Thanks for the info. I kind of figured that all the rental agencies would be closed, and had already started thinking of a secondary plan of spending a night in a hotel and getting a car the next morning. Especially if the arrival is going to be late, which sounds like is almost a certainty. I have friends meeting me in Austin, who are arriving by plane earlier in the evening, and could come get me, but, it doesn't sound like the station is in an area where I would want to hang out and wait for them to come and pick me up after arriving. Nor would I want them to sit there and wait for (perhaps) many hours for me to arrive on a late train.
while i wouldn't recommend anyone waits at the amtrak station by themselves, i wouldn't characterize it as being 'in a bad part of town.' it's just hidden away. but i wouldn't recommend anyone wait by themselves after dark in any urban area. chances are, they would be 'waiting' for your call somewhere along 6th street or in the warehouse district just a few blocks away, having a fairly good time of it. austin is famous for having a tremendous night life and an even better live music scene. there would be plenty to do downtown while waiting for you. once your train starts paralleling loop1 (also known as mopac), give 'em a call. you'll be at the station in a matter of minutes assuming you don't get put in that siding near far west blvd.
Now, that makes me think of another question: are there any 'reasonable' hotels near the station? As far as 'reasonable' and 'near', I'll take your best judgment here :unsure: .
there are some truly fantastic hotels in downtown austin. i've stayed at the driskill, the hyatt, and the omni. but i wouldn't consider any hotel downtown in the 'reasonable' category when it comes to your wallet. the only place still downtown under $100 per night is a super 8, and i don't know anything about it. there is also a la quinta inn near campus, which i believe may offer similar rates, but probably not on the weekend you'll be arriving.
if you and your friends want to treat yourself, consider an evening at the driskill hotel; if you do decide to go this route, make certain to make reservations in advance for the driskill grill, considered one of the best restaurants in central texas. although i'm unable to eat there, colleagues have raved about it.
if economy is more of a consideration, there are many hotels north of downtown at more reasonable prices -- particularly near the IBM campus and around the arboretum complex -- but that only works if one of your party has a car. there are also B&Bs all throughout downtown. i've stayed at the 'star of texas inn' and the 'austin folk house.' both are owned by the same couple, and we've always enjoyed our visits. rooms are a little on the small side, but you can find one for around $80-90. we do have a fairly good bus service downtown, but i've never availed myself of it. of the places i've mentioned so far, all of these locations are within a five minute drive, so the taxi fares would be reasonable.
-- eliyahu
austin, tx
