Must-see hotels in Austin

  • Hotel Van Zandt

    Austin

    Named for Texas singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt, this Kimpton-run property impresses with the details. Touches like the French horn chandelier above…

  • Hotel San José

    Austin

    This 1930s-vintage motel has been revamped by celebrated local hotelier Liz Lambert to create a chic SoCo retreat. Stucco bungalows hold minimalist,…

  • The Driskill

    Austin

    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…

  • South Congress Hotel

    Austin

    Austinites take their staycations at this boutique hotel, a smallish property that somehow squeezes four eateries, two bars, several shops and a pool into…

  • Austin Motel

    Austin

    Liz Lambert's Bunkhouse Group recently purchased this budget favorite, long known for its 'garage-sale chic' and wonderfully funky appeal. At press time,…

  • Best Western Plus – Austin City

    Austin

    Our favorite detail? The Texas-shaped waffles at the breakfast spread. Bordering I-35, south of Lady Bird Lake, this recently renovated Best Western is…

  • Habitat Suites

    Austin

    Locally owned and eco-friendly, this quiet place is tucked away just north of downtown, away from the hustle and bustle. The furnishings may be slightly…

  • Firehouse Hostel

    Austin

    Set in a former firehouse, right across from the historic Driskill hotel in downtown Austin, this spiffy hostel has been open since 2013 but feels as…

  • Lone Star Court

    Austin

    This stylish hotel, 9 miles north of downtown, exudes cowboy cool. Spacious rooms feature barn-style doors and retro refrigerators stocked with local…

  • Hotel St Cecilia

    Austin

    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…

  • Hotel Ella

    Austin

    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…

  • HI – Austin

    Austin

    Just 2.5 miles from downtown, this 47-bed hostel is located on a shady street right on the shore of Lady Bird Lake. Two-story views of the water from the…

  • Kimber Modern

    Austin

    Staying in one of the seven rooms at the architecturally adept Kimber is like staying in a minimalist art museum, with lots of white space accented by…

  • Emma Long Metropolitan Park

    Austin

    The only Austin city park to offer overnight camping, 1000-acre Emma Long Metropolitan Park (aka 'City Park') on Lake Austin, 16 miles northwest of…

  • Austin's Inn at Pearl Street

    Austin

    This is a preservationist's dream come true. The owners picked up this run-down property and completely restored it, decorating the whole place in a plush…

  • Brava House

    Austin

    Located right downtown, this B&B has two lovely rooms and three spacious suites, each one with different things to offer: choose a canopy bed in the…

  • Austin Folk House

    Austin

    One part gallery, one part B&B, the Austin Folk House has colorful and whimsical folk art in every room and up and down the halls. The rooms are…

  • Drifter Jack's

    Austin

    Across from the UT campus, Drifter Jack's is a friendly, laid-back place, with mural-covered rooms and a small lounge. The hostel draws mostly a young…

  • Extended Stay America

    Austin

    This extended-stay hotel has a great downtown location, in walking distance of tons of bars and restaurants. Suites are on the bland side – and could use…

  • Pecan Grove RV Park

    Austin

    The name says it all. Located in a shady grove of pecan trees, this pleasant RV park is exceedingly well located. It's smack dab in the middle of town and…

  • Radisson Hotel & Suites

    Austin

    Bats? Yes, bats. This is a great place from which to watch their nightly exodus from under the Congress Ave Bridge. It puts you right on the water and…

  • College Houses Cooperatives

    Austin

    During the summer when (most of) the students have gone home, the empty rooms in the seven student coop houses are quite the bargain, and they keep you…

  • Goodall Wooten

    Austin

    A private dorm near the University of Texas, 'the Woo' generally has rooms available mid-May to mid-August, and sometimes has space for travelers at other…

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