TexasCHLforum.com

There is a public parking garage run by the state on San Jacinto at 12th. Pay by the hour but not too outrageous. If it is full (and it does fill up early when the legislature is holding hearings), try the parking garage for the Bullock Museum or the pay garage on UT's campus at San Jacinto. The Trinity st. Garage and the Hospital garage usually have room but cost a little more. Other than the state garage mentioned first, it is a four or five block walk to the capitol.

There is a public cafeteria in the Capitol itself which wasn't too bad when I was there last. Not great but not bad.

Lots of hotels in the area, but I would park a little further from downtown myself. The rates will drop as you move away from the Capitol, Campus, and Airport. The class and expense of the hotel is up to you, with everything from 5 star hotels to fleabag hotels in the area.

And remember, you do not have to support the panhandlers at all. Nothing wrong with saying no.