Hot Rhythm Holiday begins with a welcome dance, hosted by the Austin Swing Syndicate. It is held at the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs on Thursday evening – the same venue used by this event. Admission is $10 for guests who are not Austin Swing Syndicate members ($8 for members). The cost of admission to this dance is not covered by your Hot Rhythm Holiday pass.
We recommended attendees arrive Thursday evening and depart Monday morning. You can also arrive Friday morning and depart Sunday evening, and still be able to attend all classes. After the event, some people opt spend extra time in town with their local and out-of-town friends.
Austin winters are typically mild. It's not unusual for temperatures to be sunny and in the 60s. This time of the year, though, the weather is also subject to mercurial behavior. We encourage you to check the weather in advance.
Transportation
For out-of-town travelers wishing to get out and see our fair city, renting a car affords the greatest amount of flexibility. If you're looking to avoid travel by car, Austin has a decent mass transit system, consisting of buses and some light rail. Austin also offers a number of scooter and bike-sharing options, but please exercise caution. If you are staying close to the Fed, you can take the Austin bus system or rent a bicycle. You can find the Austin Metro System's website here. Buses do stop running at certain times, and bicycling is more treacherous after dark. If you choose not to drive, you can also catch a ride with another dancer or take a taxi, when traveling to and from the late night dances.
Lyft and Uber are the primary ride-sharing services in Austin.
If you want to explore more options, Austin has plenty. Below are some suggestions, which are conveniently located close to the Fed, and other Austin attractions. Neither Hot Rhythm Holiday nor the Hot Rhythm Foundation are affiliated with these businesses. These are just places we like:
Drifter Jack's Hostel
As close and as cheap as it gets Hands-down the closest and most affordable option. Drifter Jack's Hostel is half a mile from the Fed and easily within walking distance. Located on the main shopping "drag" across from the University of Texas, Drifter Jack's is conveniently located to restaurants and shopping. Pros: Walking-distance to the Fed. Website advertises free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Close to Kirby Lane, a local diner with late-night hours. Cons: It's a hostel environment, with mostly dormitory-style accommodations. Some private rooms are listed.
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin at The University/Capitol
A close and affordable option This brand-new Hampton Inn is located one mile from the Fed. A walk to the Fed is completely doable and other pedestrians (mainly college students) abound. If you prefer more mobility, a B-cycle station is located at the corner of 17th and Guadalupe, where you can rent bicycles for $15 for 3 days. You can check bike availability on their website. There are a number of good restaurants nearby, including El Mercado, Arturos Underground Cafe, and the Clay Pit. Clean rooms and comfy beds lie within. Pros: Walking distance to the Fed. Pedestrian-friendly. Restaurants close by. Bicycle rental nearby. Cons: Pricier than Drifter Jacks, but if you have a roommate this may be less of a big deal.
Austin's Inn at Pearl Street
Fancy, but close. The Inn at Pearl Street is a unique bed and breakfast, and a mere ten-minute walk from the Fed. Staying at the Inn at Pearl Street is almost like staying in that Austin house you wish you had. Historic, quiet, and comfortable, this is a great place to spend some down time. Pros: It's a bed and breakfast. A ten-minute walk to the Fed. You can also rent a bicycle down the street and get there faster. Cons: Limited number of rooms. A little more on the expensive side, but not outlandish.
Austin Motel
For the most Austin-y experience. Austin motel has been around for over 75 years. Right in the middle of the action, the Austin Motel is located on South Congress and is walking distance from one of Austin's most iconic and eclectic shopping areas. Each room is different and Austin attitude abounds. Pros: Close to shopping, restaurants, and other popular attractions. Lots to do within walking distance if you have down time. Only 3 miles away from the Fed. You can bike or take the bus. Cons: Further from the Fed than other options.
DoubleTree - University Area
A close(ish) and affordable option. The DoubleTree (University Area) is only 1.5 miles from the Fed. Located near the the University of Texas at Austin, you can walk to campus. A walk to the Fed is doable, but a hike. Pros: An affordable option that is close, without shelling out the big bucks closer to campus. A Denny's is next door for early-morning/late-night dining convenience. The Fed is a walkable distance, but still a hike. Cons: Right next to a freeway, which you need to walk underneath to get to the Fed. Taking the bus from this location can be complicated.