Thank You, Austin

Dear Editor,
    My husband and I have just returned to England from a two-week trip to Austin. Our love of music has often tempted us to come over for the South by Southwest Festival in March but the even bigger love of Formula One motor racing was the clincher to finally visit Texas for the first time. The brand-new track is beautiful and the most perfect one from a viewer's point (and probably from a driver's point). There were problems with parking facilities and lack of sufficient food choices/outlets, but all these are easily solvable for the next event ["Fans Declare F1 a Success," News, Nov. 23].
    We have been to many tracks around the world and all provide free parking within walking distance to the track in addition to free shuttle services from parking areas if they're a little too far to walk. Please rethink the parking costs.
    One area of disappointment in a country known for its fairness in most things was the disproportionate increase in hotel accommodation costs for the Grand Prix weekend. This may be a deterrent to some people for future visits.
    Nonetheless, our praise goes out to the city and people of Austin, who we found to be the most genuinely friendly, welcoming, and accommodating to such a huge crowd of visitors. You handled it well and all those doubters should now be convinced that you do indeed have something to be proud of and something to tempt first-time visitors to return to see more. We’ll certainly be back for the music next time, more motor racing in the future, and more exploration of the fantastic state of Texas.
    Once again, a very big thank you, Austin.