 6th are accessible within 10-15 minutes.

Amenities

The outdoor pool is a real highlight, especially for families. It’s a good size, well-maintained, and has a surrounding deck with loungers. During Austin summers, having a pool is close to essential, and it gives this hotel a genuine edge over downtown competitors that lack one.

Free self-parking is a huge value-add. Downtown hotels charge $30-50/night for parking, so over a multi-night stay, the savings are significant. The lot is on-site and convenient.

The fitness center is basic — a few treadmills, an elliptical, and some free weights. It’ll do for maintenance workouts but won’t impress anyone who takes fitness seriously. There’s also a business center and meeting rooms for small groups.

Who It’s Best For

Families are the obvious answer — the suite layout with a separate bedroom means parents get privacy, the pull-out sofa gives kids their own sleeping area, and the pool keeps everyone happy. UT visitors who need a home base near campus with more space than the typical hotel room. Budget-conscious travelers who want suite-level space without suite-level pricing. Anyone staying multiple nights who values the wet bar, mini-fridge, and microwave for meal flexibility.

Not ideal for: travelers who prioritize modern design and decor, anyone who wants to walk to downtown nightlife (possible but not convenient), or visitors looking for a boutique or luxury experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Every room is a two-room suite — unbeatable space for the price
• Free self-parking saves $30-50/night vs. downtown
• Good pool for families
• Famous warm DoubleTree cookie at check-in
• Wet bar with mini-fridge and microwave in every suite
• Close to UT campus
• Hilton Honors eligible

Cons

• Dated decor and aesthetics
• I-35 highway noise on some rooms
• Exterior looks tired
• Not walkable to downtown nightlife
• On-site dining is forgettable
• Bathrooms need updating

How It Compares

For a more modern experience near UT with smaller rooms, the AC Hotel by Marriott Austin-University is a style upgrade but a major space downgrade. The AT&T Hotel & Conference Center is on campus with newer rooms but no suites and higher rates. For a similar all-suite experience downtown, you’d need to look at the Westin Austin at nearly double the price. For families specifically, the Omni Barton Creek Resort is the ultimate upgrade — but at 4x the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all rooms really suites?

Yes, every room at this property is a two-room suite with a separate living area and bedroom. The living area includes a sofa (usually a pull-out), desk, wet bar with mini-fridge, and microwave. It’s about 500 square feet total.

Is the DoubleTree cookie still a thing?

Absolutely. Every guest gets a warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in. It’s been a DoubleTree signature for decades, and it’s genuinely good. They’ll also give you extras at the front desk if you ask nicely.

How far is the hotel from UT’s football stadium?

About 1.5 miles, or a 25-30 minute walk. On game days, many guests walk or take a short rideshare. The free parking at the hotel makes it a popular game day base — you can leave your car and avoid stadium-area parking chaos.

Is the pool heated?

The pool is generally open seasonally and may not be heated during winter months. It’s best enjoyed from April through October when Austin’s weather makes a pool essential.

Does the hotel offer airport shuttles?

No airport shuttle is available. Austin-Bergstrom Airport is about 8 miles south. A rideshare typically costs $15-20 and takes 15-20 minutes outside of rush hour.

Last updated: February 2026

About the Author

Jake Sullivan writes the hotel reviews and neighbourhood guides on Hotels-Austin.com. Reviews are compiled from operator information, official property data, location research, and verified guest feedback, and are updated as properties change. Read more about our editorial process.