There are so many amazing places to stay in Austin. From quiet and affordable North Austin to trendy East Austin, the options for exploring truly are endless. But if it’s your first time visiting Austin or you want to be in the heart of the action, there’s no better place to stay than in downtown Austin. Here, we rounded up the best hotels in downtown Austin. From luxury stays and affordable finds, there’s something for everyone in the live music capital of the world.
The Best Hotels in Downtown Austin
Defining the best hotel can mean different things to different people. For some, the best hotels are the ones that offer the epitome of luxury. For others, the best hotel is located in a good neighborhood and offers affordable rates. Here, we’ve put together a list of the best options for all budgets so you can book a stay in the heart of downtown Austin. Read on to discover the best hotels in downtown Austin and find tips on where to stay.
1. The Driskill
The Driskill — part of the Unbound Collection from Hyatt — is an iconic Austin landmark. It’s been around since 1886 and the storied hotel has served as host to big names like President Johnson and President Clinton as well as stars like Bill Murray. The decor is quintessential Texan — with cowhides, longhorn busts, and leather furniture.
The hotel perfectly blends rustic elegance with old-world charm and it’s located just off West Sixth Street. That means you’re right in the heart of the action, within walking distance of the Texas state capitol and some of the best restaurants in downtown Austin. Plus, it’s pet-friendly so you can bring along your floofer.
2. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
This boutique hotel is one of the hippest places in town and the design glorifies all there is to love about music in Austin. When you walk through the front doors to check-in, you’ll be awed by the light fixtures made of glimmering trombones. But that’s just the start. In the guest rooms, you’ll relax in modern luxury and as you troll the halls, you’ll find musical touches including a gramophone emitting songbirds.
This downtown hotel is within walking or biking distance of all the major attractions. Plus, it’s located in the heart of the nightlife strip so you’ll be able to check out live music shows and truly immerse yourself in the weird and fun Austin vibe.
3. JW Marriott Austin
The JW Marriott in Austin is the go-to hotel for businesses. This hotel features state-of-the-art meeting rooms and conference centers that span entire floors of this enormous building. Not only is it a great place for hosting business meetings and work events, but it’s also a great spot to unwind for work retreats and leisure visits to Austin. The rooftop pool is the perfect spot to cool off and you’ll also find a spa and fitness center to take care of your wellbeing. The guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows so you won’t miss out on any of the stunning views.
4. Downtown Omni Austin Hotel
The Omni Austin Hotel Downtown offers a heated rooftop pool, 24-hour fitness center, free wifi, and full-service dining all in the heart of downtown Austin. The hotel focuses on modern luxury, offering large rooms with small sofas and desks so you can work or play to your heart’s content. Stop by the Atrium Lounge and grab a cocktail with friends or coworkers before hitting the city’s main attractions just a few steps outside your door.
5. Four Seasons Hotel Austin
The Four Seasons Hotel is a great luxury option for folks looking to bask in the lap of luxury during their stay in Austin. This hotel is located along the shores of Lady Bird Lake so you’ll have easy access to biking and walking trails. You can even bust out the paddleboard and check out the famous skyline from the waterways. If that’s too adventurous for you, lounge at the saltwater outdoor pool and enjoy the car service when you want to check out the late-night sights. The views from the balcony are unbeatable and you’re also just down the road from major attractions including the Congress Avenue bats and plenty of cocktail bars.
6. W Austin
The W Austin is located next to the Moody Theater, famous for hosting ACL Live. Here, you’ll get a true Texas rockstar experience. Enjoy the legendary parties at the rooftop bar or book a suite to drink in views of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline. Dining here is exquisite. Not only are you within easy access to hundreds of bars and restaurants, but the hotel has two iconic locations for dining and imbibing. Stop by the Living Room for four eclectic dining spaces that always offer something new or hit up Trace where you can dig into delicious meals using locally sourced ingredients.
7. Hotel Ella
Hotel Ella is a boutique accommodation located inside the historic Goodall Wooten House. The mansion was originally built in the early 1900’s and boasts a Greek-revival style. Recently renovated in 2013, the hotel now features 47 guest rooms, a pool with poolside loungers and cabanas, and a veranda that wraps around the building and overlooks the sprawling gardens. It’s perfect for business events as well as family reunions and weddings.
Hotel Ella is within walking distance to the University of Texas campus and is located in the heart of downtown Austin. It’s a great choice if you want to avoid the name-brand chain hotels and want to indulge in historic beauty during your stay in Austin.
8. Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel
Also called the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, this spot is a great choice to lay your head after a busy day of sightseeing. The Art Deco facade dates back to the early 1920s and the interior focuses heavily on Southern charm. Dine at the two upscale restaurants on-site and don’t miss their historic bar where you can get a craft cocktail and watch the downtown happenings from the large terrace.
9. Fairmont Austin
Love staying at places with a view? The Fairmont Austin is the tallest hotel in town, offering picturesque vistas of downtown and beyond. This glass monolith glimmers in the sun, beckoning guests to enjoy a five-star eclectic Austin experience. Pamper yourself with spa treatments onsite or reserve an event space to host a wedding or business meeting. Its location means it’s easy to visit Rainey Street for an evening out on the town or you can hop over into trendy East Austin or down to Zilker Park for some nature.
10. Downtown Hyatt Regency Austin
The Hyatt Regency Austin is located on the shores of Lady Bird Lake and offers easy access to the Austin Convention Center and South Congress where you’ll find endless options for dining and entertainment. Here, you’re just a short five-minute walk to the famous bat show and a short stroll from walking and biking trails. At the hotel, you can enjoy a pool, fitness center, and business services. Plus, the hotel is pet-friendly so you can enjoy a fun trip with your best friend.
11. The LINE Austin
The LINE Austin is located in an old jazz club dating back to the 1960s. With 428 guest rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s a great spot to stay in downtown Austin. Take a dip in the hotel pool and indulge in lakeside dining at Kristen’s Kish’s Arlo Grey or sip drinks in the cool evening air at P6.
12. Firehouse Hostel
Visiting Austin isn’t as affordable as it once was. As word about the city gets out, hotel accommodations have increased, especially when it comes to luxury offerings. But you can still score a cheap stay at the Firehouse Hostel — if you book ahead. This hostel is located in the oldest fire station in the city and is just steps from popular 6th Street. The hostel offers both private suites as well as the classic shared bunk rooms, depending on your preferences. The magic continues when you hit their cocktail lounge which requires you to enter through a secret bookshelf.
Discover Austin
Stay at one of these great hotels next time you’re visiting the Austin area. Other great options include the Hilton Austin, the Westin Austin Downtown, and the Hampton Inn & Suites Austin. Now that you know the best hotels in downtown Austin, you can plan a picture-perfect stay.
Whether you’re here for a wedding, business trip, or simply a visit to one of the funnest cities on the planet, you’ll find the best place to stay on this list of hotels in the downtown area. Looking for luxury hotels? Don’t miss our list of the best resorts in Austin, which features spa resorts and five-star hotels.
Austin downtown is a great place for first time visitors and people who know this city inside and out. At ATX Guides, we know Austin. Plan your trip with our handy guides to the top attractions and discover the unique attractions this city has to offer. You’ll find everything from the best happy hour to the best lunch in downtown Austin
