Few rooms left for SXSW, even in 'burbs

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) - Travelers who have not booked a place to lay their heads at this year's South By Southwest are either facing sold out hotels and motels or hefty prices.

Most hotels in Downtown Austin that are in close proximity to the Convention Center are booked. Others that have a handful of rooms available are charging $1,700 per night.

But, it is not just hotels in Austin proper that are booked up. All hotels and motels in Cedar Park, more than 25 minutes away from the city, are also booked.

"We are getting 10 to 20 calls a day for those weekends," said Pradip Mulji, owner of La Quinta Inn & Suites in Cedar Park. All of his 70 rooms have been reserved for almost two weeks.

Rates at the hotel range from $95 to $130. The SXSW Music, Film and Interactive Festival opens Friday and runs through March 18.

"We cannot charge those higher rates because we are further away," he said.

Still, SXSW-goers are willing to rent cars and drive to the city or drive to Leander to jump on the MetroRail. Rail service will be available during SXSW weekends.

La Quinta Inn & Suites in Cedar Park does not offer transportation to the city or a shuttle to the rail stop.

"When folks do call we are going to recommend that [rail service]," Mulji added.

Mulji's advice to those who find themselves without a place to stay this year is to book early next year. He thinks two or three months before SXSW will ensure most people rooms.