The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
701 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, USA, 78701
3D
3D
3D
3D
3D
3D
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
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
Dec 7, 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.
Visit website
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.
Visit website
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.
Visit website
SOCO District
Shopping
Unique and eclectic shopping and restaurants . Allen Boots is very popular
Visit website
2nd Street Entertainment District
Nightlife
5 blks
Entertainment district with outdoor restaurant seating. Across the Street from Moody Theatre (ACL Live).
Visit website
Circuit of the Americas
Recreation
18 mi
World class racetrack and music venue . Home to Formula 1 race in Austin
Visit website
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
Visit website
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.
Visit website
Preferred vendors
American Guest
Austin, multi-city
Our American Guest family builds generations of experience into every travel program. Since 2002, our mission has been to capture the imagination of your corporate guests with tailored incentives, events, meetings, and VIP travel experiences throughout the USA and beyond. From initial contact, through planning, sourcing, contracting, and on-site management, we treat your project as if we were the client. Our personal network of global suppliers helps us bring your vision to life. With genuine passion, an international team, and American hospitality, we deliver our promise: your business matters.
Activity
Transportation
Preferred staff
Visit Profile
Detours - Austin Detours, San Antonio Detours, DFW Detours
Austin, multi-city
At Detours, we create a shared, interactive experience between guests and hosts, making every tour one-of-a-kind. Our experiences strike a balance between “headline” and “offbeat” Texas so guests can check off their bucket lists and also experience the unexpected wow moments. Each experience is led by big-personality, local-expert hosts. We don’t simply “find Tour Guides”, we seek out culture creators – actors, musicians, comedians, and other talented locals.
Activity
Visit Profile
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
Visit Profile
New Waterloo Hospitality
Austin, 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.
Activity
Restaurant/Bar
Visit Profile
ACL Live
Austin
A venue as vibrant as its artists, in the heart of the live music capital of the world.
Home to PBS’s iconic Austin City Limits and the city’s most memorable music moments – this place is more than unforgettable, it’s transformative. ACL Live is built for world-class performances and an Austin-worthy concert experience. Get close to your favorite artists, whether you’re standing front row or hanging out in the back, and keep the music alive.
Activity
Visit Profile
Fogo de Chao - Austin Congress
Austin
THE CULINARY ART of CHURRASCO ®
For more than 40 years, we have brought the FIRE to create memorable experiences and an innovative menu centered around the culinary art of Churrasco: fire-roasted proteins, expertly butchered and grilled over an open flame.
THE MARKET TABLE
A Culinary Experience
Inspired by the grand kitchen tables on the farms of Southern Brazil, where family and friends gather to share the finest from their fresh harvests. We bring you seasonal salads and irresistibly fresh superfoods featuring naturally gluten-free, paleo, vegan selections, and more.
Bar Fogo
A LAIDBACK APPROACH TO THE FOGO EXPERIENCE
Enjoy all the flavors of Brazil in a more casual atmosphere. Unwind with friends over craft cocktails and carefully selected wines, or share Brazilian-inspired appetizers and small plates.
The Tradition The Story Behind the Flavors
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steak House
Our story began in the mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil. It is the lessons our founding brothers learned on their family farms that gave them the ambition to share their rich culinary heritage with the rest of the world.
Catering
Restaurant/Bar
Visit Profile
305 Transportation
Atlanta, multi-city
Impeccable Luxury Ground Transportation
305 Transportation, with corporate offices in Miami, Fla., combines over 15 years of experience providing the highest level of corporate sedan, executive limousine, van and coach services in more than 500 destinations worldwide.
With just one call, impeccable service, expertise and knowledge of the transportation industry are delivered to you allowing you to experience elite ground transportation services for all your travel needs.
Unique in our approach, 305 Transportation offers flexible, reliable and convenient local, national and international travel solutions and transportation options for secure, comfortable, and reliable service, both in the air and on the ground.
Executive Travelers, Corporate Travelers, Event Planners, Travel Agents and Leisure Travelers all look to the leader in global transportation services for their chauffeured transportation needs. 305 Transportation is driven to provide consistently superior service that will exceed your every expectation. By always going the extra mile and delivering exceptional attention to detail 305 Transportation ensures that you travel safely, comfortably and confidently.
Transportation
Visit Profile
Spaciously (Book 600+ team activities with a few clicks on www.spaciously.io)
Albuquerque, multi-city
Activity
Visit Profile
Corporate Events Worldwide
Austin, multi-city
We offer a range of services to meet your corporate event needs, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for you and your attendees. Explore our event management packages and tailored solutions.
Logistics/Decor
Visit Profile
Joshua's Worldwide Transportation
Albuquerque, multi-city
Since 1995, Joshua’s Worldwide has transformed transportation through uncompromising attention to detail. Founded by Gary and Belinda McKeon with just six vehicles, we’ve grown into a premier transportation service with a fleet of 35+ vehicles and over 50 dedicated team members.
Our commitment goes beyond transportation – we provide an experience. From casino shuttles to corporate events, weddings to leisure tours, we deliver first-class service with:
24/7 live customer support
Rigorous chauffeur training and background checks
GPS tracking and flight monitoring
Impeccable safety standards
Partnerships with world-class organizations
We don’t just move you from point A to point B – the team at Joshua’s Worldwide creates memorable journeys tailored to your needs. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Joshua’s Worldwide ensures your transportation is comfortable, safe, and exceptional.
Transportation
Visit Profile
Looking for more vendor options?
Browse additional vendors for AV, entertainment, transportation, and other event needs.
Learn more
Powered by
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.
Weblinks
Follow us
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
Ready to send your inquiry?
Ready to send your inquiry?Report an issue with this venue profile to the Cvent Supplier Network.
