Important Housing Information

Important Hotel Information

Please read carefully before booking your room through the Housing Desk.

Who can book: SXSW registrants, panelists, exhibitors, and artists can reserve hotel rooms through the SXSW Housing Desk. Priority for rooms with 2 beds will be given to requests listing 2 or more registrants.

Detailed Hotel Information: Click on a hotel’s name to open a pop-up window with the hotel’s amenities page—including policies.

Rates: Room rates are US$ per night based on number of guests in the room (1/2/3/4 people). Rates do not include occupancy tax (currently 15%) or personal charges. A few hotels offer lower rates during SXSW Film/Interactive (Friday March 13 - Tuesday March 17, 2009).

Specialty Rooms & Suites: Most special room types (suites, riverviews, concierge level, etc.) can be booked online. Major suites are available only by contacting the Housing Desk directly.

Blocks (or miles): Indicates distance on the most direct route from the Austin Convention Center to the hotel. Click here to download a PDF map of SXSW 2009's hotels. (450.34KB)

Category: General indicator of hotel quality and service ranging from best luxury (+++++) to limited service (++).

Deadline: There is no deadline for hotel reservations—the Housing Desk continues booking rooms through the end of the event—but popular downtown hotels often sell out as early as October and November. But booking early helps ensure a reservation at your preferred hotel.

Changes: Make changes and cancellations with SXSW Housing (not the hotel) online using the Registrant Directory or email housing at sxsw.com or phone 512-467-7979.

Guarantee/Deposit: All hotels require a valid credit card guarantee. If the credit card is not in the guest’s name the hotel will provide an authorization for the credit card holder to complete and sign. Some hotels will charge a deposit on March 1 as shown on their amenities page.

Penalties: All hotels assess penalties (usually equal to one or two nights) for no-shows or for cancelling within certain time frames (usually 48 hours to 14 days before scheduled arrival). Many assess penalties ($50 - $200) for checkouts before scheduled checkout date.

Payment Options On-Site: At check-in, each guest is responsible for knowing the method of payment for room, tax, and incidental charges. Guests will be asked for a credit card (or sufficient cash deposit) to pay for room, tax, and incidental charges (unless you have pre-paid or completed a credit card authorization in advance).

Payment Options in Advance: If the credit card used to guarantee the room is not in the guest’s name the hotel will require a credit card authorization form. Contact the hotel directly for their form (your hotel confirmation will include the hotel’s contact information. If you (or your company) want to pre-pay room and tax charges, you will need to contact your hotel directly for their form. See your hotel confirmation for the hotel’s phone number.

Non-Smoking Hotels: Several Austin hotels have gone 100% non-smoking including: Wyndham Garden Hotel, all Marriott, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn properties, and others. These non-smoking hotels are marked NS on their amenities page.

Pay-Per-Ride Shuttle: Most outlying hotels will have SXSW van shuttles available on a pay-per-ride basis ($10 per person). See details at the Travel Discounts page.

Showcasing artists: Do not book a hotel now unless you are buying a registration. Your showcase confirmation letter will provide hotel booking instructions.