Known for its live music scene, thriving food culture, abundant outdoor spaces, and innovative tech ecosystem, Austin offers a dynamic blend of creativity, opportunity, and laid-back charm. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Austin based on expert recommendations and thousands of guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Austin: Courtyard Austin by Marriott
Best boutique hotel in Austin: Hotel San Jose
Best luxury hotel in Austin: The Driskill Hotel
Best eco-friendly hotel in Austin: Heywood Hotel
Sort list by price, rating or by value for money.
Tucked away in the vibrant East Austin neighborhood, the Heywood Hotel is an award-winning, seven-room boutique gem that perfectly captures the "Keep Austin Weird" spirit. Rather than a stark, traditional hotel, it functions much like an achingly cool local home.
New York Times + 4 more“Heywood Hotel, a restored bungalow in the heart of East Austin, is an understated antidote to the area’s corporate short-term rentals. It has an affable front-desk staff and seven guest rooms, some with balconies and skylights.”
Hotel Ella carries the name of a woman, akin to a traditional sailing ship. Inspired by Ella Wooten, who resided at this location from 1900 until 1944, she is the namesake of this establishment. Known for her impeccable style, gifted gardening abilities, and refined interior design taste, she was married to one of the University of Texas' founders. She invested generously in transforming an otherwise unremarkable property close to the university into a lavish Greek Revival-style building in 1910.
Lonely Planet + 3 more“With its wraparound porch, Corinthian columns and commanding perch on Judge’s Hill, this stately building is hands-down the most photogenic inn in town. Visually striking Texas modernist artwork adorns the walls in both rooms and common areas, setting this new boutique hotel apart from its competitors.”
Saint Cecilia embarks on a journey towards a "luxury guest house" and never really deviates from that path. Luxury in Austin doesn't only mean those extremely costly Hästens handmade mattresses, but also an in-house vintage vinyl library.
Lonely Planet + 2 more“The hustle and bustle of South Congress melts away the moment you cross over onto the serene lawn graced by a 300-year-old live oak. Choose from a suite in the Victorian-style house (c 1888) furnished with the perfect blend of modern, vintage and artistic touches, a studio in the main building, or one of the sleek poolside bungalows.”
Right at the crossroads of Town Lake and downtown, THe LINE perfectly bridges the city's natural beauty with its bustling energy. It is trendy, lively, and effortlessly cool without trying too hard. The building itself has some serious history. Back in 1965, it opened as the Crest Inn, a classic mid-century modernist hotel. It even housed a popular jazz club and broadcasted a live radio show, cementing its roots in Austin’s legendary music scene long before it became The LINE.
CN Traveler + 2 more“The LINE is big. Texan-style big. We are talking 428 rooms big. Though with Sydell’s knack for transforming spaces into landmarks of urban sophistication, it comes off as intimate and considered. The biggest selling point is location. The LINE is in the heart of downtown.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s Best New Hotels of 2019.
If you ever hang out on Austin's South Congress Avenue, it’s hard to miss the Hotel San José. Tucked behind ivied stucco walls, this 40-room urban bungalow oasis feels like a hidden garden, yet it's right in the middle of all the action. It completely kickstarted the vibe of the modern "SoCo" district.
Frommers + 2 more“Location, location, location, and style, style, style—that’s what the Hotel San José has going for it. It sits in a prime part of SoCo, just up the street from popular shops like Lucy in Disguise, Stag, and Uncommon Objects. It’s also just a stone’s throw from Guero’s, a hopping taco and margarita spot.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Austin.
Opened in 1886, The Driskill stands as Austin's oldest operating hotel. It was built by a wealthy cattle baron named Colonel Jesse Driskill, who spent a staggering $400,000 to construct what he envisioned as "the finest hotel south of St. Louis." Ironically, a brutal winter and historic drought devastated his cattle empire, forcing him to sell his dream property just two years later.
Lonely Planet + 2 more“Every city needs a beautiful historic hotel, ideally made from native stone and built by a 19th-century cattle baron. Although this one is now owned by the Hyatt, you’ll find no generic hotel decor here; everything is pure Texas.”
If you want a true taste of the Live Music Capital of the World, Hotel Van Zandt in Austin’s trendy Rainey Street District is the ultimate spot. Opened in 2015, this boutique hotel leans heavily into the city's artistic soul.
New York Times + 2 more“Just off the trendy Rainey night-life scene, Hotel Van Zandt has 319 well-appointed rooms and an enviable bar, restaurant and live-music venue in downtown Austin.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Austin.
Austin Motel is the kind of place that feels like a retro road trip stop. Cool, laid-back, and very Austin. Far from the cookie-cutter chain hotels, this motel on South Congress has a vintage neon sign, a kidney-shaped pool, and an old-school motel charm. It’s not just for sleeping: people hang out here, soak up the sun, and sip cocktails by the pool, even if they’re not staying overnight.
New York Times + 1 more“Austin Motel on South Congress Avenue is easy to spot thanks to its iconic, phallic neon sign that reads, “So close yet so far out” — an accurate description of the proximity to downtown and the hip vibe of this redesigned motor lodge with a heated pool and a courtyard perfect for predinner drinks with fellow travelers.”
If you need a serious mental reset, Miraval Austin is the spot. Tucked away in the hills overlooking Lake Travis, this wellness sanctuary actually started out as Travaasa Austin before getting a major, multi-million-dollar Miraval glow-up. It's designed to completely blend into the surrounding Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, making you feel like you're hiding out in a luxury treehouse.
Fodors + 1 more“On a hilltop ridge amidst the Balcones Canyonlands nature preserve, just 30 minutes from Austin, Miraval (previously Travaasa) delivers a refreshing spin on a luxury resort, inspired by its Hill Country setting.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Austin.
If you want to feel the true pulse of Austin, South Congress Hotel is pretty much ground zero. Tucked right into the city's most vibrant avenue, this boutique spot ditches cookie-cutter corporate vibes for something that feels effortlessly cool, mid-century modern, and uniquely Texan.
New York Times + 1 more“The new South Congress Hotel has an enviable location on one of the city’s coolest shopping strips, as well as a rooftop pool and popular lobby bar.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Austin.
Recommended by:
New York Times, Frommers, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers, Fodors
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, CN Traveler
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
The capital of Texas, Austin, is situated in the south of the United States. It is one of the largest sates in the U.S. This is also an excellent tourist place. The people of Austin are very friendly. The state is developing rapidly. The accommodation prices are quite high in Austin, but in some areas, you can find cheaper options. When it comes to the best area for enjoying a better-staying experience, Downtown is the best option. However, there are more such areas which you can choose to stay in. If you are visiting Austin for the first time, then here is the list of some best areas where you can stay.
Five neighborhoods to stay in Austin
6th Street District
The area comes under the Downtown Austin. However, it has some unique characteristics which make this a perfect place stay. Here you can enjoy great nightlife as it is the hub of live music. The 6th street district is famous as a major entertainment district in Austin, Texas. So, if you are visiting Austin to enjoy its impressive nightlife, then you can stay in 6th Street District.
Downtown Austin
It is referred to as the heart of Austin. The reason is it is the commercial and financial center of the state. The area houses a lot of luxurious hotels and offers best-staying facilities to business travelers. Here you will find some major landmarks of Austin, like Rainey Street, Congress Avenue, and 6th Street.
East Austin
This is one of the fastest-growing areas in Austin. This is the area located east of Interstate 35. The area has everything that you need to live comfortably. You will find Mexican food trucks, luxurious restaurants, fashion stores, and more. The nightlife of the area is also amazing. There is no doubt that we will enjoy a fantastic staying experience in this area. The best thing about the place is you can easily find accommodation at a much affordable price.
Near the University of Texas
The University of Texas is situated in the north of Downton Austin. This is a central area and houses a lot of commercial and residential buildings. Besides, it is the home of different tourist attractions such as the Bullock Texas State me Museum, Texas State Capitol Building, the Blanton Museum of Art and more. Here, you will find all types of accommodations, starting from luxurious hotels to cheap lodges. If you are planning to visit Austin, then you can book a hotel located in this quiet and peaceful area.
South Congress Avenue
Are you looking for a best and happening place in Austin? If yes, then SoCo - South Congress Avenue can be the best option for you. SoCo is a cultural and commercial district of Texas and houses a lot of music and art place, shops, restaurants, and hotels. It divides two neighborhoods, i.e., Bouldin Creek and South Austin. For alternative travelers, this is the best place to stay.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Austin.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Austin, then try Courtyard Austin by Marriott. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Austin.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Austin, you should check out Hotel San Jose. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Austin, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Austin, then go for The Driskill Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Austin, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking to start your day with some great breakfast, try the Kimber Modern Hotel. Reviews for their breakfast have been excellent.
The average prices for a 3-star hotel in Austin are $160 per night. For a 4-star hotel you can expect to pay around $250 per night and if you're looking for a luxury 5-star hotel in Austin, then you probably have to pay around $330 per night.
Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure. Cruise around Austin in style on a fat-tire electric minibike. These easy-to-ride bikes sit two people and travel at a top speed of 20mph. Price: $82.
Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour with Hotel Pickup. Discover the wineries and rolling hills of Texas Hill Country on a full-day tour with hotel pickup from Downtown Austin or San Antonio. Explore the famous LBJ Ranch, stroll around historic Fredericksburg, and experience the magic and music of Luckenbach. Price: $109.
Austin in a Nutshell Bike Tour. Get outfitted with your bike and helmet, then set out with your guide to see the best of Austin. Price: $65.
More things to do in Austin
Austin, Texas, traces its roots back to the 1830s when Anglo-American settlers founded a small village named Waterloo along the banks of the Colorado River. Recognizing its strategic and beautiful location, Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas, designated it as the new capital in 1839. The settlement was renamed in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas.” Over the decades, the city grew from a frontier outpost into a bustling state hub, anchored by the completion of the monolithic pink granite State Capitol building in 1888 and the steady expansion of the University of Texas.
Today, Austin stands as a dynamic intersection of high-tech innovation, political power, and progressive creativity. Culturally anchored by its official slogan, “The Live Music Capital of the World,” the city is famous for massive festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. Yet, it is equally defined by its grassroots ethos, encapsulated in the popular local rallying cry, “Keep Austin Weird.” This phrase champions the independent businesses, eccentric artists, and unique counterculture that refuse to be swallowed by rapid modernization. As a major tech hub nicknamed the “Silicon Hills,” Austin blends a booming corporate landscape with a laid-back, outdoor-loving lifestyle focused on natural treasures like Barton Springs.
Beyond the well-worn paths of music and tech lie a few little-known secrets. For instance, Austin boasts the nation’s only operational system of Moonlight Towers—towering, 165-foot steel structures built in the 1890s that illuminate entire neighborhoods with a soft, synthetic glow. Furthermore, the city plays host to North America’s largest urban bat colony; nearly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats live beneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, emerging every summer evening in massive, cloud-like swarms that draw crowds of awestruck spectators.
We also recommend you read our guide about where to stay in Austin, it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.
If you like our hotel recommendations for Austin, then you should also check out the recommended hotels in Dallas and the best hotels in Houston.