The Best Boutique Hotels in Austin from Chic to Unusual 

One of the most important parts of planning a vacation or staycation is choosing a place to stay. Making the right choice can mean the difference between the trip of a lifetime and one that invokes horror. Fortunately, it’s hard to go wrong when choosing a place to stay in Austin, Texas — especially if you like boutique hotels. Read on to discover our list of the best boutique hotels in Austin — featuring everything from world-class accommodations to cozy and unusual stays.

The 9 Best Boutique Hotels in Austin 

Here, we’ve put together a list of the best boutique hotels in Austin, Texas. From East Austin to Congress Ave and Hill Country, you’ll find incredible boutique hotels featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views and locally owned haunts with hand-made furniture.

1. Hotel San Jose

Hotel San Jose is a bungalow-style retreat offering a trendy blend of minimalism and retro accents. Each area features only the necessary furniture — each piece is chosen for practicality and with a focus on handmade pieces. The hotel offers various rooms including some affordable options with shared bathrooms as well as private suites.

2. Heywood Hotel

The Heywood Hotel consists of two bungalows with a total of seven rooms ranging in price from budget-friendly to chic splurge. Each room is bespoke, featuring its own unique design while staying true to Austin’s love for all things retro and cool. Each reservation comes with free bicycles so you can cruise the streets and discover all the outdoor treasures Austin has to offer including a jaunt on the boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake. It’s also located near some of the best coffee shops in Austin.

3. Kimber Modern

Set in the heart of hip SoCo, the Kimber Modern features clean architectural lines and sophisticated air that’s perfect for independent travelers. Lounge in the courtyard hammocks and let the 25-foot water feature lull you to sleep after a long day of exploring ATX. The design hotel features four different room types including two suite styles and balcony and courtyard rooms. All of the hotel rooms are immaculately designed to be warm, modern, and inviting.

4. Hotel Ella

Looking for a historic place to stay when visiting Austin? Look no further than Hotel Ella. Built by Goodall Wooten, the historic home turned hotel features an old-world elegance that can’t be beaten. Each of the 47 guest rooms features microfiber bathrobes, luxury bath products, and custom-designed furniture. Sip a craft cocktail at one of the poolside cabanas or enjoy a regal afternoon tea on the weekends.  

5. Hotel Saint Cecilia

Bohemian and beautiful, Hotel Saint Cecilia was named after the patron saint of music and poetry. Creatively adorned, each room features high-end decor including bamboo showers and retro furniture like red leather sofas. On the patio, you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the brightly-colored wicker furniture. Plus, the hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool to cool off during the hot summer months. 

6. Lone Star Court

The Lone Star Court offers a social and luxurious stay for guests spanning four acres. Activities here include lawn games, outdoor firepits, and a real swimming hole. Plus, the hotel offers its own food truck court, making it easy to spend every minute of your stay enjoying this lively hotel. The rooms feature fun retro accents including Smeg refrigerators and brightly-hued accent rugs.

7. South Congress Hotel

Located on South Congress Avenue, the South Congress Hotel is located in the heart of ATX. It’s walking distance to all the major attractions as well as food and world-class shopping. The artsy hotel rooms feature exposed brick, bespoke linens, and spa-like walk-in showers. Plus, you can choose from rooms facing the courtyard and greenscape or opt for neighborhood views. Best of all, the rooftop pool offers some of the best views in Austin so you can enjoy a beverage poolside and drink in the stunning skyline.

8. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt

This Austin hotel is all about the music scene. From the moment you step into the lobby to check-in, you’ll feel the vibe of the live music capital of the world. Chandeliers made of trombones greet you at the front desk and you’ll see vibrant ceramic songbirds adorning the walls. In the common area, you’ll find a turntable where you can listen to the vinyl record player while chatting it up with friends.

The hotel offers 316 guest rooms, making it a good choice for large parties and getaways. The on-site restaurant, Geraldine’s, offers exceptional Texan cuisine if you don’t feel like heading into town to find the best downtown Austin restaurants.

9. Austin Motel

Designed by owner Liz Lambert, the Austin Motel offers 21 quirky rooms and a trendy outdoor pool that’s one of the best in Austin. From the neon sign to the poolside wicker furniture, it’s the perfect combination of funky and contemporary. Each room features custom Sferra linens, high-end bath amenities, wifi, and a large screen TV.

Enjoy Your Stay in Austin

Whether you’re looking to stay near Cesar Chavez St, near the University of Texas, or out in Hill Country, you’ll find some of the best boutique hotels in Austin. With luxury options from some of the top hoteliers to family-run accommodations, there’s something for everyone.

Looking for other ways to stay and play in Austin? Head to ATX Guides to discover top things to do and learn about the newest places to stay. From the best hotels in downtown Austin including The Driskill to the best resorts, you’ll find incredible places to lay your head.