Info on Austin hotels: Downtown and Arbortorium/Norcross

Hi there; I am making my first trip to Austin and am very excited to finally get a chance to explore your fabulous town. I would love some input as to the hotel situation. I def want to spend at least one day Downtown but I understand a lot of people like to be near the Arbortorium. Is Norcross a good area?
Anything else I need to know?
Can I get some suggestions? I usually do hotwire or priceline and pick the area, but there doesn't seem to be a slew of 3-4 star choices.

Thanks! Can't wait to be there.

northcross is good area. and convenient to anything due to IH35 and MOPAC access. the arboretum is a nice area, but a bit further from downtown.

Renessance in the Arboretum is a great hotel. Hyatt Place is nice as well and a little cheaper. I know we have a date sweety, downtown sucks for me.

+1 on downtown sucks. Arboretum is great.

if you stay downtown, there's a lot of fun stuff going on.. the FUN-FUN-FUN-FEST is going on, plus the DT area always has a lot of stuff, and getting around is easy easy easy.