Updated for 2017
With the festival quickly approaching, it’s a good idea to make sure you have at least one part of your week scheduled: where you’ll be taking your disco naps! Here are some options for finding places to stay and how to get around Austin during the week.
Are we missing any tips on places to stay or how to get around? Let us know via Twitter.
And don’t forget to order RSVPster, we’ll help you RSVP to unofficial parties during the festival.
Lodging in Austin
If you aren’t able to find a hotel in Central or South Austin near the center of the action, there are a variety of alternatives that might still be availble in your desired area:
AirBNB: Current listings shows 300+ places available that week in March – including entire homes, apartments and shared spaces. If you’ve never used AirBNB, you can use this link for $40 off.
HomeAway: HomeAway offers the ability to book both luxury and affordable homes/apartments in prime locations online. We recommend looking in South and Central Austin, but you can also find places further from downtown if you are planning to use a car service (listed below).
VRBO: Owned by HomeAway, this site is basically the same deal as above, but might have a few different properties not listed on HomeAway.
Couchsurfing: Traveling solo or with one friend? Consider the couchsurfing route and stay with an Austin local host.
Craig’s List: Some locals go the CL route to list their places, so it’s definitely worth checking out. Don’t forget to bookmark the missed connections to check after the week is over.
Hostels: There are a couple of hostels in Central Austin that are worth checking out:
- Firehouse Hostel is right in the middle of the fest
- The Rusty Railway House is off Rainey St, another prime area for walking to the fest
- Hostelling International is located off Riverside Dr
- Drifter Jack’s Hostel
Search Twitter: In the past, hotels have advertised last minute hotels in Austin on twitter. Follow @RSVPster on Twitter as we’ll RT rooms for rent if we are notified of any.
Ask your Social Media Feed: If you live in Austin you probably see friends posting about renting out their spaces or maybe you know someone who wants to jet when the fest hits. If don’t see any postings, don’t be afraid to ask your connections if they know of anyone renting out there place.
Use a planning service: Austin-based company Lucid Routes can help you plan your festival. How it works: the company meets with you, either in person or virtually, and gets to know you to uncover exactly you want get out of your trip. They create a guide for you tailored to your interests. Check them out if you need some festival hand-holding – they can help with hotels, where to eat and what to do or any other concierge tasks.
Hotels Tonight: For the very last minute planner, HotelTonight lets you book last minute hotels within a week of your arrival. You can only make reservations up to a week before your arrival.
Use code: RSVPSTER for $25 off.
Getting Around
Uber/Lyft Alternatives: Uber and Lyft don’t currently operate in Austin because of city regulations, however there are a variety of alternatives that will work during the fest.
- Fasten – Use code MI7601 for $5 off.
- Get Me – Get a ride or a meal, they do delivery.
- RideAustin – Use code fqfdjab2 for a free ride (up to $20).
- Fare
Cabs/Taxis: Download CURB to your phone to book a taxi from your phone. Use code Austin for $10 off.
You’ll also be able to hail taxis near downtown, but save these number now should you need a cab.
- Yellow Cab Austin – 512-452-9999
- Lone Star Cab – 512-836-4900
- Austin Cab Company – 512-478-2222
Mazda Express: Mazda is back to with a fleet of vehicles offering complimentary rides around the fest. Perfect if you need to get from panel A to party B without wearing out your dancing feet. Sign up for the complimentary service (if you ordered RSVPster, we’ll sign you up).
Bike Rental – Austin B-Cycle: Austin’s bike share program. B-Cycle has over 400 bikes available to rent with kiosks located in downtown and central east Austin. You can get a day pass for $12 or a weekend pass for $15.
Other options:
- Austin Bike Tours & Rentals
- Barton Springs Bike Rental
- Bicycle Sport Shop
- Mellow Johnny’s
- Windmill Bikes
Car-2-Go: Rent a Smart Car for .41 cents a minute, drop-off/pick-up the car anywhere in the service area, find the cars via the Car2Go app, insurance/gas included and there’s no reservations required. The service usually has specific drop-off/pick-up locations during the festival. If you have a membership (and you can find an available car), using Car-2-Go can be the perfect way to get around downtown Austin during the busy festival.
Public Transportation: The MetroRail might be useful if you’re staying near the route. Bus schedules, fare information, route information and more is available online. Also: if you’re completely confused, you can send a tweet to @CapMetroATX and they’ll most likely respond with the info you need.
Pedicabs: These guys can take you on some fun rides through the chaos of the fest, and sometimes may be quicker than grabbing a car. Remember, they work for tips! Make sure you are clear on your final destination before starting your ride– don’t waste precious pedicab leg energy reserves.
- Austin Pedicab Company – 512-210-7914
- Capital Pedicabs – 512-448-2227
- Metrocycle Pedicabs – 512-825-1276
- Easy Ride Pedicabs – 512-436-3286
Remember the essentials for the fest: Flight booked? Hotel booked? RSVPs? — We got you.
