Austin's Best Hotels

Our Local Expert Says:

Perched along Soco among some of the city's hippest shopping, this Zen hotel offers the ultimate urban retreat with an intimate poolside patio bar.

Description:

This revamped 1930s motor court gets a lot of attention from the national press for a design that weds beauty to simplicity. The San Jose is a good choice for design enthusiasts and hipsters, who enjoy both the nonconformist vibe and the social scene in South Austin. Other travelers may think that the minimalist rooms are overpriced. Even if you don't stay here, you might enjoy coming here in the late afternoon/early evening to enjoy the comfortable surroundings of the hotel's popular beer and wine bar. The rooms are indeed spare and come furnished with beds and chairs made from Texas pine, but they also come with amenities such as CD players. Most rooms have pleasant small outdoor sitting areas. The design achieves a certain serenity that evaporates the moment you step out on to South Congress Avenue's lively street scene. Right across the way is the famous Continental Club, a great place for happy hour. Book a room in the back to avoid the Congress Avenue traffic noise.

Description:

Nestled along the shores of scenic Lake Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Lake Austin Spa Resort offers guests the luxury of a world-class spa and the warmth of a best friend's lake house. The resort, named #1 Destination Spa in North America by Condé Nast Traveler and the Top 10 Best Destination Spa in the World by Travel + Leisure, offers all-inclusive packages with accommodations in one of 40 lakeside guest rooms, three gourmet meals daily, indoor and outdoor fitness activities and classes. Those seeking rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul can choose from over 100 indulgent services at the LakeHouse Spa.

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Our Local Expert Says:

This historic motor inn turned quirky Austin landmark features various wallpaper themes in each of the 41 rooms.

Description:

This establishment, the best lodging bargain on South Congress, is one of the old motels that was built when this was the main road to San Antonio. Built in 1938, it has been in the hands of the same family since the 1950s. A convenient (but not quiet) location in the heart of SoCo and great rates makes this place very popular. It has a classic kidney-shaped pool, a great neon sign, free HBO, free coffee in the lobby, and a certain quirkiness that's part of the local charm. It also has one of those rarities: real single rooms, so those traveling on their own don't have to pay for a bed they're not sleeping in. All rooms are different, many decorated with murals. For instance, room 257 has a cactus mural. You can check out pictures of the rooms before you make a reservation by going to the website.

Our Local Expert Says:

This historic home turned boutique hotel houses one of the city's most intimate and romantic restaurants with only 15 linen-draped tables.

Description:

Uncompromised comfort coupled with legendary Texas hospitality makes for a beyond boutique experience at the Mansion at Judges' Hill. From the moment you step foot on our property, you know you're in store for something extraordinary. Each of the 48 guest rooms features custom-made bedding with 310-thread count Egyptian cotton linens, deluxe bathrobes and L'Occitane and Gilchrist & Soames bath products. Complimentary high-speed internet access and on-site parking are also provided. With standard rooms starting at $129 per night and deluxe rooms ranging from $219-399, an affordable luxury experience is well within reach. The Mansion is conveniently located three blocks west of the University of Texas campus and has easy access to all of Austin's hotspots.

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Our Local Expert Says:

This Sixth Street anchor and Austin landmark is said to harbor a handful of friendly ghosts, including the hotel's namesake himself, Colonel Driskill.

Description:

Location. Located in downtown Austin, Texas, the Driskill Hotel was once the showplace of a cattle baron. Located seven miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, this historic 12-story hotel is adjacent to Sixth Street entertainment district and less than one mile from the Texas State Capitol Complex.
Hotel Features. Gargoyles and busts of The Driskill Hotel's owner and his sons still peer out from high above each entrance, and shorhorn steer heads adorn the outer walls. The lobby's three-story columns reach to a stained-glass dome ceiling canopying marble floors. The hotel features a full-service business center, elegant meeting facilities wired with high-tech capabilities, and a fitness studio complete with stretching room and massage tables. The Driskill Grill offers contemporary American cuisine in elegant surroundings, while old Texas-style décor is found in the 1886 Café & Bakery, serving full breakfasts and light entrees daily. The Driskill Bar is furnished with cowhide couches and features an extensive wine list, native Texas brews, and live piano music.
Guestrooms. Palatial guestrooms and suites span from the Driskill's Traditional Wing, built in 1929 featuring the... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

The top five floors of this upscale hotel hold privately-owned luxury lofts with sweeping views of the downtown area and beyond.

Description:

Location. The Hilton Austin is located across from the convention center in Austin, Texas, and just a short walk from the nightclubs and restaurants of Sixth Street and the Warehouse district. This hotel is found in the downtown business district, less than one mile from the State Capitol Complex, and within two miles of The University of Texas, Bob Bullock Texas Historical Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately seven miles away.
Hotel Features. Grand interiors at Hilton Austin welcome guests to contrasting hues and minimalist furnishings. The focal point of the hotel is a 48-foot heated lap pool with spa tub located on the eighth floor and overlooking the Austin skyline. Breaking the mold of ordinary fitness areas, the hotel features Tower Health Club, a therapeutic spa facility offering massages, personal trainers and advanced exercise equipment. Flexible event space on site includes two ballrooms seating up to 3000 guests for splendid banquets or wedding receptions. Hotel fine dining at Finn & Porter features expertly prepared steaks, while casual diners experience delicious coffee and flaky pastries at Java Coast. Guests... read more

Description:

This member of the well-known luxury chain has an ideal location on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake, with great views and close proximity to all the downtown hot spots. Large, comfortable rooms; an excellent spa; beautifully manicured grounds; and direct access to Austin's Hike and Bike Trail are just a few reasons for staying here. And, of course, there's the famous Four Seasons service, which sets this hotel apart from all others. No place in Austin can make life easier.

The look of the place is part modern, part traditional, and part Texas. Polished stone floors, with plush area rugs, deep easy chairs and sofas, and a smattering of Western art form a seamless blend in muted tones. It's a look that has much in common with many other luxury hotels I've seen. These hotels obviously know the tastes of their clientele, but to my eye, the interiors lacks character. The guest rooms have the same plush and conservative feel. The city views are fine, but the ones of the lake are finer still. You can choose between rooms with balconies and rooms without.

If you're traveling with toddlers, the staff can provide such necessary gear as strollers and baby seats; and there are plenty of weekend...

Description:

The Historic InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel is a prominent, luxury Austin hotel conveniently located in downtown Austin. The hotel is one block from Austin entertainment districts. This Austin hotel is three blocks from the hip warehouse district and only six blocks from the University of Texas campus. The hotel is an icon of Austin splendor and seamlessly connects historic elegance with renewed glamour and opulence. Many of the original architectural features have been Magnificently restored. Deep mahogany furniture compliments bright, contemporary decor in the spacious rooms and suites featuring luxurious marble bathrooms complete with terry robes. Breakfast is served daily in the hotel's Café Julienne.

Description:

Entering the luxurious Austin Omni, with its 200-foot atrium constructed of glass, brass and marble, immediately transports you from the casual college town outside to big-city glamour inside. With the largest guest rooms in downtown Austin, this property is close to Sixth Street, the Capitol, the Convention Center and the University of Texas.

Our Local Expert Says:

With a fantastic Lake Travis view, it's no surprise that this boutique hotel serves as the site of many fairy-tale weddings.

Description:

This collection of villas, each with its own Texas style, is perfect for a romantic getaway or your corporate retreat. Every room overlooks the lake, with many offering balconies. Golfers will enjoy the convenience of three golf courses located nearby and wine lovers will be close enough to walk to the Slaughter/Leftwich winery.