36 Hours in Austin,Tex. By JAIME GROSS Erich Schlegel for The New York Times Even in the face of rapid development,this funky college town still clings to its eccentric roots. Articles About Austin If You Go March 04,2012,Sunday The Austin Motel (1220 South Congress; 512-441-1157; austinmotel.com) keeps the hip hotel scene on South Congress Avenue real,with rates starting at $ 85. Its kitschy rooms and friendly service are a throwback to its 1950s roots,those are its buildings and pool.... 36 Hours in Austin,Tex. By RACHEL LEE HARRIS March 01,2012,Thursday Long a haven for free spirits,Austin these days is more chic than shabby. 36 Hours: Austin,Tex. By RACHEL LEE HARRIS; March 4,2012,Sunday Long a haven for free spirits,Austin these days is more chic than shabby. FRUGAL TRAVELER Tunes and Tacos: $ 100 Weekend in Austin By SETH KUGEL February 05,2012,Sunday FIVE meals,snacks five and six drinks (including one huge margarita).Two museums (one presidential).One odd road race,one odd toy store and one very,very odd game of bingo. All this,plus live blues,indie rock,honky-tonk and qawwali,in one weekend.... CHECK IN / CHECK OUT Hotel Review: the W Austin,in Austin,Tex. By KRISTINA SHEVORY July 17,2011,Sunday Unlike some of the charmless downtown business hotels,the W adds some spice with bars,bark midcentury dcor and ample amenities. HEADS UP In Austin,Rainey Street Is a Local Hot Spot By KRISTINA SHEVORY July 17,2011,Sunday The Rainey Street neighborhood,near the banks of Lady Bird Lake,is attracting locals with homey new bars. JOURNEYS Welcoming Spring in Texas Tones By JAN Benzel May 02,2010,Sunday Wildflowers - blue,red,yellow - create a wilder sort of spring in the Hill Country around Austin. All Articles »