Hotel Ella, Austin
More photosHotel 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.
Over a hundred years later, her cherished undertaking was revamped and reopened as an upscale boutique hotel.
Hotel Ella, viewed externally, retains its historical charm with its two-story stone edifice and grand colonnaded verandas. However, the interiors have been significantly altered. What were once parlors and boudoirs are now transformed into 37 guest chambers and ten suites.
These spaces are fairly typical in shape and dimensions, but the beauty lies in the exquisite workmanship. The interiors are adorned with robust and opulent materials that resonate with the epoch that influenced the establishment: desks with granite tops, towels made of combed cotton, and bath essentials by the Vintage Round Top.
A minibar filled with locally-sourced gourmet items – a delightful and welcoming feature that Ella would likely appreciate – is also available, along with a 47-inch LED screen, something Ella couldn’t have possibly known about.
Suites come with bespoke furnishings and quaint personal patios; the premier Mansion Petite Suite is situated on a section of the mansion’s extensive veranda. It’s unlikely to find a more nostalgically appealing spot to unwind with a mint julep or a glass of iced tea.
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Expert reviews
“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.”
“Historical elegance and modern amenities converge in this 47-room boutique hotel, formerly Mansion on Judges’ Hill, which reopened in 2013 after an extensive renovation and ownership change. The Goodall Wooten mansion, a Texas Historic Landmark completed in 1900 on the south edge of UT campus, still shines in all its Classical Revival glory.”
“Along with its prime location in an area with a dearth of lodgings, Hotel Ella is known for its casual-chic restaurant, attentive service, and gorgeous Greek Revival architecture; the house was built in 1900 for Goodall Wooten and his new wife, the former Ella Newsome.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Austin.
“One of Austin’s most gracious historic landmarks, a stay at Hotel Ella allows guests to step back in time to the life of a wealthy turn-of-the-19th-century family. The estate retains its timeless elegance with a thoroughly updated restoration and amenities that bring it into the modern day.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Private parking
- Garden
- Terrace
Location
Recent guest reviews
30 March 2026
Very nice and great stay!
I love everything about the property!
Nothing to complain about!
20 December 2025
Just looking nice form outside, inside not functional and used, working in the room was not possible, just sleeping, wit
looks nice from outside and good coffee in the room
poorly equipped rooms, nothing to put suitcases on, no closets, TV not fixed straight on the wall, no desk, no proper chair, really very poor
18 September 2025
Don’t stay here is you like quiet - noisy services (air con etc) everywhere
Staff we great
Very noisy - had to move rooms because the plumbing and aircon noise was so loud. Noise from pool also loud. Hot water didn’t work for many days of the stay.
15 August 2025
We were able to relax and enjoy our stay. The staff was absolutely perfect.
Location was perfect for family functions
It was all good. thank you
11 August 2025
Not likely to book there again.
Refrigerator was grumbly , had to unplug it , shower water pressure was not that great. The shower head was clogged.
7 August 2025
Family trip as daughter completes ballet summer intensive.
The property is very clean and the grounds are gorgeous. The pool is relaxing and I love the ambience.
N/A
10 June 2025
You can’t stay here just once- unique historical hotel in the heart of Austin- one of a kind!
What a gem in the heart of Austin- historical modern hotel with great amenities, great food and drink- excellent customer service!
Nothing- everything was perfect!
30 May 2025
Cute boutique hotel with friendly staff and pool!
There's a very good restaurant on-site. The prices are decent, and the food and cocktails are superb. The pool area is small but has enough towels, cabanas, and loungers. They don't really care if you go to the pool late at night as long as you are respectful and not noisy.
No self-parking available. Our room didn't have a view, but we didn't pay to upgrade the view so it's not a big deal breaker. The address said they are on "Rio Grande" but the main entrance is actually on MLK, so just be aware.
1 March 2025
The best accommodation I have stayed in for years.
Everything. Particularly Isaak. The front desk receptionist. He was fun, warm and so inviting. An exceptional representative for your beautiful hotel. Max the bartender was also exceptional. We will never stay in another hotel in Austin. Very welcoming.
28 January 2025
Ok, not worth the price
Breakfast ok. Coffee water-y. Charged $12 to add espresso to 3 cups of coffee to make it flavorful!
Coffee, lack of amenities, worn furniture, soft mattress, some uncaring staff.
21 January 2025
Beautiful building, comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
Daniel was super friendly on the front desk and very helpful.
Loved the fire pit and the pool area.
Room was very comfortable, building is beautiful and location is excellent.
Pool was cold water which is not for everyone but I am sure it works in Austin summers.
The valet parking is expensive.
23 December 2024
A lovely, quiet stay.
Historic building is a hidden gem.
18 November 2024
Wish we were made aware of the location of the room we booked, I would not have stayed there had I known
The location
My room was facing an alley and ghetto apartments with trash bins lined up beneath my balcony
1 October 2024
The location was excellent for our needs and there was a no fuss check in, the room was nice and cold and the beds were
The personal boutique feel
22 August 2024
Friendly staff and a lot of fun
Very quaint with excellent location. Pool was very refreshing
Not much to say here
14 April 2024
Lovely pool area but rooms were small and pricey.
Loved the look of it and the location.
Had to go outside to get to the room. Room was small and air vent blew right on us. $45 per night for the car was excessive
31 January 2024
Unique historical mansion
Location and atmosphere, could use room darking shades on pool side.
Pricey, cost of parking is separate and there’s really no other choice.
31 October 2023
Had a great stay, staff were excellent and nothing was too much trouble
Homely
No coffee machine
20 October 2023
Beautiful hotel with great staff
Large rooms, nice front porch, Rebecca at frnt desk very helpful
A bit pricey
13 August 2023
We enjoyed Hotel Ella and intend to visit again, often!
I was pleased with the accommodations as well as the amenities despite not getting to use them all. I also like the fact that after a rocky start to our stay the hotel staff was able to rebound and go above and beyond to help make our stay memorable.
It was a surprise for our anniversary to my wife but the room was canceled before we arrived unbeknownst to me and we had to stay elsewhere our first night. The inconvenience of having to locate another room at 11 p.m. was a bad start to a great weekend.
5 August 2023
Enjoyable, but I’m concerned that the human element is getting more and more difficult to solve for.
All the physical aspects are great. The staff was fairly off putting though and the valet was 15-20 minute wait most times irrespective of whether they were busy or not.
Room, pool, Lobby
2 August 2023
Loved it and it’s location.
I like that it offers a different experience as a boutique hotel.
It’s a small hotel since it’s in an old mansion, so the rooms can feel small. They could update their gym equipment as well.
20 July 2023
Good location, tastefully decorated and clean.
The overall feel of the hotel
No laundry service. I queried with the staff who had no idea, the receptionist was new and asked the person from the restaurant who said they would find out. No-one got back to me, so when I got back that evening, I went to follow up and new people were there who also didn't know the answer.
Very noisy airconditioner
16 July 2023
Alright, not worth the money.
Bathroom lighting! Big rooms.
It is hard to find your room.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
Services
- - Room service
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
- - Concierge service
- - Daily housekeeping
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Fitness
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Picnic area
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
Pool and wellness
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Fence around pool
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available
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12 July 2026
Great stay. Good area.