Ten miles northwest of downtown Austin, the Arboretum is a vibrant residential neighborhood in the city, best known as the home to the University of Texas. Corporations like IBM, Dell and Microsoft also have offices in the area. Yet, the reason why the neighborhood has become popular with families is the presence of the Arboretum Mall, an open-air cluster of shops and restaurants, including a local favorite ice cream shop, Amy’s.

The Embassy Suites Austin-Arboretum is located less than a mile from the mall and provides free shuttle service, perfect after a day of seeing the many kid-friendly sites in Austin, such as the Children’s Museum and Austin Zoo. Families also cherish the two-room suites at the hotel with a separate living area, ideal for parents of young children who may go to bed early in the evening. Other perks include complimentary breakfasts that are cooked to order, an indoor pool, happy hour reception with free drinks, and easy parking. If you’re looking for an affordable, convenient locale in Austin, it’s hard to top the Embassy Suites Austin-Arboretum.

All of the 102 rooms in the hotel are exactly the same configuration. Just be sure to ask for two double beds, not one king, and a non-smoking room. Request a crib if needed, as well. All rooms are suites with an additional sitting area that's home to a 42-inch, flat-screen TV, queen-sized pullout sofa, desk, dining room table, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. There's a second 42-inch, flat-screen TV in the bedroom, so the kids can watch their own program while you sneak out to the living room. The bedroom also offers ample closet space, an iron and ironing board and hairdryer. The bathroom has a shower with great pressure, in addition to a tub. High-speed Internet access is available in the room and you can grab a copy of USA Today at the lobby when you wake up for breakfast in the morning.

There's nothing like a good pool to let children unwind after a long day. Parents will like the hot tub and small adjacent fitness area with elliptical machines, treadmills and free weights. A 20-minute walk or two-minute drive is the Arboretum Mall, where you'll find Saks Fifth Avenue, Crate and Barrel, Barnes and Noble and up to 40 more stores and eateries.

If you want to play outdoors, check out the nearby Bull Creek District Park, which has bike trails, picnic tables, a volleyball court and a creek for swimming. Of course, the University of Texas is a big draw for Longhorn football fans in town to catch a game or prospective students and their families touring the campus. It's a short drive to the university, close to 15 minutes, and a similar drive to reach sites like the Austin Children's Museum downtown.

Start your day with a complimentary breakfast, served in a room next to the lobby. An omelet chef cooks eggs any way you like them, along with bacon, sausage, grits, and a selection of cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, muffins and pastries. The same restaurant offers a Manager's Reception in the late afternoon, also complimentary, if you want to stop back for a cool drink and light snack fare, such as cheese and fruit.

The hotel is also home to DJ's American Grill, serving lunch and dinner options like salads, sandwiches, burgers, steak, and grilled fish; its specialty is the strawberry chicken salad.

Off of the property, the hotel's shuttle will bring you over to all the restaurants at Arboretum Mall, such as The Cheesecake Factory and Five Guys Burgers. Blue Baker features custom-made sandwiches, pizza and salads. Italian food can be found at Brio's Tuscan Grille. Portions are large, so share family-style, and save room for the yummy tiramisu. There's also a Japanese restaurant, Drunk Fish, and the Southern-inspired fare at Zoe's Kitchen. Afterwards, everyone heads to Amy's for the hot fudge sundaes and root beer floats.

All About the Extras
Be sure to check the website's Special Offers page. AAA members and military members receive special rates. There's also a chance to receive a $25 gas card if you book the room by a certain date. The shuttle is a nice amenity if you don't feel like driving at night. Also, a free breakfast, especially for a family of four, is a great way to save.

The Art of Smart Timing
The hotel is booked solid during the fall football season at the University of Texas, as well as graduation in mid-May. If you're planning to arrive in Austin during those times of year, book well in advance. Spring and fall, when the Texas heat is not yet sweltering, is a great time to visit Austin. October features the three-day music festival, Austin City Limits, while the first half of March is time for the formidable film and music festival, South by Southwest.

For Mom and Dad
Close to the hotel is North by Northwest, a popular microbrewery that's also known for its exemplary cuisine. Start with the roasted garlic bulbs or fried calamari, and then move on to entrees like cedar plank salmon or beef tenderloin. Wash it all down with one of the seven beers on tap.