Housing FAQ

Q: Which hotels are available during SXSW?
A: SXSW can reserve a discount rate room for you at all of Austin's best hotels. See the hotel list with rates and downtown hotel map online. This information will be updated throughout the season as hotels sell out.

Q: What is the best way to reserve a hotel in Austin for SXSW?
A: The online SXSW Registration and Housing system is the easiest and quickest way to make a reservation. You can also request a room when you register by fax (512/452-4775) or by postal mail (Box 4999, Austin, TX 78765) but this requires more delivery and processing time. You can phone the SXSW Housing Desk if you need help (512/467-7979 x223 or 512/452-3717 x223). See the most current hotel list online at the Housing section of our website (or less up-to-date lists on our printed brochures). These rooms and rates are available only to SXSW conference registrants, exhibitors, and festival artists (music or film). SXSW has blocked rooms at all of Austin's most desirable hotels at guaranteed rates.

Q: Is it true some hotels have only non-smoking rooms?
A: Yes. The Mansion at Judge's Hill is non-smoking. More significantly, the entire Marriott hotel chain is going non-smoking in October 2006. Austin's Marriott, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn properties will no longer permit smoking in their guest rooms. Guests will be charged a significant cleaning fee if the housekeeper reports that there has been smoking in the room. This is an international trend in the hospitality industry and we expect more hotels to follow this course in the future.

Q: I don't seem to be receiving emails from SXSW. What's the problem?
A: Some spam filters and gray listers may filter out automated communications. Please add the following email addresses to your spam filter’s list of approved senders to be sure our messages reach you: webmaster at sxsw.com, reg at sxsw.com, housing at sxsw.com, sxsw at sxsw.com.

Q: When should I arrive in Austin?
A: Check out the SXSW Schedule to see when activities kick off. Most registrants arrive the first day of registration (Friday, March 9, 2007 for Film and Interactive or Tuesday, March 13, 2007 for Music). Some arrive earlier to enjoy Austin in the springtime. Some wait until panels begin (Saturday, March 10, 2007 for Film and Interactive or Wednesday, March 14, 2007 for Music). Film Festival screenings begin Friday, March 9, 2007. Music Fest showcases begin Wednesday, March 14, 2007.

Q: How does the SXSW Housing Desk process room requests?
A: You tell us which hotel you want and the SXSW Housing Desk acts on your request. If you book online you will receive immediate online acknowledgement of your booking. You will also receive a more detailed hotel confirmation by email within 48 hours. If you mail or fax your hotel request, the Housing Desk books and confirms your first choice if it is not sold out. If your first choice is not available a room will be booked at your second choice. If that's not available SXSW will contact you with a suggested hotel option.

Q: Do I pay SXSW a deposit? Do I pay SXSW for the room?
A: NO and NO. You must provide a valid credit card number to guarantee your reservation. The SXSW Housing Desk sends this number to the hotel. Some hotels will charge an advance deposit to your credit card: these include the Hilton, Four Seasons, Driskill, Omni, InterContinental, Mansion at Judges Hill, and Hyatt. Other hotels do not charge anything in advance, they simply authenticate the card's validity and credit-worthiness.

Q: What are my hotel payment options?
Payment for the room must be arranged at the hotel's front desk upon check-in and all charges must be settled when the guest(s) check-out. Upon arrival at your hotel, you must present the credit card to be billed or have completed credit card authorization in advance, have pre-paid for your stay, or have cash.

The hotel may provide their credit card authorization form if the credit card number used to guarantee the room is not in the name of the guest. If you know a credit card authorization needs to be completed prior to your arrival, you may use this PDF form or contact your hotel for their form.

If you wish to pre-pay for room and tax charges, you may use this PDF form or contact your hotel for their form.

Q: I am already registered for SXSW but I still need a hotel room - how can I book a hotel?
A: After researching the available hotels online registrants can book a hotel online through the Online Registrants Directory (your Registration Confirmation tells you how to access your Online Directory listing). You can also request a hotel via email (housing at sxsw.com) or fax (512/452-4775) or phone the Housing Desk (512/467-7979 x223). Your request must include all of the following information:
• Name
• Email
• Phone
• Fax
• Hotel 1st Choice
• Hotel 2nd Choice
• Check In Date
• Check Out Date
• Room type preference: 1 bed or 2 beds or suite
• Smoking or Non-Smoking room preference
• Names of all people in room
• Valid credit card number & expiration date to guarantee room.

The Housing Desk will process your request as quickly as possible and confirm to you by email or fax.

Q: I have already booked a hotel through SXSW -- how can I change or cancel my booking?
A: The best way to change or cancel an existing SXSW hotel reservation is through the Online Registrants Directory (your Registration Confirmation tells you how to access your Online Directory listing). This can also be done by email (housing at sxsw.com) or fax (512/452-4775). Be sure to clearly identify yourself and clearly state the changes you desire to your reservation so the Housing Desk can act on your request without delay.