Austin isn’t just a city — it’s a rhythm, a flavor, and a feeling. From the strum of guitars echoing down South Congress to the aroma of smoked brisket curling through downtown streets, every corner of the Texas capital hums with life. It’s a place where creativity meets Southern charm, where art, food, and music blur beautifully into one unforgettable experience. And nowhere is this spirit more alive than in its hotels.
Austin’s hospitality scene mirrors its personality — eclectic, inventive, and endlessly welcoming. Whether you’re soaking in the skyline from a rooftop pool or checking into a retro motel with neon charm, each stay tells a story. From serene wellness retreats to bold boutique escapes, here are 19 of the best hotels in Austin — where style, soul, and the city’s signature weirdness collide.
1. Miraval Austin Wellness Resort & Spa
Rate From: $206 Per Night
Set high above Lake Travis, Miraval Austin is the kind of place where time slows down and self-care takes center stage. Once you pass through its airy arrival center, a sense of calm washes over you. The property, reimagined by Hyatt, unfolds across rolling hills with infinity pools, yoga decks, and serene walking trails. Guests come here to reconnect — with nature, their minds, or simply their breath.
Every room feels like a private retreat, and the extensive wellness programs range from mindfulness workshops to equine therapy. It’s not your typical city stay — Miraval is a destination in itself. Think sunrise meditations, organic meals, and the luxury of silence. For travelers craving balance more than nightlife, it’s one of the best wellness resorts in Austin. BOOK NOW
2. Hotel Ella
Rate From: $270 Per Night
If walls could talk, the elegant Hotel Ella would tell tales from another era. Housed in a Greek Revival-style mansion from 1900, it’s a masterpiece of old-meets-new design. Towering white columns give way to a sleek interior of gray tones, modern art, and Austin-brewed beer in the minibar.
Located near the University of Texas campus, Hotel Ella radiates quiet sophistication. Guests lounge on the wraparound veranda with a cocktail from Goodall’s Kitchen, watching the city’s creative energy drift by. It’s intimate, chic, and a touch nostalgic — the perfect blend for travelers who love boutique luxury with character. BOOK NOW
3. Austin Proper Hotel
Rate From: $200 Per Night
Few hotels capture Austin’s dual personality — laid-back and luxe — quite like Austin Proper. Designed by the inimitable Kelly Wearstler, it’s a visual love letter to Texas. Expect earthy tones, vintage rugs, and wrought iron light fixtures that feel both timeless and edgy. Set in the heart of downtown near Lady Bird Lake, this is the spot where tech entrepreneurs, artists, and visitors alike mingle over Mediterranean plates at The Peacock. Each space, from the buzzing lobby to the rooftop pool, radiates design brilliance. For travelers wondering where to stay in Austin to feel the city’s pulse, Austin Proper is it. BOOK NOW
4. Hotel San José
Rate From $340 Per Night
Hidden behind a wall of ivy on South Congress Avenue, Hotel San José embodies Austin’s cool, bohemian soul. The Spanish-tiled bungalow once helped spark the revival of this famous strip, thanks to visionary hotelier Liz Lambert.
Today, it remains a beloved local landmark. Courtyard concerts and SXSW parties fill its open-air spaces, while minimalist rooms offer a calm retreat from the action. Guests sip lattes from Jo’s Coffee next door, explore vintage shops, and stroll to nearby live music venues. For the full Austin vibe — creative, unpretentious, and effortlessly hip — San José delivers. BOOK NOW
5. The LINE Austin
Rate From $300 Per Night
Perched at the edge of Lady Bird Lake, The LINE Austin is where mid-century modern architecture meets contemporary artistry. The hotel’s 428 rooms feel intimate despite their size, filled with local art and earthy hues that mirror the Texas landscape.
Housed in a former 1960s building, The LINE celebrates Austin’s creative spirit — from its artist residency program to its rooftop restaurant with panoramic views. It’s the perfect base for urban explorers who want to stay in the middle of it all, where city buzz meets lakeside tranquility. BOOK NOW
6. Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Rate From $200 Per Night
When luxury meets lake life, you get Four Seasons Austin. Set along Lady Bird Lake, this downtown resort feels both indulgent and grounding. The rooms are spacious and serene, filled with natural light and soft textures. Even the gym overlooks the water, offering views of kayakers gliding by.
Guests can sip cocktails on the terrace, unwind with a spa treatment, or dine at Ciclo, one of Austin’s most elegant restaurants. It’s a retreat for those who appreciate world-class service without sacrificing that relaxed Texas charm. BOOK NOW
7. Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
Rate From $300
Step through the wrought-iron gates of Commodore Perry Estate and you might forget you’re in Austin altogether. Once a roaring 1920s party mansion, it’s now an exquisitely restored property blending European grandeur with Texan soul.
Designer Ken Fulk transformed the estate with rich antiques, frescoes, and hand-painted tiles that tell stories of eras gone by. Every room feels like a private hideaway, with gardens that bloom year-round. Just ten minutes from downtown, this is one of the most luxurious hotels in Austin, offering elegance with personality. BOOK NOW
8. Austin Motel
Rate From $227 Per Night
Playful, nostalgic, and a little cheeky, Austin Motel is the city’s retro icon. Revived by Liz Lambert, it’s all bright colors, tufted red vinyl, and poolside parties. The kidney-shaped pool is a summer staple, where guests lounge with frozen margaritas under the Texas sun.
Located on South Congress, it’s close to Austin’s best shopping, food trucks, and live music. The vibe? Irreverent yet comfortable, a reminder that Austin doesn’t take itself too seriously. BOOK NOW
9. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Rate From $443 Per Night
Named after the legendary musician Townes Van Zandt, this hotel is a tribute to Austin’s musical DNA. Hotel Van Zandt brims with personality: French horn chandeliers, record-player playlists, and artwork made from vinyl records.
The rooms mix dark blue hues with modern design, and the rooftop pool scene is pure Austin cool. Whether you’re here for the nightlife or the live music festivals, it’s one of the best boutique hotels in Austin for those who want creativity with comfort. BOOK NOW
10. Hotel Saint Cecilia
Rate From $300 Per Night
A sanctuary for artists and insiders, Hotel Saint Cecilia is as exclusive as it is enchanting. Hidden behind ivy-draped fences, this Victorian mansion hosts musicians, writers, and style icons seeking quiet luxury.
Each of the 20 rooms has its own personality, featuring Hästens mattresses that redefine rest. It’s not just a place to stay — it’s a membership to Austin’s most private creative club. BOOK NOW
11. The Driskill
Rate From $400 Per Night
Built in 1886, The Driskill is Austin’s grand dame — a Texas legend that wears its history with pride. Behind its limestone façade lies a mix of vintage charm and modern polish.
Cowhide bar stools, Texas stars on the headboards, and live jazz in the bar set the tone for an unforgettable stay. Don’t leave without ordering the famous 1886 Chocolate Cake. It’s more than dessert; it’s tradition. BOOK NOW
12. The Loren at Lady Bird Lake
Rate From $400 Per Night
Modern and effortlessly stylish, The Loren redefines downtown luxury. With panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the city skyline, this sleek property feels both urban and serene.
Guests unwind in the rooftop pool, recharge at Milk + Honey Spa, or savor espresso at the café downstairs. The Loren embodies understated glamour — where every detail feels considered, and every corner whispers sophistication. BOOK NOW
13. Lake Austin Spa Resort
Rate From $400 Per Night
Nestled on the shores of its namesake lake, Lake Austin Spa Resort is where relaxation becomes an art form. Lavender-scented air, lake breezes, and endless spa treatments create a world far removed from city noise.
Each room feels like a lakeside cottage, with soft blues and natural textures. Guests wander in robes all day, drifting between yoga sessions, garden walks, and gourmet meals made with ingredients grown on-site. It’s one of the best spa resorts in Austin for anyone seeking peace with a view. BOOK NOW
14. The Carpenter Hotel
Rate From $300 Per Night
Minimalism gets a warm Texas twist at The Carpenter Hotel, a Bunkhouse creation set near Zilker Park. Concrete walls, wooden furniture, and simple elegance define the rooms — each with a private balcony and a view of pecan trees.
Downstairs, the café buzzes with locals from morning till night, and the restaurant’s farm-to-table dishes celebrate regional produce. For design lovers and modernists, this is a quiet gem that captures Austin’s creative spirit. BOOK NOW
15. ARRIVE Austin
Rate From $300 Per Night
Located in East Austin, ARRIVE is young, fun, and a little rebellious. Guests check in at the bar (yes, really) and get a free drink as a welcome. The vibe is industrial-meets-boho, with concrete walls, woven lamps, and vintage flair.
It’s ideal for travelers who want to live like locals — exploring the area’s bars, art spaces, and street food scene. With Marshall speakers, Brooklinen sheets, and Hiatus robes, ARRIVE delivers effortless cool without pretense. BOOK NOW
16. Thompson Austin
Rate From $300 Per Night
Thompson Austin brings bold design and serious culinary energy to downtown. Its towering glass structure houses rooms with city views, luxe amenities, and a rooftop pool that doubles as a social hub.
Home to restaurants by James Beard Award–winning chefs, it’s as much a dining destination as it is a hotel. Turndown service comes with CBD gummies and eye masks — a nod to the city’s modern, playful side. BOOK NOW
17. Hotel Magdalena
The newest star from Austin’s Bunkhouse group, Hotel Magdalena is a love letter to the city’s musical heritage. Built on the former site of the Austin Opry House, it’s infused with local art, timber ceilings, and a lagoon-like pool that echoes Barton Springs.
Laid-back yet thoughtful, it feels like an upscale summer camp for grownups — one that celebrates women-led design and Austin’s natural beauty. BOOK NOW
18. South Congress Hotel
Rate From $400 Per Night
Right in the heart of Austin’s trendiest neighborhood, South Congress Hotel is a hub for creatives. Its low-slung architecture, airy lobby, and stylish rooms attract locals and travelers alike.
With six restaurants and bars, a boutique, and a rooftop pool, you could spend your entire trip here without leaving the property. It’s contemporary, vibrant, and the perfect base for exploring Austin’s coolest corridor. BOOK NOW
19. Colton House Hotel
Tucked among century-old oak trees, Colton House feels like a secret hideaway within the city. Suites are spacious and homey, complete with kitchenettes and soaking tubs — ideal for families or long stays.
Warm colors, local art, and eco-friendly details make it both comfortable and conscious. It’s the kind of place where you unpack and instantly feel at home, whether you’re in Austin for a weekend or a month. BOOK NOW
The Heartbeat of Austin Hospitality
From hilltop wellness sanctuaries to vintage motels with soul, Austin’s hotels do more than offer a place to sleep — they tell the story of a city that thrives on individuality. Each stay captures a piece of Austin’s identity: its creativity, warmth, and unshakable sense of fun.
So whether you’re here for the music festivals, the barbecue, or just to feel the Texas sunshine, these 19 best hotels in Austin promise more than comfort. They promise connection — to the city, to its people, and to its vibrant, ever-evolving heartbeat.
