The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
701 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, USA, 78701
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About us
Discover the perfect blend of Austin's storied charm and modern elegance at the award-winning, AAA Four-Diamond rated Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel. Nestled in the heart of downtown, our historic hotel offers unmatched proximity to Austin's top attractions, including the iconic Paramount Theatre, just steps away. Explore the vibrant energy of Sixth Street and Rainey Street or visit the Texas Capitol and The University of Texas nearby. Unwind in our beautifully appointed rooms and suites where Texas hospitality shines. Savor elevated dining experiences and enjoy a drink at Stephen F's Bar & Terrace—the only outdoor terrace on Congress Avenue. Stay active in our state-of-the-art fitness center, featuring Peloton bikes, or host a memorable meeting or wedding in our 6,000 square feet of event space, accommodating up to 400 guests. Long Live the Guest at the Royal Sonesta.
Venue Details
ChainSonesta
BrandRoyal Sonesta
Built1924
Renovated2013
Total meeting space6,000 sq. ft.
Guest Rooms190
Venue typeHotel
Industry Ratings
AAA
Northstar
Awards
Industry awards
2024 AAA Inspector's Best Personal Favorite
2024 AAA Four Diamond Inspected Clean
2023 TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award
Venue Highlights
Amenities
Room features and guest services
- Calls (local)
- Calls (toll-free)
- Concierge services
- Internet access
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- View (urban)
- Voicemail box
Facilities
- Onsite catering
- Onsite restaurant
- Onsite security
- Pet friendly
- Space (outdoor)
- Space (private)
- Wheelchair accessible
Business services
- AV capabilities
- Business center
- Video conference
- VIP services
Recreational activities
- Health club
- Indoor pool
- Whirlpool
Transportation
- Bus
- Taxi
Equipment
- Dance floor
- Loading dock
- Piano
- Staging area
AV capabilities
- AV equipment
- High speed internet
- Onsite AV staff
Room features and guest services
- Calls (local)
- Calls (toll-free)
- Concierge services
- Internet access
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- View (urban)
- Voicemail box
Facilities
- Onsite catering
- Onsite restaurant
- Onsite security
- Pet friendly
- Space (outdoor)
- Space (private)
- Wheelchair accessible
Need dates
Priority windows that venues prefer for hosting events
Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025
Seasonal Availability
Do you want to know if your event is during the high or low season? Check the season availability for this hotel.Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High season
Sep 01 - Dec 31Jan 01 - May 31
Shoulder season
Low season
Jun 01 - Aug 31
Meeting rooms
Total meeting space
6,000 sq. ft.
Largest room
3,600 sq. ft.
Space (private)
6,000 sq. ft.
Meeting rooms
6
Second largest room
2,000 sq. ft.
Exhibit space
6,000 sq. ft.
Space (outdoor)
2,000 sq. ft.
Standing capacity
380
Seating capacity
400
Meeting rooms
Total meeting space
6,000 sq. ft.
Largest room
3,600 sq. ft.
Space (private)
6,000 sq. ft.
Meeting rooms
6
Second largest room
2,000 sq. ft.
Exhibit space
6,000 sq. ft.
Space (outdoor)
2,000 sq. ft.
Standing capacity
380
Seating capacity
400
Explore Meeting Rooms
Find the perfect room with setup charts and interactive 3D floor plans.
Meeting space
Meeting room floor plans
Guest rooms
Total guest rooms
190
Single (1 bed)
174
Double (2 beds)
16
Suites
22
Tax rate
17%
Total guest rooms
190
Single (1 bed)
174
Double (2 beds)
16
Suites
22
Tax rate
17%
Location
Getting Here
Driving Directions from the airport:
Turn LEFT out of the airport onto Highway 71 West
* Go west on Highway 71
* Exit RIGHT to travel North on I-35
* Exit 6th Street East
* Turn RIGHT on Congress Avenue
* Turn RIGHT to the hotel at 7th Street.
Distance from airport
6.6 mi
Distance from airport 6.6 mi
Parking in the area
Parking in the area
Valet parking
( $55.00/day )
Local Attractions
Paramount Theatre
Theater
1 min
Beautiful historic theatre located next door to the hotel.
Visit website
The Contemporary Austin
Museum
1 min
The Contemporary Austin reflects the spectrum of contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education, and the collection. Closed Monday, open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am–7pm and Sunday, 12–5pm.
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Texas State Capitol
Historical landmark
8 blks
Visitors to Central Texas shouldn't miss an opportunity to tour the Texas State Capitol Complex. Legend, lore and history combine to make a tour of the Capital Complex educational, inspirational, and awe-inspiring.
Austin City Limits at Moody Theatre
Nightlife
6 blks
The Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater is an iconic music venue located in the heart of the city of Austin, Texas. It is located near the waterfront. It is also known to locals as the ACL Live at The Moody Theater.
The Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater hosts a variety of exciting events including concerts and live performances. Many incredible and notable artists and bands have played live at the ACL Live and continue to do so each year, creating an exciting line-up of events.
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Austin Convention Center
Convention center
5 blks
The Austin Convention Center is located in the heart of the capital of Texas, one of the most affordable cities in America. The convention center has a convenient downtown location, between the shores of Lady Bird Lake and historic Sixth Street. Stretching over six city blocks and 881,400 gross square feet of space, the Center offers a total of 369,132 square
feet of meeting space. That includes 247,052 square feet of column-free exhibit space divisible into five contiguous halls that can accommodate 1,289 10’ X 10’ booths. The fifth hall offers retractable riser seating for up to 1,500,making it an ideal location for general sessions, sporting events and concerts.Ballrooms of all sizes are included in our meeting package options. The 40,510 square foot upper level Grand Ballroom on the north side is among the largest in Texas, where more than 3,000 can dine in style. The South Ballroom,
with 23,418 square feet of meeting space, features a warm, intimate atmosphere and is the ideal setting for meetings, luncheons and dinners for up to 2,000. The Center boasts 54 meeting rooms and show offices that offer over 58,000 square feet and are located on all four levels. They are designed for maximum flexibility and are perfect for any size meeting.
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SOCO District
Shopping
Unique and eclectic shopping and restaurants . Allen Boots is very popular
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2nd Street Entertainment District
Nightlife
5 blks
Entertainment district with outdoor restaurant seating. Across the Street from Moody Theatre (ACL Live).
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Circuit of the Americas
Recreation
18 mi
World class racetrack and music venue . Home to Formula 1 race in Austin
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Zilker Park
Historical landmark
2 mi
Home to Barton Springs Pool, Austin Nature Science Center, Zilker Hillside Theatre and UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum.
Visit website
Long Center for Performing Arts
Theater
1 mi
Serving as the home for Austin's arts community, the multi-functional Long Center showcases a variety of performances throughout the year. With three performance stations, the Michael and Susan Dell Hall, the Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theater and City Terrace, audiences and performers are provided with ample space to share their passion for the Arts
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Bass Concert Hall
Theater
2 mi
The Bass Concert Hall at The University of Texas at Austin is the largest of it's 6 venues. Bass Concert Hall was completed in 1981 and serves as the flagship theatre for TPA. Named after Perry R. Bass, this concert hall boasts a massive stage, a 100 seat orchestra pit for musicians, dressing rooms, state-of-the-art computer generated lighting and a first class sound system. The Bass Concert Hall ranks at the top nationally in both size and accouterments — attracting the world's greatest performers and full-scale productions.
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Wise Guys Events
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Team Building Specialists & Game Designers Without Peer
We specialize in live, interactive, team building games, along the lines of the challenges on SURVIVOR. In fact, we really design challenges for Survivor! Mostly, though, we create high-end, innovative experiences for companies including Google, Apple, Disney, Nike, Toyota, and many more. They love working with us because their people end up having so much fun, they don’t notice that they’re actually accomplishing something.
Team building is our specialty, and our peerless programs of “intelligent fun” benefit your company by strengthening and engaging your whole team.
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San Jac Saloon / Jack's Event Space
Austin
Sitting at the corner of 6th and San Jacinto, San Jac Saloon is in the heart of Austin's entertainment district.
San Jac Saloon and Jack's private event space are ideal venues for hosting parties, corporate functions, happy hour, networking events, or any other special occasion. We accommodate all types of events, with up to 330 guests.
We provide all of the drinks, staff and security that an event would need. The planning process is bespoke, and we make it easy - we aim to create unforgettable events, with an authentic Texas flavor!
* Max Number of People for an Event: 330
* Number of Event/Function Spaces: 2
* Special Features: Steps from Convention Center and downtown hotels. Venue staff included with event rentals. A/V options at no additional cost. Stage on main floor. Affordable bar and catering packages. Live music. Optional experiences and team building activities available. Versatile space. Custom cocktail menus. Effortless event planning.
* Total Meeting Room Space (Square Feet): 4,000
* Year Renovated: 2016
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Catering
Hired Entertainment
Restaurant/Bar
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Swift Fit Events
multi-city
Wellness Beyond the Ordinary
Swift Fit Events is a health and wellness company based in Austin, curating corporate and community programming throughout Texas.
Corporate team building at conferences and events often seems to revolve around the same activities: heavy meals and heavy drinking. While we’re not opposed to either—hello, Texas BBQ!—we also love getting to experience a new city and new people in a fun, fresh way.
We’re not hardcore, on a high horse about health, or too woo-woo about wellness. By offering a variety of fitness classes, mindfulness activities, and unique local experiences, our mission is to empower the community to practice self-care and commit to healthy habit formation.
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Amenities/Gifting
Preferred staff
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Hotel Ella
Austin
In 1878, Thomas Dudley Wooten, one of the founders of the University of Texas, purchased the land on which Hotel Ella now sits. Wooten’s son, Goodall, moved into the home on the property in 1900 with his new wife, Ella, who oversaw its transformation into a Greek revival mansion.
The mansion underwent an extensive renovation in 2013, and now offers the perfect balance between modernity and a rich history rooted in the fabric of the neighborhood and the university.
Restaurant/Bar
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Transportation Star LLC | Luxury Car Services
multi-city
Direct contact - 512-569-2502
When it comes to efficient and reliable transportation services, look no further than Transportation Star. With our unparalleled expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction, we have established ourselves as the leading provider in the industry. Whether you need transportation for individuals or large-scale logistics, Transportation Star has got you covered.
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Transportation
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Ashley Media Productions
multi-city
Ashley Media Productions is a Video Production Company providing Event Video Services, Event Photography, Traditional Video Production, and Event AV Services
Logistics/Decor
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New Waterloo Hospitality
multi-city
We are an independent hospitality management company. We are students, teachers, and leaders. Bartenders, hotel managers, hostesses, and event planners. Architects, artists, and chefs. Writers, photographers, and travelers. Our team of hospitality experts provide the talent, passion, and collaboration necessary to foster thoughtful and thriving businesses.
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Spaciously (Book 600+ team activities with a few clicks on www.spaciously.io)
multi-city
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Main Event Texas
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Walking into a Main Event is like entering a new world of lights, music, entertainment, and laughter. Every Guest is greeted by the genuine, glowing faces of Main Event Team Members as they see splashes of color and new opportunities to play.
Each center is full of passionate, driven people who are serving others and making memories that bring to life our chef-inspired meals, full-service catering with private rooms, high-energy bar with the latest audio-visual technology, space for birthday parties for kids and adults, and party rooms for corporate, school, and league events.
A trip to Main Event is a chance for the whole family to reconnect, celebrate, compete, eat, and play. When you’re with us, each and every moment together is the Main Event.
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Restaurant/Bar
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WITS Experiential
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An award-winning experiential marketing agency trusted by leading and emerging brands, WITS Experiential excels in designing and executing events that create lasting impressions. As a full-service agency, we leverage the right capabilities to creatively meet the desired outcomes of both large and intimate events. With decades of industry expertise, we ensure every event maximizes its impact, regardless of budget. We meticulously anticipate and manage every detail to guarantee an unparalleled experience for attendees and clients alike.
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Additional Information
Safety Information
Additional details
For your Austin meeting or wedding, you can expect world-class service and amenities coupled with our high-end personal concierge. Our event management staff is every bit as top-notch as our audio-visual services. Among Austin hotels with meeting and wedding space, look no further than The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta. We know the secret recipe to a successful meeting or event! With unique and distinctive venues and accommodations, authentic hospitality and our Food Is Art approach to catering, The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta is sure to lend a distinct and memorable local flavor to any meeting.
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The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions from the The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel regarding Health and Safety, Sustainability, and Diversity and Inclusion
Sustainable Practices
Please provide comments or a link to any publicly communicated The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel's sustainability or social impact goals/strategy.
Many new strategies and daily initiatives will be introduced to run our hotels more efficient and earth friendly. We have reduced paper by introducing communication via electronic technology. Energy and water reduction will continue to be a top priority.
Does The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel have a strategy that focuses on the elimination and diversion of waste (i.e. plastics, papers, cardboard, etc.)? If yes, please elaborate on your strategy of elimination and diversion of waste.
Yes, Our parent company, the RMR Group, focuses on reduction of emissions, energy, water, and waste within its portfolio.
Diversity and Inclusion
For US hotels only, is The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel and/or parent company certified as a 51% diverse owned business enterprise (BE)? If yes, please indicate which one of the following you are certified as:
NA
If applicable, could you please provide a link to The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel's public report on their commitments and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
No response.
Health and Safety
Were practices at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel developed based on health service recommendations from public governmental entities or private organizations? If Yes, please list which organizations were used to develop these practices.
Yes, WHO, CDC, ECOLAB INC
Does The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel clean and sanitize public areas and publicly accessible facilities (i.e. meeting rooms, restaurants, elevator banks, etc.)? If yes, describe any new measures that are taken.
Yes, Rigorous cleaning protocols and use of hospital grade disinfectants (CDC approved), public areas santized at least every 3 hours. Electrostatic sprayers used in public areas
Please explain, if applicable, the carbon offsetting options you offer to corporations.
N/A
Please provide, if applicable, an e-mail address for a contact who can address any follow up questions relating to sustainability and social impact goals and initiatives.
Corporate Responsibility team at corporate.responsibility@sonesta.com
Has your hotel taken steps to reduce single-use plastics, such as removing plastic straws (except upon request for guests with disabilities), stirrers and cotton buds? If yes, please provide detail as to the steps you have taken to reduce single use plastics?
Yes,
Does your hotel generate (onsite) or purchase (offsite) renewable energy (beyond your utility's standard offerings)? If yes, please describe your practices for generating or purchasing renewable energy.
No
Does your hotel engage in activities to protect & restore the natural environment in which it is located (i.e. trees planted, coral reef restored, etc.)?
No
Will your hotel be imposing any additional fees for cleaning services? If yes, please specify those fees.
No
Are specific cleaning/disinfection routines in place for pillows, duvets and their covers, headboard, bathrobe etc.? If yes, please describe.
Yes, Removed all decorative pillows, all fabric is washed in the hottest water with hospital grade disinfectant
Please include a link to your public report on community impact if applicable.
www.sonesta.com
Please provide any other comments you wish to make regarding your efforts/initiatives to obtain certification in these programs.
Please provide, if applicable, an e-mail address for a contact who can address any follow up questions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Jennifer Rausch – VP, Head of HR, Email: JRAUSCH@sonesta.com
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