Austin is one of the most truly unique places in all of Texas, with a vibrant cultural scene, a busy entertainment district, a heart for nature, and a soul for music. In fact, Austin has often been referred to as the live music capital of the world! And since there are so many things to do and exciting festivals in Austin scheduled throughout the year, there really is no bad time to visit the city.
To experience the best of Austin for yourself, you’ll want a convenient and accommodating place to lay your head at the end of the day. These are some of the best places to stay while visiting Austin, Texas. To help you narrow down your options, these are some of the best places to stay on your Austin vacation.
Archer Hotel Austin
Archer Hotel Austin is a boutique hotel that’s chic, luxurious, and exhibits the best qualities of southern hospitality. The energetic new Rock Rose is an exciting street to check out nearby for restaurants, bars, and even a day spa. The hotel is located in northwest Austin in the heart of Domain Northside, which is perfect for foodies and travelers who love to shop. The hotel has a welcoming, adventurous, and quirky vibe. Luxe features include plush Eurotop mattresses, down duvets, Frette bathrobes, and HDTVs with premium sports and movie channels. It’s also a dog-friendly hotel if your pup is under 25 pounds. Archer’s outdoor pool patio is a great place to beat the Texas heat and enjoy laid-back patio culture.
Miraval Austin
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Miraval Austin is a top resort in Texas and a perfect retreat for those in need of respite. The Balconies Canyonlands Preserve serves as the backdrop to its beautiful residences, including the Dreamcatcher room with a king-size bed, mini-fridge, flat-screen TV and Tibetan singing bowl and a meditation pillow. For extra space, stay in the lavish Marival Suite. You’re spoiled for choice with on-site activities, from yoga and a challenge course to a cozy lounge area and poolside cocktail bar. Wrap up your day with a spa treatment or take a dip in the infinity pools.
Brava House Boutique Bed and Breakfast
Brava House Boutique Bed and Breakfast is another great boutique B&B in Austin, and it’s located in the heart of Old West Austin. Brava is in one of the city’s first Victorian homes built in the late 1800s and offers guests quiet and peaceful surroundings. However, it’s also easy to walk to the art galleries, restaurants, and bars downtown from here. Travelers have used this place as their home base while attending SXSW, ACL, UT Football, and UT Graduation ceremonies. Breakfast is served daily at the communal table bar, while back patio seating is available to enjoy in nice weather. You can also get breakfast in bed, and there is a variety of lunch and dinner options nearby, including Cipollina, Clark’s Oyster Bar, or Café Josie.
Hotel Van Zandt
Located in the Rainey Street District, Hotel Van Zandt is a great place to stay regardless if you want to chill out or party hard. This hotel is comfortable, chic, modern, and sophisticated. There are modern guestrooms that are smartly decorated and outfitted with high-tech features like high-speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers. Specialty suites are also available. This hotel is also ideal for music fans that want to be in the center of all the action. Live music can be experienced at the onsite restaurant, Geraldine’s. There’s also a poolside lounge that’s perfect for soaking up the sun as you overlook Lady Bird Lake. Some rooms are pet-friendly.
Firehouse Hostel and Lounge
Another excellent hostel option in Austin is Firehouse, which is the oldest standing firehouse in the city, built in 1885. It’s in the heart of downtown Austin and also has a cocktail lounge with speakeasy charm. Guests will enjoy prohibition-era cocktails and an eclectic mix of music. Room options include Euro-style rooms with a shared bath, suites with a private bath, and a deluxe dorm. Like many hostels, there’s a common area with cards and games for mixing and mingling with new friends.
The Frances Modern Inn
The Frances Modern Inn is a boutique hotel worth checking out in East Austin. There are stylish rooms here, as well as a bar that’s a favorite among wine lovers. This is a fun neighborhood to stay in if you’re a foodie too. East 6th and 7th streets are just a short walk away, putting you right in the middle of where you want to be. Most of the rooms have Juliet balconies with city views, and guests will also enjoy bedside USB ports, in-room safes, Bluetooth clock radios, and soft Turkish robes. A husband-wife team created this hotel and planned every little detail.
La Hacienda Resort
For something entirely different, why not embrace the outdoorsy culture of Austin and stay at one of the best RV/cabin resorts in the region? Stay here to be just three miles from Lake Travis and do all the fishing, skiing and sailing you want. You’ll also be just 30 minutes to downtown Austin. In addition to RV sites, there are also a lot of cottages that you can rent. All of the cottages are fully furnished and have linens, full kitchens, air conditioning, heat, cable, and BBQ grills.
The Driskill
For a romantic getaway in Austin consider staying at the Driskill, which is located at 604 Brazos Street. This historic hotel dates back to 1886 and has beautiful architecture from the 19th century and luxurious themed suites. This is a great place to stay if you’re planning to attend an event at the Austin Convention Center because it’s only a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Foodies will also enjoy the Driskill because there’s an upscale grill and a café with Southern comfort food located onsite. This is a kid-friendly and pet-friendly option that treats little ones and furry ones with lots of love as well.
Casulo Hotel
If convenience and accessibility are important to you, then the boutique Casulo Hotel might be right up your alley. This urban chic hotel has a touch of Zen and features Japanese-inspired rooms and suites. It’s conveniently located just off of Interstate 35 and about a 15-minute drive from Bergstrom Airport. Some suites at Casulo Hotel have balconies, reading corners, Jacuzzis, and large tubs. You can take advantage of free breakfast (typically scrambled eggs, oatmeal, cereals, and pastries) and a 24-hour fitness center when you stay here, as well as airport shuttle service for a fee.
Hotel Ella
Hotel Ella is a refurbished manor home that dates back to 1898. It’s a boutique hotel that has suites and junior suites on the first and second floors. There’s an excellent restaurant, Goodall’s, located onsite, as well as a wine bar. Goodall’s is an American bistro kitchen and bar that has both indoor and outdoor seating options. Hotel Ella is located on Rio Grande Avenue, which is near the University of Texas.
Hotel Saint Cecilia
Also in the spirit of a trendy boutique hotel in the South Congress District of Austin is Hotel Saint Cecilia. This is a great place to stay if you’re planning to catch a show at the Long Center for the Performing Arts since it’s less than a mile away. Hotel Saint Cecilia’s suites, bungalows, and studios have a bohemian feel but plenty of modern amenities. You’ll enjoy top-notch sound systems and iPod connections in the rooms and even a vintage library onsite with books and vinyl to satisfy your inner historian and music geek.
Kimber Modern
If you want to be in the middle of all of the action and have easy access to festivals and events happening around the city, then Kimber Modern might be perfect for you. This is a boutique hotel that is located on a residential street but just a block away from some of the best bars and restaurants you can find. As the name suggests, this hotel has a modern vibe, with original artwork, and egg-shaped chairs. There are a couple of suites here that have a private deck and sitting area. Help yourself to breakfast in the communal kitchen after a restful sleep.
Austin Motel
Austin is undeniably a quirky city, and if you’re looking for a quirky place to stay then you should consider the Austin Motel. This historic and classic 60’s-style motel has been around since 1938 and is just south of the Colorado River. It’s located on South Congress Avenue and a great place for travelers who want to really understand what keeps Austin so “weird.” There are single and double rooms here, some of which have whirlpool tubs. You can access Wi-Fi at the motel, enjoy free parking, and take a dip in the kidney-shaped swimming pool.
Hotel San Jose
Another unique and hip place to stay in Austin is Hotel San Jose, which was established in a refurbished motor lodge from the 1930s. There are lots of music venues, restaurants, and bars nearby since this boutique hotel is located along South Congress Avenue. The rooms have a minimalist appeal, while suites have more of an ethnic and handmade vibe. There are some shared patio seating areas for everyone to relax on, and some of the suites have outdoor porches as well. Stop by the courtyard bar for a drink and snacks, where you’ll occasionally find live music playing as well.
