This jail is great for Texas. I've been to a dozen county jails in at least four states and the Travis County Jail really surprised me by how tolerant and patient they are. I made comments to those police officers that would have gotten me Rodney Kinged in many progressive states. And the acoustics in the drunk tank are great! I definitely belted out a CCR song or two. I would also like to apologize for the comments I made to the heavyset female officer manning the changing room areas. Without getting into specifics, you did not deserve that and I'm sorry. Also, my use of the word 'manning' is in no way a dig to your physique. The police officer who is in charge of releases during the morning shift is probably the best cop I've ever talked to. Helpful, funny, and doesn't have a chip on his shoulder like many other officers I've encountered. He's the reason I gave the Travis County Jail 4 stars instead of 3. read more

I would give it 0 stars if I could , but I can't so I will give it a 1. Worst customer service ever! They treat you like garbage , and make ya undress ,bend over and cough (they don't even take you to dinner first) the rooms are absolutely HORRID , dried blood from god knows who, and the "water fountain" is connected to the sink which is connected to the toilet.. the design is interesting. The stripes are bleh , grey and black like ew. Who tf likes stripes. Anyways 10/10 DO NOT RECOMMEND hahah stay outta trouble. read more

Thank you Miss Breanna for wrapping my head everyday or when you were on shift. I really appreciate you helping with my Basel cell carcinoma cancer I had on my head. Jail is not fun place but I thank you for your compassion and your knowledge read more

friend was in for 36 hours. I was given no information on status of person any time I called or went in person.

This place has the worst customer service. I came to try and get my friend out of jail and waited for like 3 hours. Sitting there reading comic books and waiting was the only thing that kept me from going out of my mind. I mean they could have nicer seats for the waiting room, cleaner bathrooms and why the fuck not get a TV that shows something other than the holding area. I know its a jail and all and I'm not asking for much here but common waiting room decencies while I wait for the prison industrial complex to release my buddy and take as much money as possible from him. The least they can do is make me as comfortable as possible while they run their money game. Its not like they don't make enough off arrests to throw a little comfort the way of the customer. read more

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DO NOT DROP THE SOAP , I REPEAT, DO NOT DROP THE SOAP, other than that it's okay, the guards are okay (although some are better than others) and the foods cold but good. also the bathrooms are a bit tacky but they work, also I only got shanked, like, 7 times. read more

My son died here. He took it upon himself to get out after 16 days of jail. He had been struggling with addiction and depression. I had hoped that "at least in jail he will not be a danger to himself" He informed the personal of his mental health. Nothing was done to address it. I regret that I didn't post his bail, I could have but felt that the break from drugs/alcohol would help clear his head. I accepted everyone of his phone calls. He was frightened. He wanted to come home. Now he is gone. They found him hanging in his cell. Eight weeks after his death my daughter died in a car accident. Miss my adult children. I will always hold a sadness about Travis County Jail. read more

These people are animals but they treat you as such. I went in for a leisurely dwi and was very disappointed in the service. After asking for an attorney which I was entitled to I was strapped to a chair and fitted with a spit mask. While my blood was being forcibly drawn without an attorney I was assaulted by five officers. If you want to fight don't be a pussy. Also the food socks and you won't be placed into general population until after meals are served. read more

Great place, ended up here with a broken foot one time. Had already been to the specialist and the x-rays proved it was broken. Foot was wrapped when I got in, metatarsal fracture. Before putting me in my cell, they had me walk up and down the stairs in the pod 2 or 3 times pretending I was going to be up top then bringing me back to the bottom to "prove" my foot wasn't actually broken. Apparently cops just assume no matter what you're faking, even when a bone is almost poking through your skin. Good times, was really hilarious, cracked us all up. When I got out later and my foot was swollen like a balloon and I had no medical treatment, the cop in the elevator actually thought maybe I should've been taken care of in some way. Great service on the way out, thanks for the thoughts and prayers brah. read more

WARNING THEY TAKE AWAY YOUR IPHONE! Ah, the county jail, sort of like an endless summer camp in the 5th through the 8th circles of Hell. I say endless because time actually stands still in here. They really do take away your phone. Sucked too, because I just downloaded a couple new killer apps, plus no facebook or yelping the whole time you are in there. Srysly! I was picked up on a warrant for a expired inspection sticker from 2005. The officer let me call my wife to come pick the car up, so he didn't have to impound it. He said he was doing me a favor but it didn't really feel like it when he handcuffed me and sat me on my hands in the back of a 105 degree cop car. For those of you who have not had the pleasure, here is how it works. The officer brings you in and you sit on a bench in your handcuffs along with whomever else they are bringing in at the moment. You gotta watch yourself here because some of these folks are downright ornery about being brought to jail. You sit and you wait until they are ready for you. Once you come up to the check-in bench they frisk you rather intimately and empty your pockets. Then they check your shoes, and your socks, then they wand you. You get uncuffed, and they catalog all your stuff. I had walking shoes on, they took my shoelaces and then gave me the shoes back. Then they ask if you are suicidal. They seem to ask this alot. When people ask me if I'm suicidal I usually quote the Brad Pitt character in Oceans Eleven and say, "Only in the mornings." I decided against it. Then they will let you turn on your cell phone, and get numbers to write down on a piece of paper. Which brings me to Don R's RULE #1 of going to jail. RULE#1 = STFU. Really just shut your mouth and sit there. Always. Now here is an interesting part, some people get changed into jail clothes at check in. They are really fancy black and white horizontal broad striped tops and bottoms. Some people also get some jail flip flops. I didn't, the people in front of me did. I got to keep my clothes and my shoes but not my belt. I'm not sure, but I think it is a bad sign if you get the jail clothes, or maybe it is just random. Now once you leave the check-in bench, you can go three directions. Way left, to the nurses station if you are hurt, drunk, or on drugs. To the middle to the blue lounge TV area, or to the right where the cells are. I believe I was rather lucky that I got to go to the middle. They say sit down, men on the right, women on the left. Sit there and wait. They got two TVs too, one on CBS one on TRU TV. A stellar channel line up that along with Lifetime and continuous Nancy Grace is almost certainly on in Hell. There are restrooms, and even a water fountain. The water fountain also happens to be in the restroom. I decided to go thirsty. The restrooms don't lock by the way, locking yourself in a room is not allowed in jail. I also went hungry. The bag "o" baloney sandwich and Frito's some folks seemed to be procuring from the nurse wasn't appealing to me. Now the lounge area might not seem so nice, but actually it is a privilege, and one you can lose rather quickly. Act up in anyway, and you get a sometimes forceful trip to the cells in the back. . I didn't act up. I just sat there. Here is what I did: 1. I thought about winning the lottery, and taking all my family and friends to Vegas on a trip, I did a whole itinerary, prices and all. 2. I sang Willie's "Tougher than Leather" over and over in my head. It is unfortunately the only song I have memorized. 3. 39 - That is the number of freckles and spots I have on my left and right forearms. Once you sit down you wait for them to call you up and verify your identity. They ask personal info, then they ask whether or not your are a drunk, a druggie, or psycho, and if you are suicidal. Most folks said they were all four. Then you get your free 5 minute phone call, make it count! There are other phones which you can call collect on, but you can't call collect to your wife's iPhone. Hey! do they have an app for that? After your phone call guess what happens next? Yup! You sit and wait. Later they will call you up to fingerprint and mugshot you. Then back to sitting and waiting. Now you may have thought you have already sat and waited but now you are really going to sit and wait. 7.5 hours for me total. As with any establishment, you can really only do so much with the decor, ambiance and the food. What really makes a place is the people. Here they got lots of dedicated workers. Some are actually pretty friendly, some not so much. I dunno what they pay those folks, but I'm pretty sure it isn't $500,000 a year with every other day and every other week off, plus six months a year vacation. That is what I'd need to do that job. What really makes this place tick is the customers, which is why I rated it so highly. Oh btw RULE#2 = don't go! read more

Travis County Jail - Like heaven but the opposite - Jails & Prisons Near Me - Austin, Texas

Not the worst hotel I've stayed in. They make use of their space well with a toilet conveniently place as close to your face as possible. Their toilet paper/ pillow combo was charming and innovative. And since the lights never go off you can play fun games like, "what the fuck is that on the wall?", "try not to touch anything," "stare at something gross on the floor until it moves," and my favorite "doodoo paper sock challenge." 3/10 soft recommend Also, the guards...amazingly compassionate, funny, and caring. read more

Update - Now the hotel under I-35 is gone. Guess I'll have to sleep on Greg Casar's front lawn since he's the one who pushed for public camping. read more

Very uncomfortable and inhospitable environment. I asked for something to drink while I waited for my friend to bail me out and they didn't even have Diet Coke! And the water wasn't even a good brand and wasn't sparkling. The benches were terribly uncomfortable and the wait was forever. I normally can get slightly chilly feeling and the fleece blanket they brought to me had a very low thread count. Oh, and they took my cellphone so I wasn't even able to check Twitter or watch movies while I waited. The lady at the front desk didn't even greet me and seemed cold. And the toilets were hard and cold and the toilet paper was one ply and a bit rough. This place was almost like punishment. read more

Worst place I've ever been and dehumanizing temp was to cold to sleep along with them never turning off the lights same meal 3 times a day and it just sucked food was so gross i didn't eat for days but guess thats how you get treated if you make a mistake read more

There're some good eggs in there (pinky promise) and it'll be unfair to bundle them all together. There's a post officer who wears a Spanish (from Spain) face mask who is an absolute angel. I wish I remembered her name. Anyway, she actually does listen to your requests and, you can tell by the way she treats everyone that she actually cares for you as a fellow human. She helped me immensely during what was--to date--the scariest and most 30+ hours of my life. I have nothing but positive things to say about her and how she treated me and other inmates. God bless her. read more

I have only been to visit an ex-lover not to stay overnight or anything. Although the waiting is bad enough. There are usually a bunch of really interesting stereotypes that go to visit their friends and family in jail. I never plan to go back for any visits or overnighters. If any future lovers get locked up for more than a couple of nights, I mean for me to actually do the jail visitation thing Its not worth the relationship I promise. read more

Friend got arrested and some friends and I thought we'd visit. Colors are dull and boring but man, when it's 100+ degrees outside and you're nearby, step inside to take a break from the heat. The AC is probably set at 60 degrees inside so it's nice and crisp. read more

I've heard the jail is a shit hole. The only good thing about this jail is the counselors. Fred was one of the nicest older gentleman who helped with the process of getting my husband out of jail. He spoke to me on the phone and he was so genuine. Once I arrived the front desk said it takes hours to get released. Fred told me to pick up my husband and then when I get here they tell me to wait. So I called Fred when I got here. He took time out of his day to go to the releasing officer and tell them I'm here. He also came out to greet me and wished me good luck and a friendly hand shake. This is the kind of people we need in the world. We need more caring and compassionate individuals especially people who understand mental illness. I don't know much about he jail but the two counselors I met were pretty great. As another counselor was leaving her shift she talked to me and also wished me good luck. read more

I have never seen such poor room service and the so called laundry smelled like sweet. The use of the phone is almost too my h of a hassel to be worth your time. And unless you get. Job workIng for them it is the only time you get able to get out an move around. I thought my reservation was going to a quick visit but of course the people in charge of appearances were completely horrible planners. And the transportation department shouldn't be allowed to operate any transportation whatsoever. My all over experience atleast at the Del Valle location just made me physically ill. I was rushed twice to the emergency room. The housing attendants were usually rude and very unhelpful.my 4 month stay is an rxperience if rather not repeat read more

Years ago I was incarcerated overnight but had the presence of mind to consume all the evidence before I was handcuffed. I spent the most amazing evening looking at colors and hearing sounds. The different textures of the cell were worth the trip alone. Would highly recommend my experience to others. read more

This place is totally awesome!!! OMG, i love going to this jail. The staff is unbelievable, the food is exquisite, and I have never slept better in my life. This jail is especially great for those of you who like to be forcefully raped; ask for Marcucio. I strongly encourage anyone visiting the Austin area to commit some sort of crime just so that they get to experience unrivaled treatment. read more

Beats the hell out of Willco. I got to spend a lovely few days in my own resort like cell. They gave me some spiffy threads to use during my stay. Made a few friends, learned a few illegal things while incarcerated. Staff was friendly and made me feel welcomed. The whole intake/release was easy and fast. I got to see a few people get tased and beat up, which was totally cool!!! Tell your friends about this place!! read more

Worst health spa ever!!! We will not be going back, and we won't recommend to friends. No privacy in the rooms and the masseuses are quite rough when giving you a massage. The capsaicin energy facials are certain to put some pep in your step, but you may have watery eyes as a result. read more

YO MAN I REMEBER I WENT IN HERE FOR YELLIN at the peeps in Wendy's for not hollaing at me. I t really helped me get back on my feaet and get back to Wendy's read more

This was a mediocre hotel, at best. The robe they gave me was more like a prison black and white outfit, and I couldn't even keep my phone after I changed. Food was meh. Just a bologne sandwich and some crackers. Where are the vegetables! Terrible service, complained all night, and they did nothing about it! read more

I love this jail. Really great police officers, except for the one who slammed my head into the pavement - but in his defense he did call an ambulence!!!! All the residence were hilaririous, there were some young kids who told a story about shooting at cops, there were guys falling off their chairs they were so happy to be there, I witnessed a really amusing fake fist fight. It was really wonderful entertainment all night long and just around the time I was getting bored and tired (around 8AM they let me go). I would suggest this jail to anyone - great times! read more

i was arrested at 3:30am(ish) after work.It was a very cold night, and I saw a girl walking alone in shorts in a tank top on the other side of the side of the desolate street and slowed to ask if she needed a ride. she turned and graciously accepted although at this point I realized she was a middle aged woman of questionable... nature and... well, sanity, but it was too late. (yes, I am aware I can be too quick to be overly sympathetic and naive in situations for which I have no context)I was .5 miles from my house and informed her of as much as I pulled over and back out and turned, at which point i was pulled over. they ask if i know why im being pulled over. i dont, so they inform me that i was driving on the wrong side of the road. i informed them of what actually happened and they asked if i had had anything to drink, and I said that i had had 2 shots of whiskey between 9 and 10pm (so over 6 hours ago) and that was it. approximately 6 people asked me the same question throughout the night and pretty early on i realized what i had presumed was mere honesty and perhaps excessive genuinity would be perceived as an admission of guilt, and assumed a modest approximation. my only genuine offense was that my lisence had expired, and I explained to the cop how I had received a violation for parking in a handicap zone in MA when I lived in NY, that the charge and further fees were upwards of $1000 at this point and i had been working that night despite extreme exhaustion exclusively to remedy that. I assumed the sobriety tests were somewhat of a formality, and, exhausted,, teeth chattering and violently shivering in the cold, i complied as best I was able. at one point he had me hold one foot up and count until toldd otherwise, which i did despite intense shivering, and upon approaching ten he ordered 'higher!" and had me continuewith my foot about two feet off the ground (i am about 5'4) until 20. I was not allowed to approach my vehicle for a jacket, however, next thing I knew, an officer was scouring my purse. I wanted rto ask when I had consented them could search my things, but have previously been refuted with an explanation that my lack of consent constituted probable cause. I was arrested for 'driving under the influence'. I asked if i could be breathalized. they informed me this owuld happen. I asked if i could have my car picked up by my roommate and not towed and was told the other cop, who I was next placed in the car of, would handle this. I repeated both questions to him. He repeated the first answer and that it was being towed. I became desperate and explained I really couldn't afford it, I was already overworking to afford the license renewal, and he outbursted that i didnt even have a license. it was about 40 degrees at the jail, where i was finally breathalized and placed in holding. I shivered through the first six hours or so, was briefly informed of my charges (expired lisence, driving on the wrong side of the road, and nothing about alcohol because i WAS NOT INTOXICATED, as i had explained) and 2 hours or so later, photographed and fingerprinted. about 2 hours further, moderately delirious with cold and sleep deprivation, I approached the desk to inquire my status and was ordered to sit until i was called. about 2 hours after that I asked a guard and he said he would check. i was finally called into a courtroom with the cell detainees where the present policeman was [freaking out] about how long ago i should hav been seen and released. as we waited in silence for the judge, one prisoner suddenly spoke up. 'im here for j-walking,' he said, ' i just thought everybody should know that.' the cop fresponded with, 'how about for sleeping?" supposedly another prisionor in the last meeting was there for that reason. they again never called my name, so as the judge attempted to wrap up i raisedd my hand and was FINALLY addressed. I was told my charges and returned to holding, where i waited another 3 hours during which a girl arrived who had been pulled over with her boyfriend for stopped past the white line and then, when searching her car, the cop found an empty bottle of some sort and itr was likewise towed, despite literally being in front of her house. I was then again [chastised]for approaching the desk to ask my status, and a guard asked [what was up], and again said he would check for me. about half an hour later i was called and finally released about 16 hours after having arrived, they did not give me a single paper, about a court case, or anything, and i never even later received one. i finally escaped, and at the same time as the prisoner who, as it turns out, really had been arrested for "sleeping in public". my car was towed about 14 miles south and nearly impossible/more expensive to retrieve because i did not have a valid license. read more