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
Nov 18, 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.
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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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Preferred vendors
Wise Guys Events
Austin, multi-city
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.
Activity
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Topgolf
Albuquerque, multi-city
We’re a sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy. Paired with an outstanding food and beverage menu, climate-controlled hitting bays and music, every Topgolf has an energetic hum that you can feel right when you walk through the door.
Activity
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Rock 'n Roll Team Building
Atlanta, multi-city
Connection. Creativity. Chaos (the fun kind). Available all over the USA!
Forget the icebreakers and trust falls. This is team building that cranks up the volume and gets your people actually connecting — not just collecting another tote bag.
We take your team, hand them a mic (sometimes literally), and turn a room of colleagues into a full-blown rock choir. It’s equal parts live music, laughter, storytelling, and spine-tingling harmony — all tailored to your event.
Here’s What You Get:
• 🎸 Live Music that kicks like a drum solo at Wembley
• 🎤 Storytelling that hits the heart (and the funny bone)
• 🎶 3-Part Harmony Choir — no singing skills required, just good vibes
• 🤘 Audience Improv — spontaneous, unforgettable, and never awkward
• 📝 Custom Song Creation that ties your event together with a chorus your team will hum all the way home
Perfect for:
• 🚀 Launching big ideas
• 🔋 Energizing the middle of a long agenda
• 🎉 Ending on a high that actually gets remembered
We’ve done this with 10 people. We’ve done it with 2,500. Either way, we bring the same stadium-worthy energy. We’re fronted by Grammy-nominated INXS frontman Ciaran Gribbin, backed by world-class musicians, and powered by pure rock ‘n roll spirit.
This isn’t “team building.” It’s a shared experience that gives your people goosebumps, grins, and genuine connection.
Ready to shake things up? Let’s talk.
"Best Team Building I've ever booked. Ciaran and the band were great." Arrow Electronics
"It was absolutely the best team event I have ever run or attended." Lamb Weston
"I can honestly say that Rock 'n Roll Team Building is the best event experience I have ever seen at a conference." Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Activity
Hired Entertainment
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Go! Running Tours ApS
Amsterdam, multi-city
Sustainable and healthy: Make your conference unforgettable with activities that boost well-being and lower carbon footprints. Explore the world on the run with expert local running guides.
Activity
Hired Entertainment
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Sandbox VR
Atlanta, multi-city
Experience the world’s most advanced virtual reality at Sandbox VR. This full-body, immersive gaming experience transports groups into new worlds together. Survive a zombie apocalypse, compete in Squid Game, enter the world of Stranger Things, blast into space, and more! At Sandbox VR, you’re not just throwing a party, you’re living one that you and your guests will actually remember. Gather your squad, pick your world, and let us handle the rest. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, bonding with your team, or throwing the kind of party people talk about, we've got something for everybody.
Activity
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Hermes Worldwide, Inc.
Aspen, multi-city
Hermes provides private luxury ground transportation for luxury hotel guests, weddings, team sports, youth and church groups, concerts, ski resorts, conventions, and meetings and events.
Transportation
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Adam Stone Magic
Atlanta, multi-city
I am a mentalist, hypnotist, and magician who's goal in life is to make people laugh and enjoy themselves. I perform all over the world bringing my own unique style of entertainment to corporate and private functions. I am a former award-winning special education teacher who wants nothing more than to help you make your event a success.
Activity
Hired Entertainment
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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
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Moontower Entertainment
Austin, multi-city
Servicing Texas for 15 years, Moontower Entertainment as an agency has been providing the best live music for corporate and private events of all sizes, budgets and occasions. Options include hundreds of roster options from cover bands, original artists, DJs, and big talent.
Hired Entertainment
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Merck Artist Agency
Apalachicola, multi-city
At Merck Artist Agency, we specialize in representing a carefully curated roster of exceptional musicians, bands, speakers, and comedians. Based in Friendswood, Texas, our agency works with talent from across the country, offering clients a dynamic, diverse selection of entertainment options for events of all kinds.
Our music lineup features both original artists and high-energy cover bands, with particular strength in country music and Americana. On the speaking side, we represent a select group of inspirational speakers covering topics such as personal wellness, the mind-body connection, workplace safety, and women in leadership. Every performer in our agency is hand-selected for their talent, professionalism, and ability to deliver unforgettable experiences.
At Merck Artist Agency, we take pride not only in the quality of the artists we represent but also in the personal attention and outstanding customer service we provide. Whether you’re booking live music, an engaging keynote, or a crowd-pleasing comedian, we ensure a seamless, tailored experience from start to finish.
Hired Entertainment
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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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