Amenities Columns

$$ | Miles | Fit | Kit | I'net

$$

This column indicates the typical price range of this hotel. We use the following codes: E=Economy (under $50), M=Midrange ($50 to $100), U=Upscale ($100 to $150), L=Luxury (over $150). Please note that room rates fluctuate (seasonal popularity, special events in the area, etc.).

Miles

The approximate distance in miles from the exit to the hotel. These are calculations using GPS data. Distances along city streets will be somewhat different but this should give you a good idea of the distances to Discount Hotels near the cited Interstate exit.

Fit

Discount Hotels near I-90 in Austin offering  'fitness' or exercise facilities are indicated with an F in this column. If the hotel also has a spa, it is so indicated by an S in this column. Most hotels define a 'spa' as a large hot tub with built in water jets. In a few cases, fitness facilities and spas may be off-premises (entry by pass issued by the hotel) in which case dressing rooms are also present for your convenience.

Kit

Discount Hotels near I-90 in Austin offering a full kitchen or 'kitchenette' are indicated with an 'K' in this column. An 'M' in this column indicates microwave available. If the room also has a refrigerator, it is so indicated by an 'R' in this column. Many hotels have some rooms furnished with microwaves and small refrigerators but you have to request them. We list them only if there is not an additional charge (or so they have informed us).

I'net

Discount Hotels near I-90 in Austin offering Internet access are indicated (with an M for dial-up and W for wideband) in the I'net column. Please note that 'wideband' facilities vary. In addition to a network port (usually installed in the docking station), we suggest you bring along cables and your Windows distribution CD (in case you are required to load a special network driver). For 'dial up dataports', you would only need a modem and an RJ-11 patch cord (which you should always have with you, anyway).

To check rates, amenities or make hotel reservations, just click on the hotel name.

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Visitors' Center - Austin had less than 25,000 residents at last count but, for its small size, it is certainly a 'going town'. The home of the Hormel Foods Corporation (you've undoubtedly enjoyed some of their products), Hormel has been a major benefactor to the community. And it is all here for you to enjoy.
  From I-90 exit 178 drive south on 4th Street to 12th Place NW which will be on your left (NOT 12th Ave which is on your right). Turn left and follow 12th Place as it circles around to 11th Avenue. Turn left on 11th Avenue and the visitors center is almost a couple hundred yards ahead on your left.
  For more information phone 1-800-444-5713.

Hormel Foods Corporation - from a one-man butcher shop in 1887 to one of the largest food production companies in the world? Yes, that is the Hormel Foods Corporation. George Hormel started it all. As a true Minnesotan, he worked hard and wisely but even he couldn't have foreseen the success the company he founded would achieve.
  "Like father like son." as the saying goes. J. C. Hormel carried on the effort and the company and, in 1937, he has a true brainstorm; why not package ham in a tin and 'SPAM' was born. And what a success it was. That little 12-ounce can became famous world wide and his company was hard pressed to keep up with demand. Today there is the original SPAM*, Oven-roasted turkey SPAM, Smoke-flavored SPAM, SPAM Lite... Will it never end.
  But the story doesn't end with the creation of another giant company and a wealthy CEO. J.C.Hormel believed in giving back to his community. He didn't achieve this alone but with the help of hundreds of workers in the Austin area. Much of what you can enjoy in Austin is here because of the generosity of the  Hormel Foods Corporation.

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Jay C Hormel Nature Center - This 278 piece of well-preserved prairie features a variety of prairie grasses, a hardwood forest and some well populated wetlands. Almost 10 miles of nicely maintained trails provides a hard-t0-beat platform for observing a full spectrum of wildlife. Also on the property is the Interpretive Building. The building is open from 9a-5p (closed for lunch noon-1p) Monday through Saturday and noon to 5p Sundays. The trails, however, are open 6a to 10p daily.
  For more information, phone 1-507-437-7519.
  From I-90 take exit 180-B and drive northbound on 21st Street about 0.2 miles.

Hormel Institute - Originally utilizing a corner of the family stable, this research institute has become one of the more prominent lipid research laboratories. No longer in a stable, it now has its own building at 801 16th Avenue NE housing a knowledgeable staff of biochemistry, biophysics, cellular, molecular biology and nutrition scientists.
  For more information phone 1-507-433-8804.