I'm trying to book a trip for myself and my adult daughter in April to go to Austin, TX and then New Orleans, LA

[Guest]

.. (we will share a single hotel room w/ 2 queen beds).  I'm feeling very overwhelmed for some reason because of all the choices.  We've never been to either city, and I need to know if I should spend more time in one city or the other.  Thinking of spending 3 1/2 days at each location.  Is that enough or too much for either city? 

Not sure where to stay in Austin or whether I will need to rent a car there.  I'm think of South of Congress area for hotel. 

I know not to rent a car for NOLA, but still need good hotel recommendations there, please.

We like going to thrift/antique stores and good restaurants.  Looking to spend no more than $250 a night for a room, please.  Thanks in advance for recommendations!

[Michelle]

I live in Austin and can’t imagine being here for several days without a car. Not having one will limit what you can do, unless you don’t mind spending a bunch on Ubers. South Congress not too far from Ladybird Lake is a great area of town to stay in - close to a lot of things, and that area has cute shops and restaurants you can walk to.

[Susan]

My personal preference would be to spend more time in Austin, now that I've been to both places and have the benefit of hindsight, but I think some of it depends on what you're interested in. For a first visit to both, splitting it equally is probably not a bad plan.

Are there any hotel chains that you have membership in loyalty programs where you tend to stay more often? Or do you prefer local places or have no real preference?

We stayed at a Hampton Inn the last time I was in New Orleans and it was walkable to everything we needed to do (I'm sure there is more than one there.) I don't know the price we paid but we were there for an event that I am sure had rates jacked way up. When I looked on the app I couldn't figure out which one it was and I didn't book that one so it's not in my history. There is a Hyatt Centric French Quarter under $250 (at least the random April dates that I picked) and I find that brand to be fairly consistently nice, though I have zero experience with that particular hotel.

We stayed at a Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Austin my only time there but it's nowhere near under $250 any dates I checked in April. There is a Hyatt House that is, though, and that's another brand I tend to like these days and I currently find Hyatt's loyalty program to be one of the better ones if you're collecting points. Again, though, I have zero experience with that particular property.

[Robin]

We live in Baton Rouge and go to NOLA frequently. Look at the things you want to do. Where are they? I like staying in the Central Business District. It’s across Canal so you can walk to the French Quarter, but it is nicer after dark. I don’t think you can go wrong with any hotel 3-4 stars. NOPSI has larger than average rooms. The Roosevelt is spectacular. Le Paviillon across from the Superdome has smaller rooms but is super ornate. And they feed you in the evening with great free snacks. And our very favorite meal Is the BBQ shrimp at Mr. B’s Bistro. (It isn’t BBQ’d really — very unlike Texas BBQ.).

[Mary K.]

Look at the Hyatt regency Austin- I’ve stayed with my kids and it’s easy. Pool on the river, you can do a river cruise directly outside and also walk over next to the hotel and watch the bats leave. I live in New Orleans and would say there are so many hotel options. Find a good price deal in the French quarter or CBD (central business district). Royal sonesta, monteleone, Omni, westin at canal place, ace hotel are just a few. If you venture further uptown on magazine check out at vincent to stay or for drinks. The Chloe and the columns on st Charles are also great for a drink. You have great suggestions above for eating but a commanders palace lunch is also fun. And I love lilette on magazine street. Do make a point to pop into The Historic New Orleans Collection in the French quarter (museum and free). If you enjoy museums, the World War II museum is great and across the street is the Ogden Museum of southern art and is lovely.

[Pat]

I like staying in Airbnbs in The Bywater in NOLA. It's artsy, funky, great food and a real New Orleans vibe. You can walk to the French Quarter and to Frenchmen's St for food and music, but you won't be in the midst of a million tourists. The NO Museum of Art is fabulous and a great place to spend a day, nice cafe, too. April may be the French Quarter Jazz Fest (I'm not sure of the dates) and that's great fun, too!

[April]

I stayed in Austin for a week and just used Uber and walking. Another time we rented a car and both trips were great! Recently I stayed at the Marriott Envoy downtown and walked everywhere, but another time we got an awesome AirBNB.

[Melissa]

Do you start with Expedia/airbnb, trip advisor? I always do a bit of research of what we want to see and do and plan my stay accordingly.

Use Hotwire for great deals but you only know a rough area not the exact hotel! Leave it to chance for adventure lol!