Austin isn’t just the live music capital of the world; it’s a city with tons of creativity, culture, and its signature “Keep Austin Weird” energy. From breakfast tacos at dawn to neon-lit honky-tonks that keep the night going, this Texas town is always buzzing with energy – and its boutique hotel scene captures that vibe perfectly. From checking out East Austin’s murals and hopping around craft breweries to catching a show at the historic Moody Theater and soaking up the sun by Lady Bird Lake, these hotels put guests in the heart of it all, making every stay a distinctly Austin experience.
Hotel San José
Tucked into South Congress, Hotel San José is the kind of quaint stay that’ll feel like a home away from home (just way cooler). The rooms are bright, sleek, and casually stylish, with reclaimed wood beds, custom leather chairs, and sun-drenched corners. Guests can head to the main courtyard to really get a feel for the space and enjoy being surrounded by tons of plants, cozy seating areas, and an inviting pool. Add in the hotel’s monthly events and live performances, and this spot just might become home.
Key Points:
Rating: 4 Stars
Rooms: 40 rooms
Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Starting rate: $362/night
Amenities:
Swimming pool
Courtyard lounge
Curated mini-bars in rooms
Typewriters and Polaroids to borrow
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake
Right next to Lady Bird Lake, The Loren is one of Austin’s chicest stays. The rooms are bright, spacious, and effortlessly sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows and beds that feel straight out of a dream. The rooftop pool is ideal for catching the Texas sun, while Nido, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, serves elevated Modern American dishes paired with a curated wine and cocktail list. Guests can unwind at the spa, sip a drink while taking in city and lake views, and grab a perfectly brewed coffee at the on-property café before heading out to explore the city.
Key Points:
Rating: 5 Stars
Rooms: 108 guest rooms and suites
Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Starting rate: $300/night
Amenities:
Rooftop restaurant
Fitness center
Spa
Rooftop pool
24-hour concierge service
SoHo House Austin
Head to East Austin for SoHo House, a private-club-meets-boutique-hotel that’s a haven for creatives, design lovers, and anyone who appreciates style. Even if you’re not a member, you can still book a room, each one with warm, curated touches that make it feel like your own Austin hideaway. The rooftop pool and bar are the ultimate place to check out the skyline, while inside, the members’ lounge and screening room offer the perfect place to work, unwind, or catch a movie. Here, you’ll get an upscale stay with just the right amount of exclusivity.
Key Points:
Rating: 5 Stars
Rooms: 46 guestrooms
Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Starting rate: $393/night
Amenities:
Wraparound terrace with city views
Rooftop pool with cabanas
46-seat screening room
Curated art collection by artists born or based in Texas
Hotel Magdalena
In South Congress lies Hotel Magdalena, a sun-soaked, stylish retreat that instantly feels like a killer home base in Austin. The rooms are bright, airy, and many open straight onto the courtyard, which is packed with greenery, cozy seating spots, and a sparkling pool perfect for a midday dip or sunset unwind. The hotel keeps the vibe lively without feeling too busy, hosting regular events and live music that match the energy of South Congress. Close to boutiques, galleries, and iconic Austin eateries, Hotel Magdalena makes it easy to explore the city by day and recharge by night.
Key Points:
Rating: 4 Stars
Rooms: 89 rooms
Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Starting rate: $tk/night
Amenities:
Swimming pool
On-property restaurant, al fresco bar, and vinyl bar
Curated hotel retail boutique
Dog-friendly
Regular on-property cultural and wellness programming, including yoga, live music, and other activities
Complimentary bicycle rentals and yoga mats available
Commodore Perry Estate
For a truly one-of-a-kind Austin stay, look no further than the Commodore Perry Estate. Reimagined by Ken Fulk, the property transformed a historic residential estate into a 10-acre playground where every corner feels like it was made for a magazine shoot. Think sprawling gardens, a gorgeous pool, hidden patios, and event spaces that were practically made for fairytale weddings. Rooms are spacious, stylish, and full of character, with a mix of luxury and historic charm. As a guest, you’re treated like an honorary member of the Commodore Perry Estate’s Social Club, getting exclusive access to the grounds, fun events, and very elevated dining experiences. From private brunches to cocktail-soaked evenings under the stars, the Estate is as social or as secluded as you want it to be.
Key Points:
Rating: 5 Stars
Rooms: 54 rooms and suites
Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Starting rate: $624/night
Amenities:
Private members' club
Fine-dining restaurant (Lutie's Garden Restaurant)
Outdoor pool
Fitness center
Gardens
Bars
Weekly fitness classes
Hotel Ella
If vintage charm and modern Austin had a baby, it’d be Hotel Ella. Originally a Greek Revival mansion built in 1910, the property has been reimagined into a boutique stay that still has memories of its past. The wraparound porch and grand columns make a stunning first impression, while inside, the 47 guest rooms feature granite-topped desks, locally stocked minibars, and custom-made furniture. Some suites even feature private patios, practically demanding an afternoon spent with a drink in hand. Aside from the rooms, there’s a pool perfect for lazy Texas afternoons, Goodall’s Kitchen for long lunches on the porch, and the Parlor Bar, where cocktails hit that sweet spot between classic and creative.
Key Points:
Rating: 4 Stars
Rooms: 47 rooms
Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Starting rate: $283/night
Amenities:
Gym
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Bar
Bikes available
Garden
Carpenter Hotel
The Carpenter Hotel feels like Austin’s secret clubhouse, only if, of course, that clubhouse came with a pool, a taco truck, and design that stands out. Housed in a former union hall, it features concrete, dark wood, and mid-century vibes without ever feeling try-hard. The 93 rooms are pared-back but stylish, with custom furniture, polished concrete floors, and patios that open to leafy views. Downstairs, Carpenter’s Hall dishes out elevated comfort food (think chicken schnitzel, sticky toffee pudding, and big brunch plates), while the poolside pavilion has no shortage of tacos and cold drinks.
Key Points:
Rating: 3 Stars
Rooms: 93
Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Starting rate: $321/night
Amenities:
Restaurant
Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
Concierge
Swimming pool
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Pet Friendly
