Austin is by far the hip, creative jewel in the Texan crown, unlike its sister cities Dallas and Houston it is an offbeat haven for free-thinkers and musicians, in fact, it hails itself as the Live Music Capital of the World and is filled with incredible venues.
To complement your cool Austin stay you’ll want to stay somewhere suitably funky, so we’ve put together a list of Austin’s most awesome, cool, and unique hotels (in no particular order, they’re all awesome) to help you on your way…
1. Hotel Saint Cecilia – a cool, creative and very Instagrammable bohemian retreat
This awesome boutique Austin hotel is unrivaled for its attention to detail. Named after the patron saint of Music and Poetry each of the rooms at the very highly rated 4-star Hotel Saint Cecilia Austin pays tribute to a creative icon from the 20th Century.
From William Burroughs to Patti Smith the hotel balances olde worlde elegance with the irreverence of its muses.
Expect bright prints cool design retro furniture and all the mod cons you need with a twist. Bamboo showers, marble bathrooms a 50-foot heated outdoor pool, and a bright wicker-wearing patio for breakfasting.
All these and many more quirks await you at Hotel Saint Cecilia whether you choose a room, suite, or poolside bungalow, lovers of America’s Literary and Musical legacy will not be disappointed!
A bonus is that it’s also one of the best hotels near Austin Airport (it’s located 5.9 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport).
- To book, check prices or availability for the Hotel Saint Cecilia Austin
2. Heywood Hotel – a stylish, quirky and intimate boutique located in the hip East Cesar Chavez neighborhood
This neat little exceptionally rated boutique hotel in the heart of the city of Austin has garnered much positive attention since its inception and is much talked about! Heywood Hotel Austin has seven bespoke rooms spread over two bungalows.
Rooms and communal spaces reflect the cool contemporary and laid-back vibe of Austin itself with plenty of local art and furniture on display throughout.
Light, bright, and colorful with a ton of cool stuff included in the price such as free bicycles and Internet Jukeboxes, eco-friendly cleaning, and toiletries. The friendly staff are always on hand to help guests plan their perfect stay and the seven rooms range in cost from budget to luxury.
A very cool Austin hotel to start your Texan Adventure. Book well in advance though, as part of the charm is the smallness!
- To book, check prices or availability for the Heywood Hotel Austin
3. Moxy – funky, upbeat and unconventional accommodation with a youthful, fun vibe
Moxy hotels are always fun, creative and unconventional hotels and the new Austin version located in the lively Campus District version is no exception. Aimed at ‘Fun Hunters’ the vibe is youthful and playful at the Moxy Hotel Austin and the design is colorful and hip with plenty of awesome amenities on offer.
You’ll find a cool cocktail bar, a hip terrace bar, a food truck-inspired 24-hour taco counter, an outdoor gaming yard, a fitness center, a sociable ‘living room’, and a signature drink will waiting for you with your room key.
The guest rooms have an industrial-chic style with plush platform beds, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a handy mini workspace.
- To book, check prices or availability for Moxy Hotel Austin
4. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt – a stylish and very Instagrammable boutique that really embraces the local music scene
The 4-star exceptionally rated Hotel Van Zandt is not a small hotel, with 316 rooms in varying price brackets, and yet somehow it manages to feel utterly authentic and boutique.
The communal spaces are industrial retro with exposed brickwork, solid wood, and 60’s style furnishings, dotted with ingenious local artworks, music references, and even a cool music corner where you can chill out with a choice of vinyl.
The in-house bar/restaurant Geraldines has garnered rave reviews from local foodies who appreciate the cool laid back vibe with live music most nights, the innovative twists on Texan cuisine, and the great range of locally named cocktails, craft ales, and whiskeys.
The funky rooms are exquisitely designed with luxurious bedding, free-standing tubs, and if you’re lucky great views over Ladybird Lake. Laidback hipsters and visiting professionals alike will struggle to find fault with this brilliantly thought-out trendy Austin hotel.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Van Zandt
5. Hotel ZaZa – a cool and elegant boutique located in the Warehouse District
A great choice for travelers wanting to be in the heart of Austin’s Downtown. Hotel ZaZa Austin has 159 rooms and provides guests with high-end luxury – Texas-style!
There’s a unique mix of modern and traditional decor. Communal areas feature exposed brickwork, ornate chandeliers, and fantastic patterned textures on furnishings.
For the bedrooms, there’s a range of suite types, each offering a different vibe. Check out the more expensive Magnificent Seven suites for an Orient Express-inspired theme, urban loft, or seaside vibe.
Or go with a standard guest room and enjoy plush comfort with amazing views across the city – easily one of the best hotel’s Austin downtown!
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel ZaZa Austin
6. The Carpenter – a new boutique offering unique retro-chic decor located in up-and-coming Barton Springs
Carpenter Hotel Austin is conveniently located in the up-and-coming Barton Springs zip code, near Downtown Austin, and next to Zilker Metropolitan Park, one of the most-visited and fun recreational areas of the city.
The hip Austin hotel is built inside an old union hall and has a quirky, chilled-out vibe. A mix of a cool retro design, and modern touches keep the vibe hip and in line with the surrounding neighborhood’s cool image.
Various restaurants, bars, eateries, and independent stores can be found a short walk away. One of the best Austin near Zilker Park, also expect a swimming pool and lounging area for relaxing outdoors, and event space, perfect for outdoor parties.
- To book, check prices or availability for Carpenter Hotel Austin
7. Austin Motel – a historic, fun and quirky spot with bright and funky decor located in the lively entertainment district
The historic exceptionally rated Austin Motel has stood its ground for 65 years and been passed through several loving pairs of hands that have each added their own stamp and legacy to this fantastic, ultra-kitsch fun Austin Motel.
If you wanna live that transient American dream of the open road and limitless adventures stay here! From the neon sign to the bold retro décor this place screams America! Its 21 rooms are each decorated with their own colorful vintage style and set around the coolest swimming pool in town.
The ambiance is so psychedelic and ‘far out man’ it is easy to imagine Hunter S Thompson hanging out here. The location is perfect too, on the edge of the Colorado River close to Ladybird Lake and everything downtown has to offer.
If your image of America was formed by Tom Wolfe, Kerouac, Elvis, and the swinging 60’s you won’t want to miss a few nights in this completely unique motel in Texas.
- To book, check prices or availability for the Austin Motel
8. Proper Hotel – a one-of-a-kind high-design hideaway in Downtown with eco credentials
A new lifestyle hotel, situated in Downtown Austin and within easy traveling distance of all areas of the city. The Austin Proper Hotel is contained inside a modern skyscraper and has a luxurious vibe with fine attention to detail and carefully selected furnishings.
The bedrooms have trendy textures, intricate patterns, and lots of natural light, giving a warm and inviting feel for guests. Earthy tones can be found all around the hotel and provide a traditional elegance with nods to Austin’s historic past.
An impressive outdoor swimming pool area is perfect for cooling down in the hot Texas sun. The beautifully decorated dining room is a must-see for all visitors to the hotel and so is the small batch tequila bar!
- To book, check prices or availability for The Austin Proper Hotel
9. Tommie – aimed at the spirited adventurer this is a fresh new urban retreat experience located in downtown
Tommie Austin is perfectly in tune with the spirit of downtown, which is quirky, creative and full of music. Located at the corner of 5th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard, it’s just a short walk to renowned spots like the Mexic-Arte Museum, The Contemporary Austin, Antone’s Nightclub and Austin City Limits (ACL) at the Moody Theater.
The purposefully minimalist design of the interiors is intended to fuel creativity and adventure. But it is a luxurious and thoughtfully curated minimalism, with floor-to-ceiling windows, handmade furnishings, muted color schemes and stunning artwork like the panoramic landscapes by Austin photographer Kenny Braun.
The range of onsite dining options includes the Wax Myrtle’s Hide-A-Way, The Grey Market, the Coffee Bar and Dining Bar and other highlights include a gorgeous Instagrammable outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and evening entertainment too for those who want to stay up late and party!
- To book, check prices or availability for Tommie Austin
10. W Austin – an ultra-hip high-rise spot perfect for partying Millenials, Gen Zs and Instagrammers
The world-renowned trendy luxury hotel chain opened its popular Austin version in 2010. It’s located in a hip high-rise building in the Second Street District right next door to the buzzing Austin City Limits music venue.
The decor at W Hotel Austin is upbeat, colorful, and vibrant and the vibe is youthful and fun – this is a great place to locate yourself if you love to party!
Also expect incredible upscale facilities such as an outdoor terrace, a 24-hour concierge desk, a modern restaurant that serves up locally-sourced, farm-to-table gourmet American cuisine, a luxury spa, a fully-equipped fitness center, a chic outdoor pool with a poolside bar and grill, and no less than three separate bars with high-end cocktails and one just dedicated to servicing tequilas!
Fun, funky, trendy, and a perfect choice for Instagram lovers too!
- To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel Austin
11. Archer Hotel – a trendy and hip urban boutique with cool Texas chic decor in the northwest of the city
This trendy boutique hotel is located in a trendy walkable north Austin neighborhood at The Domain and Domain Northside, a hub for shopping, fashion, music and dining. The Rock Rose entertainment district is just a short walk away.
The rustic chic decor at Archer Hotel Austin is evocative of Texas landscapes of limestone and wildflowers, and as well as the area’s cultural heritage.
Spacious rooms with luxurious platform beds, murals, Nespresso machines and a fully stocked mini bar all add up to a contemporary version of southern hospitality that can become addictive.
The Second Bar + Kitchen is an Austin favorite for its farm-to-table menu, cocktails and craft wines and beers.
- To book, check prices or availability for Archer Hotel Austin
12. Hotel Magdalena – a cool, new upscale abode with a 1970s vibe perfect for hipsters looking to be located in one of the trendiest areas
This unique hotel in the hip South Congress neighborhood of Austin was designed by the architectural firm of Lake | Flato, known for suiting their buildings to the local climate and landscape.
Terraces and walkways connect the four buildings on different levels, and retaining walls of quarry rocks with native plantings recall the natural landscapes of Barton Springs nearby.
Wood is used as a construction material for the exteriors and interiors at the Hotel Magdalena Austin to capture the informal openness of lake houses in the Texas hill country.
Work by Austin artists and “hippie” design throws in the rooms accent the natural decor, making this an Insta-worthy hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs. All rooms have windows on two sides to allow for a cross breeze and natural daylight.
The Summer House on Music Lane restaurant menu features local meats and seasonal produce, and indoor and outdoor seating.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Magdalena Austin
13. South Congress Hotel – a hip and unique boutique gem set in the historic Travis Heights neighborhood
The exceptionally rated 4-star South Congress Hotel is a chic and trendy Austin boutique hotel, light bright and brilliantly designed it has everything you need and more under one roof. Guests can enjoy juice and light snacks at Manana, All day brunch, lunch and dinner fare in Cafe No Se and a fine Texan grill in a central standard.
The arty rooms are solid and stripped back with massive beds, balconies, loads of space, and a smattering of quirky design features. Guests also have access to a sauna, fitness suite rooftop pool, and some cool retail units too.
The chic and quirky Austin abode is located in the heart of the iconic South Congress district, perfect for boutique shopping and fine dining fiends!
- To book, check prices or availability for the South Congress Hotel
14. The Guild East 6th – a funky East Side boutique with fun retro decor
Staying at 4-star exceptionally rated The Guild East 6th Austin is all about a bespoke and luxury-filled experience featuring 28 boutique hotel apartments set in upscale residential buildings and equipped with everything you have at home and then some.
It is like a crossbreed of a short-term hotel and long-term rental with a heavy splash of style and honky-tonk. In the luxury suites, you will have access to a concierge, swimming pool, wifi, and personalized itineraries.
Each of the funkily styled rooms is unique and decked out with pieces by local Austin designers and artists all pulled together in a sort of contemporary retro-cool.
Of course, it is Austin, so the city’s rich musical heritage plays a big part in the décor and some of the rooms have collections of vinyl and a record player so you can chill out and enjoy the tunes. Kick back and feel like a local in this innovative and unique Austin accommodation option.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Guild East 6th Austin
15. Kimber Modern – a gorgeous design retreat a block away from SoCo’s hip bars
One of the best hotels in Austin, the impeccably designed and exceptionally rated 4-star Kimber Modern Austin prides itself on representing the old Austin heart and the new Austin soul.
The bright fresh design of the rooms is like a visual pep talk that heals the spirit, full of cool clean lines and natural light filtered through the branches of the courtyard oak trees.
The lush rooms are bold and contemporary with just a hint of retro and views over the gorgeous interior courtyard whose multi-level decks, 25-foot water feature, and lazy hammocks make it the ultimate oasis for relaxing and letting go of the tensions of the day.
Just a stone’s throw from fashionable SoCo you couldn’t really ask for a better location than this cool and unusual Austin gem of a hotel!
- To book, check prices or availability for the Kimber Modern Austin
16. ARRIVE Hotel – a cool and contemporary hotel with a lively buzz perfect for millennials and Gen Zs
This cool 4-star hotel located in East Austin between Downtown, Holly, and Blackshear-Prospect Hill, stuns guests with its vivid architecture and modern interior design.
This new-build development gives a relaxed, fresh vibe that’s ideal for travelers wanting a contemporary hotel with cozy bedrooms and easy-going communal areas.
Rooms at the ARRIVE Hotel Austin are bright and airy with wooden furniture, printed designs, and wall-hung artwork. A coffee shop, a gin bar, and cajun rotisserie serving cocktails, frosted drinks, and a selection of beers are available on-site.
But it’s also worth visiting the immediate neighborhood, which is a trendy and lively area, with various eateries, bars, and restaurants.
- To book, check prices or availability for ARRIVE Hotel Austin
17. Thompson – a sleek, chic and modern design hotel with an Insta-worthy outdoor pool
Thompson Austin is like the older, more sophisticated and grown-up version of tommie Austin. The two Hyatt hotels are located next to each other in downtown Austin but have rather different styles. They do share stunning views of the city, understated luxury and access to all the fun and excitement of the neighborhood.
Thompson Austin offers contemporary elegance with a mixture of midcentury modern and late-century luxury. The building itself sets the tone, with a strong, confident presence on the block.
The interiors are unostentatiously sophisticated, with muted colors, leather and plush furnishings and hardwood floors with a soft grey patina.
The two hotels also share dining facilities, and guests can enjoy the variety of cuisines and styles on offer at Wax Myrtle’s Hide-A-Way, The Grey Market, and the Coffee and Dining Bars. Other hotel highlights include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and evening entertainment.
- To book, check prices or availability for Thompson Austin
18. The LINE – a beautiful contemporary downtown boutique with a rooftop bar, swimming pool and lake-side views
The LINE hotels are all designed as gateways to their home cities, and the Austin location puts visitors in the heart of the Downtown district.
With views of Lady Bird Lake and the city, The LINE Austin is close to attractions like The Contemporary Austin museum, creative shops and restaurants, and the Red River District for live music.
The spacious and Instagrammable hotel interiors and rooms are designed in a contemporary luxury style, with floor-to-ceiling windows, plants and decorative lighting accents. The LINE Austin connects guests with the local artistic community by way of a residency program and artwork exhibited in the rooms and the East Gallery.
The on-site restaurants, bars, gorgeous views, and heated saltwater infinity pool are favorites with city residents and visitors alike.
- To book, check prices or availability for The LINE Austin
19. East Austin Hotel – a stylish retro-chic boutique located in a trendy area
East Austin Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel on Austin’s Sixth Street, a hip and trendy area renowned for its independent coffee shops, bars, stores, and eateries. The hotel is a new build and presents a clean, crisp image with a modern exterior and more traditional, quirky furnishings inside.
The bedrooms at this chic hotel are inspired by the Danish mid-century and have a retro-chic, fun vibe that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The pool area is small yet inviting, featuring an outdoor bar, sunbathing loungers, and plenty of seating. Many bars, pubs, and restaurants are a few minutes walk from the hotel. As is Downtown with its amenities and cultural hotspots.
- To book, check prices or availability for East Austin Hotel
20. Colton House Hotel – a new stylish and trendy boutique on South Congress perfect for longer stays
The inspiration for the Colton House Hotel is said to be the independent spirit of Texas Proud, but its style also embodies Texas Cool.
The spacious interiors designed by Patrice Rios, The Backyard with oak trees and a heated outdoor swimming pool, and the casual luxury of the furnishings all speak of an unhurried sense of comfort and home.
Ideally located in the South Congress neighborhood of Austin, famous for its quirky shops, restaurants, music, art, food trucks and views of the Texas State Capitol, it’s perfect for extended stays as well as short visits.
All accommodations in this boutique hotel are suites, equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette and many have washers and dryers as well.
The style of casual elegance and comfort is maintained at Simona’s, the hotel’s coffee and cocktail bar, and guests can also relax in the Club Room and Library.
- To book, check prices or availability for Colton House Hotel
21. The Otis – a glamorous upscale boutique which aims to offer unique experiences
The Autograph Collection’s The Otis Hotel Austin adds a playful sense of place to its luxurious style. Located near the University of Texas campus and the Drag, the hotel also reminds visitors of Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World with a lively homage to all things vinyl.
Curated by Eaton Fine Art, the hotel’s collection of artwork references the surrounding landscapes and cityscapes and the area’s Mexican heritage.
These themes recur throughout the rooms, which all have old-fashioned record players that actually work. Guests can check out records from the collection in the hotel lobby.
On-site dining and entertainment options include Acre 41’s contemporary American menu and cocktails and bar bites at Otopia, the rooftop bar and lounge with a swimming pool and stunning views.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Otis Hotel Austin
22. Ella Hotel – a elegant and historic upscale boutique located near the University of Texas
The exceptionally rated 4-star Ella Hotel houses one of Austin’s landmark historical estates.
Built in 1900 the Greek revival style Goodall Wooten House has seen a lot of history pass between its walls and the 2013 renovation has stayed true and sympathetic to the building’s original spirit.
Guests can enjoy the elegant cabana-lined pool or the delicious in-room dining service as well as the tastefully furnished rooms and communal spaces that hark back to more gentile time.
Intensify the olde world atmosphere by booking an iconic afternoon tea or enjoying a handcrafted cocktail at Ellas Parlour Bar. Lovers of true vintage charm and antiques will love this beautiful, elegant, and unique Austin accommodation.
- To book, check prices or availability for the Ella Hotel Austin
Beth Pinches – writer and photographer
Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. Other places she loves include Croatia, Finland, Japan and India. In between adventures, travel writing and performing she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele. Find Beth on Linkedin or Facebook.
Love the looks of all these fabulous Austin hotels!
Thanks for the sharing the information on hotels in Austin!!
An amazing choice of hotels in Austin where you can feel like home. My personal choice is the Fairmont Hotel
Great list of hotels in an awesome city!
Great to hear (and see photos!) of all these amazing looking hotels! Love Austin!
Wow what a great list of hotels – Austin looks freakin’ cool!