best hotels in austin – Austin, the capital of Texas, is a wonderland of a city that likes to keep things “strange.” Austin, the capital of Texas, is a wonderland of a city that likes to keep things “strange.” From its fun 6th Street to its even more fun SoCo neighborhood, the city is famous for its live music scene and annual music and tech festival, South by Southwest.
Austin offers places to stay with as much character as the city. So no matter where you spend the night after a day at Live Music Capital of the World®, an authentic Austin experience awaits.
During your stay in Austin, you can enjoy a historic hotel’s grandeur or an ultra-modern tower’s style. Eclectic boutique accommodations throughout the city, from colorful South Congress Avenue to progressive East Austin. Explore our city areas and find the hotel and amenities that fit your interests.
Located on the Colorado River banks, Austin’s hotels range from historic elegance and gleaming modern towers to retro boutiques. So if you’re having a hard time choosing, don’t worry: here’s a selection of the best hotels in Austin.
1. The Driskill
This iconic downtown hotel offers state-of-the-art luxury amenities and exceptional services. The Driskill, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is a famous Austin landmark and is within easy reach of the city’s most popular attractions.
Built-in 1886, The Driskill features an elegant blend of vintage charm with today’s modern luxuries. The property has a modern fitness center and an award-winning restaurant. The concierge service guarantees guests an unforgettable stay.
Every night there is live music in the bar, often featuring Grammy Award winners.
The 1886 CafĂ© & Bakery hosts a monthly “Dinner with Beer,” offering beers from a local brewery and a 4-course dinner.
The Driskill is within walking distance of downtown Austin Music Hall, the Texas Capitol, and several luxury shops.
What is unique about this hotel?
From the staff’s pride in Texas’s rich stories and significant landmark to the architectural detail and design of the hotel built in 1886, the history behind the walls makes The Driskill unlike any other.
Why is this place worth visiting?
The Live Music Capital of the World is a vibrant culture in downtown Austin, complete with a trendy food and drink scene, beautiful outdoor hiking and biking near Lady Bird Lake, and the stunning Texas State Capitol Building.
What is the typical guest of this hotel like?
From the Texas native to the modern-day traveler from a foreign country, a wide range of guests make it a point to visit the legendary historic landmark, The Driskill.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas, this hotel offers 294 spacious guest rooms with views of downtown or Lady Bird Lake.
Rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin are warmly decorated and feature free Wi-Fi, an armchair, a work desk, and a large flat-screen TV.
There is a heated saltwater pool. The Four Seasons Hotel Austin features a state-of-the-art fitness center and an award-winning spa with relaxing treatments. In addition, it houses two business centers available for guest use.
The Ciclo Restaurant is on the ground floor, overlooks Lady Bird Lake, and proposes a menu with locally inspired flavors and ingredients with a Latin influence. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
The Four Seasons is within 2.2 miles of attractions such as the Texas Capitol, Zilker Park, and the 6th Street entertainment district. In addition, the University of Texas at Austin is less than a 10-minute drive from this hotel.
3. Hotel Ella
A historic and artsy hotel in downtown Austin, this timeless boutique hotel is a restored turn-of-the-19th-century manor house featuring a large wraparound porch, sundeck, and a picnic area on the grounds. An outdoor pool and poolside bar with evening cocktails, on-site restaurant, spa service, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee, on-site paid parking, and an electric vehicle charging station. Each room features a flat-screen TV, minibar, private bathroom with lush bath products, and microfiber bathrobes. Friendly pet. Excellent location, 1.5 km from the most popular cultural attractions of the city.
4. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Named for legendary guitarist Townes Van Zandt, this modern boutique hotel is decorated with music-focused artwork and features 319 modernly designed rooms and suites. With beautiful dark wood paneling, brass accents, and elegant furnishings, all rooms include minibars, yoga mats, boot pullers, Bluetooth speakers, high-speed Wi-Fi, Atelier Bloem luxury products, and lake or landscape views. Urban. Hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, full-service beer garden, on-site restaurant and cafe, morning coffee and tea service, and complimentary custom bikes. Genuine Texas hospitality is enjoyed during the social hour with complimentary beer, wine, and margaritas in the lounge. Fabulous location with easy access to hiking and biking trails, Lady Bird Lake, and the Rainey Street Historic District.
5. South Congress Hotel
With the SoCo strip four blocks on each side and downtown just a mile away, this boutique hotel offers a year-round outdoor rooftop pool, coffee shop, and views of the Austin skyline. Locally designed and decorated in a minimal, slightly retro style, facilities include a sun terrace, three restaurants, a cafe, a juice bar, gym, spa services, free Wi-Fi, and quaint bike rentals. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, Matteo bedding, local minibar, walk-in shower, Bigelow bath products, custom bathrobes, 46-inch LED TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and exclusive access to over 40 Alamo Drafthouse movies. Excellent location: Big Stacy Park (600 m), Walter Beach (1.3 km).
6. Hotel San José
A modern converted 1970s motel in the heart of the South Congress district. Features include a garden with covered terrace, fireplace, and outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, an on-site cafe, a restaurant with themed dinners and live music nights, and daily continental breakfast. Each room has a flat-screen TV, desk, mini fridge, and wet bar, and some rooms have a terrace. The hotel is conveniently located on South Congress Avenue, one of the city’s busiest streets, with key attractions nearby, most notably the Continental Club, just 30 feet away.
7. W Austin
Attached to the iconic Moody Theatre, the W itself plays a big part in the local scene, regularly hosting DJ parties, live music shows, and other events. Features fantastic views of the city skyline, full-service luxury spa, outdoor pool with private cabanas, poolside bar and grill, farm-to-table restaurant, four lounges, 3 bars, and multilingual staff and attentive. On-site parking and WiFi are available at an additional cost. Each room has a Samsung LCD TV, iPod docking station, luxurious bath amenities, fully stocked minibar, and snack station, and is decorated with works by local photographer Scott Newton. Located in the 2nd Street district, a very walkable location with restaurants, tourist attractions, music venues, and nightspots all within a half mile.
8. The Westin Austin Downtown
Located across the street from the legendary live music nightclub Antone’s, this downtown hotel features a year-round heated outdoor pool, a rooftop bar with fire pits, and a fitness center with yoga classes. In addition, it has 19,000 square feet of event space, a mini market, restaurant, bar, and lounge with Friday brunch, live music events, and a bar crawl. Rooms are modern with floor-to-ceiling windows, a Heavenly bed, a flat-screen TV, fresh Starbucks coffee and tea, and plush robes. Wi-Fi and valet parking are available at extra cost, but dogs are welcome for free and receive their Heavenly bed and dog beer. Excellent location, just six blocks from numerous live music venues, restaurants, landmarks, and cultural venues: 6th Street (200m), Lady Bird Lake (400m), and Congress Avenue Bridge (700m).
9. Heywood Hotel
This small boutique hotel, housed in a modern 1925 Craftsman bungalow just off 6th Street, offers seven elegant guest rooms and complimentary locally roasted coffee. It has a porch with swings, an outdoor terrace, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s decor and furnishings feature local artists, designers, and reclaimed hardwood floors. Rooms include HDTV, mini bar, Apple docking station, Squeezebox jukebox with free streaming music, white noise machine, handcrafted beds, plush mattresses, large bathrooms with oversized soaking tubs, and designer toiletries. Luxury. Courtesy bikes are available to guests until 7 pm. Many key attractions and restaurants are located nearby: Festival Beach (1 km), University of Texas (3 km), Texas Capitol Building (2.2 km)
10. Hotel Saint Cecilia
Inspired by rock and roll and named for the patron saint of poetry and music, this quirky, stylish, and cozy boutique hotel is housed in an 1880s Victorian home frequented by musicians and celebrities. It has fourteen elegant rooms with pool or river views, well-stocked minibars, organic handmade beds, turntables with a Geneva sound system, flat-screen TVs, and well-appointed bathrooms with luxury pampering products. In-room spa treatments are also available. One suite includes a private terrace and garden with an outdoor shower and fireplace. The hotel features lush gardens with outdoor movie nights, a 50ft heated outdoor pool with six poolside bungalows, a breakfast kitchen, a lounge bar with live music nights, free WiFi, a library of vintage LPs, loan, and free retro bike rentals. A 1970s CitroĂ«n sometimes acts as a guest taxi. Brilliant location, two blocks from the South Strip and other key attractions – Barton Springs Pool (2.5 km).
11. The Line Hotel Austin
Powder pinks and grays accented with chic furnishings and houseplants make staying at The LINE a dream. It’s a retro twist on a classic hotel. Rooms are decorated with original artwork, feature spacious bathrooms, and overlook the Colorado River.
The hotel bar is a great place to enjoy evening cocktails, and there is also a restaurant for dinner. A perfect place to escape for the weekend (or longer), free bike rentals are available to help you truly feel like a local.
Location: Located in the Waller Creek district, along the river, the hotel is close to major attractions such as the Capitol. They are also just steps from the Austin Convention Center.
12. Fairmont Austin
Another fantastic example of the best hotel in Austin, the Fairmont, is a beautiful place to be in the capital of Texas. With stunning views and an abundance of amenities, this is a 5-star hotel with 5-star credentials.
There’s a fantastic palm tree-lined rooftop pool, a romantic bar and restaurant, and a wellness area for the ultimate in pampering and indulgence. Rooms feature striped rugs, classic cream color palettes, and large windows for stunning city views.
Location: Just 100 yards from the Austin Convention Center, this hotel, located in the Waller Creek district, is also close to the Congress Avenue Bridge, 6th Street, and the Rainey Street Historic District, all within walking distance.
13. Aloft Downtown Austin
Aloft Austin Downtown has a lot to do. It is a modern, fresh, and youthful hotel with matching decorations. There is a large garden terrace area for mingling with other guests over an evening drink or two, plus a delicious restaurant and cafe.
This pet-friendly hotel feels very boutique throughout. Rooms are warm and comfortable, with cozy beds made in crisp white linen for a great night’s sleep.
Location: From its downtown location, there’s a lot within walking distance of here, from bars, restaurants, and entertainment on 6th Street to places like the Capitol, the Children’s Museum, and the Governor’s Mansion. Lady Bird Lake is two and a half miles away.
14. Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
The ideal Austin hotel for a getaway, this 4-star resort sits on 4,000 acres of land, and a lot is going on. There are four golf courses, ten tennis courts, one indoor pool, and three outdoor pools.
Other amenities include a large gym, complete with its own exercise classes, and even a running track. In addition, this fantastic hotel has seven restaurants and bars to choose from, and the rooms are suitably large and lavishly decorated.
Location: A 20-minute drive from downtown Austin, this resort is less than six miles from Barton Springs. The Village at Westlake Shopping Center and Wild Basin Wilderness Park is two miles away.
15. JW Marriott Austin
Occupying a large, gleaming tower, the JW Marriott is everything a high-end hotel should be. The rooms are spacious with large, luscious beds with leather headboards. The bathrooms are elegant and tiled.
But it’s not just about the rooms; The views of Austin’s skyscrapers surrounding the open-air terrace (complete with a sizable rooftop pool and cabanas) are fantastic. In addition, with three restaurants to choose from, you may never need to leave the comfort of this Austin hotel.
Location: Practically on South Congress Avenue, this place is within walking distance to many places: City Hall, Lady Bird Lake, Texas State Capitol, and 6th Street, among other things, which makes this downtown location a great one.
16. Austin Motel
Austin Motel may not sound like much, but this renovated roadside motel is the place to soak up the “Keep Austin Weird” cool of the city. The decor is Instagram-ready, with many houseplants and mid-century modern furnishings that keep it bright and fresh.
The rooms here are modern interior design delights, filled with retro furnishings and quirky, individual touches, always with a nod to their brand of motel chic. In addition, it has an artsy shop on site and a food truck parked right outside.
Location: This place is in SoCo, the “hip” area of Austin; As such, there are plenty of cafes, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, food trucks, galleries, and creative places to visit in the surrounding area.
17. The Stephen F Austin Intercontinental Center
A high-end hotel with service to match, this InterContinental branch uses the old building it’s housed in to offer a mix of traditional and chic modern decor. As a result, this hotel contains all the atmosphere associated with a bygone era.
Rooms are well-appointed, polished, and comfortable, while shared spaces are shiny places for guests to unwind. Roaring Fork, the hotel restaurant, serves lunch and dinner, and breakfast is served in the hotel lounge. It’s a classy thing.
Location: Situated on Congress Avenue, this hotel boasts a fantastic location within walking distance of the State Capitol. Also nearby is City Hall and the ever-popular bars and restaurants on 6th Avenue.
18. Fairmont Austin Gold Experience
The Fairmont Austin Gold Experience offers 5-star accommodations in Austin, Texas. Ideally located in downtown Austin, this 37-story luxury hotel offers exquisite dining, a relaxing spa, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.
The Fairmont Austin Gold Experience has a dedicated Fairmont Gold team that can assist guests with concierge services, personalized wake-up calls with beverage delivery to the room. The hotel also provides exclusive access to an upgraded lounge, which offers complimentary privileges such as a deluxe breakfast cooked to order, hors d’oeuvre,s, and desserts in the evening.
Other exclusive services include private check-in and check-out on the 35th floor, an honesty bar with alcoholic beverages in the Fairmont Gold Lounge, and free high-speed internet access.
Fairmont Austin Gold Experience’s modern guest rooms are equipped with 55-inch flat-screen TVs, streaming services, premium bedding, luxury toiletries, a soft bathrobe, bedside charging points, and desktops with superior technologies. In addition, nightly turndown service, complimentary newspaper delivery, and nightly shoe shine service are offered.
The property features five restaurants and bars, an elegant poolside terrace on the 7th floor, an extensive fitness center, and a full-service lounge.
The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 9 km away. In addition, there are many nearby lakes where you can go boating, stand-up paddle boarding, and canoeing.
19. Archer Hotel Austin
The Archer Hotel Austin is located in the Domain business district of Austin, 11 km from the University of Texas at Austin. This boutique hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
All rooms have complimentary mineral water, welcome homemade salted caramels, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, Malin + Goetz® toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. Additionally, rooms at the Archer Hotel Austin are equipped with flat-screen HDTVs with premium movie and sports channels. They also include a coffeemaker and a fully stocked refrigerator.
The reception is open 24 hours, as a bellboy, valet, dry cleaning, and laundry services are provided. The property also houses 1,500 m² of meeting and event facilities. In addition, the hotel offers free shoe-shine service (available upon request) and valet parking for a surcharge.
Second Bar + Kitchen serves sophisticated modern American cuisine daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu consists of light options, salads, pizzas, main dishes, and desserts made with local products.
The hotel also offers a bicycle rental service. The University of Texas Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is 8 miles from Archer Hotel Austin. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is 14 miles away.
20. AT&T Hotel & Conference Center
AT&T Hotel & Conference Center has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a bar. It also has a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and room service.
The property is 1,300 feet away from the Texas University and 2,650 feet from the Capitol.
The rooms have air conditioning, a desk, a safe, a TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. In addition, all rooms at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center include bathrobes and an iPad.
The property serves a buffet breakfast.
There are several attractions near the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center, including the Texas Memorial Stadium, the Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas, and the Bob Bullock State Museum of Texas History. The nearest airport is Austin Bergstrom International Airport, 11 km away.
21. Hotel Granduca Austin
Featuring free WiFi, Hotel Granduca Austin offers pet-friendly accommodation in Austin, 7 km from Barton Springs Pool. The hotel has a spa center, hot tub, restaurant, and bar. It also provides private parking.
The rooms and suites have air conditioning and flat-screen TVs; some rooms include a seating area. All rooms have a private bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.
The hotel provides a concierge, valet services, and a business center, all available 24 hours. It also offers billiards, an outdoor patio, complimentary shoe shine service, and free shuttle service on request.
The Visconti Ristorante serves traditional Northern Italian dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Visconti’s Sunday brunch includes a complimentary glass of Prosecco. Visconti Bar offers daytime food, cocktails, and a variety of wines, while The Veranda serves morning coffee and afternoon cocktails on the patio.
The area is ideal for golfing and hiking. Hotel Granduca Austin is within 9 km of the University of Texas at Austin and the Capitol Building. The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 12 miles away.
