The Best Hotels in Austin
Looking for a place to stay in the capital city? We’ve gathered our recommendations for the most stylish and comfortable hotels for travelers’ next vacation or Austinites’ next staycation.
The Carpenter Hotel
400 Josephine St.
The Carpenter Hotel has a prime location off South Lamar, just minutes from Zilker Park and Barton Springs. The hotel holds 93 guest rooms, an exterior breezeway and stairways to each room’s private terrace, all contributing to the hotel’s casual, open-air experience. The hotel’s restaurant, Carpenters Hall, and in-lobby Carpenter Coffee Bar complete this Austin favorite.
Hotel Saint Cecilia
112 Academy Dr.
Located just off of South Congress is Hotel Saint Cecilia, a 20-room estate that was previously an 1880s-era Victorian home. The hotel’s beautiful grounds are only open to hotel guests and private club members, making it an exclusive place to get away. Highlights include a library of records, films and biographies, a heated pool and 24-hour concierge service.
Commodore Perry Estate
4100 Red River St.
Luxury personified, Commodore Perry Estate is not to be missed. The 10-acre setting in Hyde Park creates the perfect background for a relaxing getaway, with Ken Fulk-designed interiors that are sure to make you swoon. Make a reservation at the hotel’s garden restaurant Lutie’s, which features locally sourced ingredients in inspired food offerings.
South Congress Hotel
1603 S. Congress Ave.
No list of the top hotels in Austin is complete without South Congress Hotel, an iconic boutique destination on the eponymous street. With a lobby bar, rooftop pool, coffee shop and three restaurants, South Congress Hotel is a traveler’s dream. Check out the hotel’s restaurant Maie Day, which opened in May 2022.
The LINE Austin
111 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Home to P6, one of our favorite rooftop bars in town, The LINE Hotel is known for its modern feel and distinct location at the intersection of Town Lake and downtown Austin. Rooms feature original art, plush beds and epic views — plus pets stay for free. Food offerings include Kristen’s Kish’s Arlo Grey, tacos from Veracruz Al Natural and coffee from LA’s Alfred.
Hotel San José
1316 S. Congress Ave.
No two rooms are the same at Hotel San José, a 40-room property that was originally built in the 1930s before being reimagined by hotelier Liz Lambert. The hotel’s rooms center around a lush, green courtyard in a bungalow-style setting, a wonderful respite from the bustling South Congress activities just outside.
The Driskill
604 Brazos St.
The Driskill is home to 189 guest rooms located on the corner of Brazos Street and 6th Street. The historic hotel originally opened in 1886 and honors its past with marble floors, custom furniture and a stained-glass dome. A Texas favorite for many years, President Lyndon B. Johnson and wife Lady Bird Johnson had their first date in The Driskill’s dining room in 1934.
Austin Motel
1220 S. Congress Ave.
Austin Motel has all the local vibes you’re looking for in a place to rest your head. Their 41 guest rooms and suites hold vinyl tufted beds, old-fashioned phones and vintage music posters. The motel is best known for its iconic sign and kidney-shaped pool, where guests can lounge under red and white umbrellas and sip on cocktails from the pool bar designed by Jack Sanders’ Design Build Adventure.
Austin Proper Hotel
600 W. 2nd St.
Austin Proper is for the cool kids. Earthy tones, interesting architecture and artful design come from the mind of designer Kelly Wearstler, who was inspired by Austin’s Craftsman architectural style. The hotel’s Verbena Spa is a spot for serenity, while the four onsite dining options give guests many options to indulge.
The Wayback
9601 Bee Cave Rd.
Although still located in Austin city limits, The Wayback is a Hill Country haven that feels secluded and remote. Situated off Bee Cave Road are the boutique hotel’s eight cottages outfitted with neutral linens and nature views. The mother and daughter-owned spot is perfect for a peaceful getaway, as well as a venue for weddings and other special events.
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
605 Davis St.
Rainey Street’s Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt is the spot for music lovers. From live music at hotel restaurant Geraldine’s to the hotel pool’s secret under-water playlist, the Van Zandt is a destination in its own right. Guests can also rent custom-designed PUBLIC bikes or get a complimentary pass to The Rowing Day for an adventure on Lady Bird Lake.
Hotel Magdalena
1101 Music Ln.
Hotel Magdalena, which opened in fall 2020, features four buildings connected by elevated walkways and courtyards. These treehouse-like elements, combined with a 900-square-foot swimming pool, wellness programming and signature restaurant Summer House on Music Lane, create a special experience for guests. Plus, Hotel Magdalena is the first mass timber hotel constructed in North America.
Hotel Ella
1900 Rio Grande St.
Coming to town for a football game or campus visit? Hotel Ella is conveniently located on Rio Grande, less than a mile from the University of Texas campus. The rooms are luxurious and comfortable, with twice-daily housekeeping and microfiber bathrobes. In the summer, visit Hotel Ella for Music on the Lawn to see local artists perform and enjoy food and drink specials — it’s free and open to the public.
Canopy by Hilton
604 W. 6th St.
Canopy by Hilton is an ideal home base for those who want to stay in the heart of downtown. The guest rooms are chic, modern and pet-friendly. The pool and gym give guests a chance to unwind and exercise. Admire the Austin skyline at on-site restaurant Verbena, serving locally sourced ingredients and creative cocktails.