The city might have decided to phase out a short-term rental here and there, but the ink's barely dry on that ordinance. At the moment there are still plenty of them out there. Here's what a party of six looking to stay the entire length of all three festivals (Interactive, Film, and Music, March 11-20) might find. (Fees and taxes are included in the per night rates below.)
↑ Let's start with this doozy in Hyde Park. It's a two-story Victorian with three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 3 queen beds—although it looks like there's a single bed in the media room and plenty of couches if you don't want to double up. No pets allowed, but it does have a grand piano and a fancy-looking outdoor grill. $2,694/night.
↑ Located in South Austin on the edge of Zilker Park, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom house would be right in ACL's front yard. Most SXSW activities are a little farther away, but it's still very convenient for the fest and close to lots of other fun stuff. It's a two-story house with a pool, views, and decent-sized common areas. It has three queen beds plus one other, unspecified. Like the Hyde Park listing above, it also has a baby grand piano. Perhaps piano playing is a more popular vacation activity than we realized. No pets. $1,606/night.
↑ Another two-story, this two-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home is in East Austin and is probably the most conveniently located of this bunch. It has a king, a queen, and a pullout sofa bed. It has a gourmet-type kitchen, washer/dryer access (you'll be glad), and it allows dogs. No piano, though. $547/night.
↑ Okay, this one is just showing off. A three-story kind-of Colonial in Tarrytown, it has three bedrooms, five bedrooms, and grand balconies on all three floors. It has a pool, multiple living areas, views of Lake Austin, and a bunch of other stuff. It has a king, a queen, and a single bed, plus foldout. No pets. $1,213/night.
↑ A remodeled 1950s bungalow in Old West Austin, this two-bedroom, two-bath place has upscale, updated fixtures and finishes throughout. It's close to Lady Bird Lake and many restaurants, bars, and retail. It also has a sweet, big front porch and plenty of parking. One king, one queen, and one sofa bed. Pets allowed. $90/night.