🇺🇸 Austin, United States
Walnut Forest Motel
📍 11506, North Interstate Highway 35 Service Road, Austin
Your stay — Walnut Forest Motel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Austin.
The Property — Walnut Forest Motel
The Walnut Forest Motel is a no-frills, retro-chic gem that embodies Austin's eclectic spirit. Its lobby features vintage wooden accents, plush armchairs, and a vintage-inspired colour scheme that evokes the city's rich musical heritage. This 3-star motel is a great fit for solo travellers, couples, and families on a budget who want a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. You'll feel like you're stepping into a bygone era, with friendly staff and a DIY vibe that's quintessentially Austin.
Chronicles of Austin
Austin, the 'Live Music Capital of the World', was founded in 1839 as a small village along the Colorado River. The city's early growth was driven by its role in the Texas Revolution, and its eclectic mix of German, Mexican, and American cultures is still evident in its architecture, cuisine, and music scene. The city's skyline has evolved dramatically since the 19th century, with the construction of the Congress Avenue Bridge and the redevelopment of the South Congress neighbourhood. Today, Austin is a thriving hub of creativity, known for its vibrant music scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a thriving food truck culture. Its eclectic vibe has been shaped by its status as a 'City of the Weird', with a thriving arts scene and a penchant for eccentric festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits.
Best Time to Visit
Full Austin guide →Best months
September and October are ideal months to visit Austin, with mild temperatures (average highs of 77°F/25°C) and manageable crowds, making it an excellent time for exploring the city's outdoor spaces and attending the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Peak / festival surge
October is peak festival season in Austin, with the Austin City Limits Music Festival drawing huge crowds and driving up hotel prices. Expect to pay a premium for accommodations, especially during the festival dates (usually late September to early October).
Budget shoulder season
April and November are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild temperatures (April: 68°F/20°C, November: 64°F/18°C) and fewer crowds, offering discounts on hotel rates and attractions.
Weather & packing
Austin's climate is known for its sudden rain showers, so pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella to be prepared. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the Texas sun can be intense, even in the spring and autumn.
Live City Briefing — Austin
- The Austin Transportation Department has launched a new bike-sharing program, making it easier for visitors to get around the city without a car.
- The city's beloved Franklin Barbecue has opened a new location on Rainey Street, offering a convenient second option for meat lovers.
- The Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail has been extended, providing more opportunities for outdoor recreation and stunning views of the Austin skyline.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Walnut Forest Motel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on the upper floors (3rd floor and above) are recommended as they are less prone to road noise from I-35. Request a room at the back of the hotel to minimize noise from the highway.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the first floor near the service road may experience increased noise from truck traffic and roadwork. Be cautious of rooms near the elevator, as it may be a shared space for multiple floors.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's location on the north side of I-35 means that rooms on the south side may have a view of the highway. However, rooms on the north side may have a view of the surrounding landscape.
Quietest floors
Floors 2-3 are likely the quietest in the hotel, given the hotel's layout and the I-35 noise factor.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential noise from road traffic and construction on the service road. As a 3-star hotel, Walnut Forest Motel may not have the thickest walls, so noise can travel.
Insider tips
1. If you're driving, consider parking in the designated lot on the service road, as it's closer to the rooms. 2. Arrive early for check-in to ensure you get a room on a higher floor with a better view and reduced noise.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Walnut Forest Motel
Free Wi-Fi; 100 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Serves all floors; some stairs-only access to historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) via in-room tablets
3:00 PM - 10:00 PM; early bag-drop: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM; late check-out fee: 10 USD per hour after 12:00 PM
Available 24/7; 2 USD per bag, per day
Step-free access; wheelchair-accessible entries; some rooms have structural limitations due to historic building constraints
On-site parking; 15 USD per night; public car park available 2 blocks away (10 USD per day); no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 50 USD advance deposit + 25 USD incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Praise Jesus Church (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: St Mark United Methodist Church (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Austin Chinese Church (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
- Mosque: North Austin Muslim Community Center (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Market Place Austin — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
North Oaks Neighborhood Park — 518 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Vina Pharmacy — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Shell Food Mart — 417 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →United States Dollar, USD
Travellers can exchange currency at the airport or use an ATM to withdraw USD. Be wary of poor rates at airport currency exchange offices.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, but not all small businesses accept mobile payments.
Tipping is customary at restaurants and bars (15-20%), and for taxi drivers and hotel staff (10-15%)
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can cost around $2-$3, with many options available at cafes and coffee shops in the area.
A budget lunch option can be found at food trucks or casual eateries, with prices around $8-$12.
Affordable dinner options can be found at mid-range restaurants, with main courses around $15-$25.
The 6th Street entertainment district has a variety of food trucks and affordable eateries.
H-E-B and Whole Foods are common supermarket chains in the area.
Discount stores like Goodwill and local thrift shops offer affordable shopping options.
A day pass for the Capital Metro bus system costs around $3.25, and the airport shuttle costs around $20-$25.
Use the Capital Metro bus system to get around, as it's affordable and efficient.Take advantage of happy hour deals at bars and restaurants.Consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb to save on accommodation costs.
Good to know — Austin
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Austin, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Walnut Forest Motel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk — pharmacy · Vina Pharmacy — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) → Omni Hotel & Resorts (via 5th/Downtown stop)
💡 Get a day pass for $2.50 if you plan more bus rides. The stop at 5th and Guadalupe is a 5-minute walk to the Omni.
Omni Hotel & Resorts (Downtown) → South Congress or University of Texas
💡 Use the CapMetro app for real-time arrivals. The Omni is on the 1 bus route which runs along Congress Avenue.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) → Omni Hotel & Resorts
💡 Peak hours add surge pricing—walk to the ride-share lot on the airport's ground level to avoid delays.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) → Omni Hotel & Resorts
💡 Flat rate to downtown is around $30 plus tip. Avoid queue by pre-booking with a local company like Austin Cab.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Ground Transportation Level → South Lamar Transit Center
💡 Get off at South Lamar & Barton Springs, then walk 0.3 miles north. Buy a day pass for $2.50 and use it for local buses all day.
South Lamar Transit Center → Baymont Inn and Suites (Lamar Blvd & Treadwell Blvd)
💡 This bus runs north along Lamar and stops directly across the street from the hotel. Tap your card on board—no cash accepted.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) → Baymont Inn and Suites Austin
💡 Pickup is on the ground floor of the garage—follow signs for 'Rideshare'. During SXSW or ACL, prices triple; walk to the cell phone lot and order from there to save.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) → Baymont Inn and Suites Austin
💡 Skip the queue by booking a flat-rate cab online through Ground Transportation at the airport. Metered rides can surge after 11pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Walnut Forest Motel?
Rooms on the upper floors (3rd floor and above) are recommended as they are less prone to road noise from I-35. Request a room at the back of the hotel to minimize noise from the highway.
Which rooms should I avoid at Walnut Forest Motel?
Rooms on the first floor near the service road may experience increased noise from truck traffic and roadwork. Be cautious of rooms near the elevator, as it may be a shared space for multiple floors.
Is Walnut Forest Motel noisy?
Be prepared for potential noise from road traffic and construction on the service road. As a 3-star hotel, Walnut Forest Motel may not have the thickest walls, so noise can travel.
Which rooms have the best views at Walnut Forest Motel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's location on the north side of I-35 means that rooms on the south side may have a view of the highway. However, rooms on the north side may have a view of the surrounding landscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Walnut Forest Motel?
1. If you're driving, consider parking in the designated lot on the service road, as it's closer to the rooms. 2. Arrive early for check-in to ensure you get a room on a higher floor with a better view and reduced noise.
What time is check-in at Walnut Forest Motel?
Check-in at Walnut Forest Motel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Walnut Forest Motel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi; 100 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Walnut Forest Motel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Walnut Forest Motel?
A budget lunch option can be found at food trucks or casual eateries, with prices around $8-$12.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Walnut Forest Motel?
A day pass for the Capital Metro bus system costs around $3.25, and the airport shuttle costs around $20-$25.
When is the best time to visit Austin?
September and October are ideal months to visit Austin, with mild temperatures (average highs of 77°F/25°C) and manageable crowds, making it an excellent time for exploring the city's outdoor spaces and attending the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Top Attractions in Austin
💡 Join a 30-minute free tour at the north entrance. Skip the paid parking; use metered street spots on Congress Avenue or the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage on 12th St (first hour free).
💡 Book a free tour online to skip the queue. The grounds have good spots for photos of the building without crowds.
💡 Free admission every Tuesday. Arrive before 11am to avoid school groups. The outdoor Ellsworth Kelly chapel is a must-see.
💡 Skip the tour queue by entering the ground floor rotunda doors. Check the Senate and House gallery schedules online before you go.
💡 Free entry before 8am and after 9pm from May to September. Bring a towel and lock if you bring valuables.
💡 Park on the north side off Barton Springs Road near the tennis courts to avoid the weekend crowds near the pool. Bring a picnic blanket.
💡 Free every Thursday. The grounds close 30 minutes before the building; arrive early to walk the full loop. No food trucks on site, but you can bring your own snacks.
💡 Go at sunset for the best light, but expect crowds. Park on Mount Bonnell Road, not the shoulder. The steps are uneven; wear decent shoes.