Jennifer Hart

Circle C Ranch

Circle C is a community located in Southwest Austin and is a short drive to downtown and has many convenient shopping areas with local shopping areas.

Austin has its own unique style some might call funky, eclectic, kitschy or just plain weird. The area known as SoCo is a great example of Austin. SoCo stands for South Congress which is the widest boulevard in Austin with the Capitol and the downtown area just north and across the river. If you are planning a trip to Austin for any event whether it's a music festival such as Austin City Limits Music Festival (starting October 2, 2009) a planned business trip or vacation and want to get a feel for Austin life, then read on! If you are looking for places to stay in SoCo (place to stay on South Congess) there are three motel/hotels in the SoCo District you will want to explore.

Hotel Saint Cecilia, named after the patron saint of music and poetry. This hotel offers guests a choice of five suites, six poolside bungalows and three studios. Features include a sound system in each room with a turntable and iPod connections. The library has a wonderful selection of vinyl records, films and books on poetry and poets, writers and musicians. Each mini bar is stocked with both global and local products. Bikes can be borrowed for an enjoyable ride around the downtown area or a quick trip to explore the SoCo District. This is a dog friendly hotel.

Hotel San Jose, a bungalow-style hotel which was originally built in 1939 to be a motor court style hotel. You can stay in a variety of room styles from European, standard, suites, to luxury courtyard suites overlooking the pool. Features of the hotel include a variety of music on either CD or iPod, bike rental, swimming pool, courtyard, on call massage or manicure-pedicure service in your room, Wi-Fi access and many other amenities. Bring your dog and enjoy your surroundings!

Austin Motel, is known for its eclectic vibe and great 50's style pool. There are 41 rooms to choose from; poolside rooms, luxury rooms, two-bed rooms and one-bed rooms. This motel has a courtyard that could be described as either southwestern or tropical, you decide! Guests consider it affordable, clean, comfortable, yet kitschy.

These are just a few places to consider when planning your next visit to Austin, TX. If you are looking to buy a home in the SoCo area, check out mls# 9250937.

Austin has hosted the SXSW music and film festival for the past 22 years. This year there were 12,500 registrants, 12,000 wristbands sold, 1,700 acts and $90 million estimated economic impact reported in todays Austin American Statesman. This event transforms Austin's downtown area to a music haven for music lovers from around the world. This year over 500 foreign acts played the event. Huge tents set up in the streets, warehouses and offices transformed for concerts and parties and the majority of local clubs were filled with ticket holders. The energy this event brings to Austin is incredible.

If you haven't made the SXSW festival and love film and music, start making plans for next year. Tickets and hotel rooms sell out fast.