Inviting to families due to its spacious suites, full kitchens, pool, 24-hour guest market, reasonable prices and complimentary breakfast buffet, the Hyatt house Austin/Arboretum is a great option for families staying in Austin. Located in the northwest section of Austin, the “Arboretum District” is named after its main open-air shopping mall, the Arboretum. This is a burgeoning high-tech area, blooming with upscale and trendy restaurants, nightspots, gyms and high-end retail shops. For families relocating to Austin, this is often the place where corporations provide rentals for new employees. IBM and the University of Texas research campus have a big presence in this part of town.

Though about 10 miles away from the bustling downtown area, the family-friendly amenities make up for the distance, and there is a shuttle service available through the hotel.

Contemporary-style family suites work well for folks traveling with children. The Hyatt's one-bedroom suite has a walk-in closet and flat-screen television, as well as a second TV in the living area.

Fully-equipped kitchens have a regular size refrigerator and microwave, pots and pans, utensils, dishwasher, plenty of cabinet space, coffeemaker and stovetop, but no oven. All beds have triple sheeting, pillow-top mattress and plush pillows. A work station with full-size desk is provided, with a dual-line phone, voicemail and complimentary internet access.

Two-bedroom suites have an additional bathroom as well as a second bedroom with its own TV and phone.

The onsite laundry room facilities contain three washers and four dryers. Pets are permitted but you will be charged a $200 cleaning fee per stay.

There is an outdoor pool and spa, as well as a fitness center, but you're going to want to venture into Austin for entertainment. Downtown offers parks, museums and attractions aplenty. The 350-acre Zilker Park has a miniature train, the Zilker Zephyr, which does a 25-minute chug around the park. Older kids can hike and bike at Lady Bird Lake, which allows both kayaking and paddle boats. Also check out the local Austin Children's Museum. For a bit of state history, a visit to the Texas State Capitol is in order, as well as the Bob Bullock Museum, which has exhibits and IMAX movies recounting Texas history. From March through November, anyone whose bats about bats can watch them take to the skies at the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Be sure to wear a hat!

There is no onsite restaurant. Since the suites at Hyatt have full kitchens, families may prefer cooking. Whole Foods Market is within a five-minute walk, or if you'd rather, Hyatt offers complimentary grocery shopping on your behalf. For quick necessities, the property has its own 24-hour Guest Market. There's also a gas barbeque grill by the pool.

The Hyatt also offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, served daily. Hot selections such as eggs, French toast and sausage are served along with muffins, breads and pastries, cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, Tazo tea and Starbucks coffee.

From Monday through Thursday nights there is a complimentary evening social, which serves hot appetizers, along with a small salad bar, fresh-baked cookies, soda, wine and beer.

In hip and urban Austin, restaurants are plentiful. Some kid favorites include Buca di Beppo, The Screaming Goat and Mighty Fine Burgers. At the nearby Arboretum you'll find Rudy's Country Store/Texas BBQ, the Cheesecake Factory and Amy's Ice Cream.