Best Places to Stay in Austin: 12 Top-Rated Hotels for Every Budget

Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or a little bit of both, the bottom line is that you want a clean and comfortable place to stay. Fortunately, the capital city of Texas has plenty of places where you can rest your head and rev up for the day ahead. From budget-friendly finds and chic boutique hotels to five-star resorts that offer amenities, this list is all you need when searching for the best places to stay in Austin, Texas.

While these hotels have been grouped by average nightly room rate, keep in mind that prices can greatly fluctuate depending on the season, day(s) of the week you’re visiting, whether or not there’s an event in town (hello, SXSW), and other factors. Rates are subject to change.

Cheap and Chic Austin Hotels ($199 or Less Per Night)

OK, so almost $200 a night isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s still a decent deal considering the skyrocketing costs of hotel rooms these days. Here are some of the best places to stay in Austin when you want to maintain a reasonable budget and still have a delightful experience.

Austin Hotel

The historic Austin Hotel has that 50s-60s retro vibe on lock and better still, you can drive your car right up to your room in the parking lot (hooray! free parking!). Situated on South Congress, this fun spot has easy access to biking and hiking (Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park, etc.) and the city’s nightlife and shopping. It also has a great swimming pool area that hosts regular parties (you could also rent it for private events). Added bonus: The adjacent Joann’s Fine Foods is a charmingly old-school diner to grab a bite morning, noon, or late-night.

The Driskill

A perennial favorite on “best of” Austin lists, The Driskill is that rare sort of place that looks much fancier than it actually costs. While it’s played host to countless weddings, galas, and other celebrations, this landmark hotel is ideal for romantic staycations, weekend family getaways, and business travelers alike. There’s also live music daily at the bar, so you can enjoy some tunes and a cold brew.

Hotel Ella

With 47 stylish guest rooms and a four-diamond rating from AAA, Hotel Ella is a study in urbane hotel aesthetics: white walls, muted palettes, plush bedding, and well-stocked minibars. Housed within a renovated mansion, this historic spot is a short walk to the University of Texas campus and offers a number of social activities including weekday happy hour, weekend afternoon tea, a salon series, and Santa’s Workshop for the holidays.

Firehouse Hostel

Is it a hostel or a hotel? While most hostels are underwhelming, Firehouse Hostel is a legit option for cost-conscious travelers. Another historic Austin locale (are you sensing a trend here?), this former fire station was built in 1885. There’s a speakeasy on the ground floor, and the renovated rooms are simple yet thoughtful — suites feature private bathrooms while dorms have shared facilities. Throw in free Wi-Fi and free breakfast (continental), and you’re doing mighty fine for well under $100 a night.

Slightly Fancier Austin Accommodations ($200-$300 Per Night)

If a hostel or motel-style stay isn’t your speed — and you have a few more bucks to spare — consider one of these fine hotels across Austin to experience Texas in true four-star hotel style.

South Congress Hotel

This cool boutique hotel on South Congress Avenue is hipster central, but don’t let that deter you from checking in. South Congress Hotel offers six onsite eating and dining options, including a rooftop pool bar and the 12-seat omakase spot Otoko, modern and stylish rooms with all the creature comforts you want, and a cute lobby shop with must-haves like baby SoCo onesies and locally made jewelry.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

This 14-room stunner is where you go when you want to get away from it all… but still be within walking distance to everything you supposedly want to escape. With its luxe bungalow-style rooms, gorgeous landscaping, and intimate pool area (don’t dare leave the property before snapping a shot of the Insta-famous neon “Soul” sign), Hotel Santa Cecilia is ground zero for chilling in style.

Kimber Modern

With only seven rooms available and no traditional staff to check you in — you enter the front door with keyless entry — the Kimber Modern feels more like your rich Art Basel-loving uncle’s home than a hotel. Platform beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, colorful art, a pretty little courtyard, plus complimentary breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi ensure a comfortable stay. Although it’s right on South Congress, this modern haven feels far away from downtown Austin.

Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt

Framed photos of musicians, French horn chandeliers, rock-and-roll posters. Yes, Hotel Van Zandt is right at home in Austin. Along with the musical touches, the hotel keeps things stylish with a teal-and-grey design that extends from the public spaces to the 300+ guest rooms.  Naturally, there’s live music at Geraldine’s, the hotel’s eatery for Tex-Mex and more.

Hotel San Jose

From the Spanish tile roof and ivy-lined brick walls to the lush foliage flanking the outdoor pool area, Hotel San Jose oozes relaxed sophistication. Although not technically a four-star hotel, you wouldn’t know it. The bright and airy rooms are comfortable and tastefully appointed, and you can order room service from the adjoining Jo’s, site of the famed “I love you so much” mural.

Pricey and Posh Austin Hotels ($300+ Per Night)

Sometimes you get what you pay for, and these upscale stays offering luxurious amenities will certainly cost you. But hey, if you can swing it, why not? Here’s how to do Austin like a boss.

Fairmont Austin

Located in Austin’s Central Business District, the Fairmont is no doubt a business-class traveler’s dream. Not only is it connected to the Austin Convention Center with all the meeting space and business amenities you’d ever need, but there’s also a spa, salon, 7th-floor swimming pool, and five restaurants and bars. When you want to get down to business (or the business of treating yourself), this 37-story behemoth is where to make it happen.

Lake Austin Spa Resort

You know any hotel with the word “spa” in it is bound to be pretty fancy. And the Lake Austin Spa Resort is no exception. Named the #1 Destination Spa Resort in North America 2019 and #2 Destination Spa Resort in the World 2019 by Conde Nast Traveler, this wellness retreat on the water is indeed a winner. Located in Texas Hill Country, the resort is all-inclusive, so you can choose your package and know exactly how much your room, food, drinks, treatments, and activities will cost before you even get there.

Four Seasons

There’s a good chance this five-start hotel might be unrealistic for your budget, but come on — when it comes to the best hotels in Austin, you gotta have the Four Seasons on the list. If you’re a baller with big bucks (or you work for a company that supports your need to travel in style), then this place is all the luxury you need in the ATX. Naturally, there’s an outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, fine dining, and rooms with a view of the beautiful lawns, gardens, or Lady Bird Lake. (Four Seasons prviate jet optional.)

Pack Your Bags and Take Your Pick of the Best Places to Stay in Austin

From charming boutique hotels that feel more like a friend’s home to impressive larger-than-life properties loaded with amenities, the options of where to stay in Austin are endless. Now that you have a good idea of the best places to stay in Austin, be sure to check out these guides on where to play in Austin, where to eat and drink in Austin, and the 14 best places to live in Austin. After all, once you visit this city, you might not ever want to leave.