Austin’s hotel scene is like a constantly evolving jigsaw puzzle, with cranes adding shiny new pieces faster than you can say “Keep Austin Weird.” Whether you’re a fast-paced business traveler darting between meetings or a pet parent juggling furballs, you’re in luck. The best hotels in Austin cater to every type of traveler, from suite-only boutiques with rooms so big you could play tag in them to luxurious downtown retreats overlooking Lady Bird Lake that scream “I’m fancy and I know it.”
And let’s not forget the Jazz-era mansions that have been given a modern makeover with the kind of local flair that’ll make you question if you’re still in Texas. Whether you’re here for the city’s infamous festivals or just to snap a pic of the Capitol, you’ll want to plan your stay with our handpicked list of the best hotels in Austin. Buckle up—luxury and local charm await!
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Discover the Best Hotels in Austin
Miraval Austin Resort & Spa: Your Ultimate Wellness Escape Among the Best Hotels in Austin
Welcome to Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, where understatement meets elegance and self-care is taken to a whole new level. As one of the best hotels in Austin, this retreat isn’t just another place to crash—it’s a destination for serious soul-soothing. Hyatt reimagined this spot in 2019, transforming it from a run-of-the-mill wellness resort into a holistic haven. With six sleek new buildings and 117 revamped rooms, you’re not just checking into a room; you’re checking into serenity.
Here’s the deal: Miraval isn’t exactly a launchpad for Austin’s nightlife or food scene—nope, once you arrive, you’re going to want to stay put. Between the sparkling new pool, a smorgasbord of wellness activities, and a setting that screams “zen,” this place is all about embracing the art of relaxation. If you’re looking for a break from the The LINE Austin Hotelhustle and bustle, the Miraval is among the best hotels in Austin to hit the pause button. So, pack your yoga mat and leave the city’s chaos behind. Your inner peace is calling!
Hotel Ella: Where Timeless Charm Meets Modern Cool in the Best Hotels in Austin
Step into Hotel Ella, one of the best hotels in Austin, where history and hipster vibes have a fabulous rendezvous. Nestled in a regal Greek Revival mansion from 1900, this boutique beauty boasts columns that practically whisper tales of yesteryears and a grand staircase that says, “I’ve arrived.” But don’t be fooled by its stately exterior—inside, it’s all about sleek, modern comfort with contemporary artwork and a chic palette of grays and navies.
When it comes to minibar choices, Hotel Ella is proudly showing off its local flair. Think Deep Eddy Vodka, High Brew iced coffee, Republic of Texas tequila, and beers from Austin Beerworks—proof that this spot truly embodies the best hotels in Austin. Sure, it’s a stone’s throw from the UT campus, but for a taste of the city’s other wonders, you’ll need to hitch a ride or summon a rideshare. So, if you’re up for a stay that’s a mix of old-world grandeur and current-day coolness, Hotel Ella is one of the best hotels in Austin you won’t want to miss.
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Austin Proper Hotel: Where Maximalist Chic Meets the Best Hotels in Austin
Step into the Austin Proper Hotel, and you’ll instantly see why it’s on the list of the best hotels in Austin. With its grand black doors and an interior designed by the ever-daring Kelly Wearstler, this place is like walking into a Texas-sized fashion statement. The lobby’s got all the vintage charm of a patinaed Arts and Crafts bungalow but with a contemporary twist that screams “only the best hotels in Austin do it like this.”
Wearstler’s design is a feast for the eyes: think a sofa that’s a glorious mash-up of ikat, floral, and stripes, a reception area with a black-and-white gingham ceiling, and elevator walls wrapped in cowhide. The patterned vintage rugs on cypress wood floors? Pure genius. It’s a visual patchwork that’s so well done, it makes other maximalist looks seem like they’re just playing dress-up.
Located right in the heart of downtown, the Proper isn’t just about looks—it’s got the energy to match. With a casual sidewalk café, a high-octane lobby bar, and the city’s best Mediterranean spot, Peacock, it’s the best of both Austin worlds. So, if you’re looking for one of the best hotels in Austin that’s got both style and substance, the Austin Proper is where you’ll want to be.
The LINE Austin: Where Texas-Sized Sophistication Meets Urban Cool
The LINE Austin isn’t just big—it’s Texas big, with a whopping 428 rooms! But thanks to Sydell’s magic touch, this hotel feels intimate and thoughtfully designed. Housed in a mid-century modernist gem, formerly the Crest Inn, it has a rich jazz history and now showcases guest rooms in neutral, earthy tones with original Texan artwork and books. They even have an artist residency program to celebrate Austin’s thriving visual arts scene.
But let’s talk about the biggest bragging right: location, location, location. The LINE is smack dab in the heart of downtown Austin, once a ghost town after 5 PM. Today, it’s bustling and alive, making it one of the best hotels in Austin for both business and pleasure. So, if you’re hunting for the best hotels in Austin that mix colossal size with cozy charm, The LINE has your name all over it.
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Hotel San José: The OG of Austin Cool
Looking for a stay that’s equal parts stylish and iconic? Enter Hotel San José, the trendsetter that helped define “Austin chic” since opening in 2000. If you’re searching for the best hotels in Austin, this is a must. Located smack-dab in the heart of South Congress, it’s where you’ll be close to the action (and why earplugs are kindly provided for light sleepers).
Expect minimalist vibes with a side of photogenic charm—stucco walls draped in ivy, handmade furniture, and custom linens. The striped kimono designed by Liz Lambert? Pure Instagram gold. The curated minibar? No boring snacks here, just Austin-approved treats.
Feeling artsy? Borrow a Polaroid camera or typewriter for an analog adventure. And don’t miss Lounge Sessions, the live music series that rocks the courtyard or the hotel’s SXSW event. Want to cool off? There’s a small pool, a bar, and a cozy coffee shop waiting for you.
Commodore Perry Estate: Where History and Luxury Collide in the Best Hotels in Austin
Commodore Perry Estate has seen it all—from Roaring Twenties shindigs to pious Catholic school days. But its latest incarnation as part of the Auberge Resorts Collection is by far the most glamorous. Drive in, and you’ll swear you’ve stumbled upon a European retreat, right in the heart of Central Austin’s Hyde Park. Design wizard Ken Fulk spent two years treasure-hunting antiques in Texas’ own Round Top and weaving them into this 1928 mansion and its charming Inn with all the finesse of a Texan handshake.
Inside, the Inn marries Texas heritage with Italianate and Spanish Revival flair. Think whiskey-brown armchairs, rounded archways, and star-and-cross tiles that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a vintage dream. The mansion’s peacock-shaped wrought iron door welcomes you to a visual feast—swirling staircases, iron light fixtures, and hand-painted frescos by Deborah Phillips. Terra-cotta tiles in curry, celadon, and apricot hues guide you through this early 20th-century estate, while Pierre Frey’s fox-patterned wallpaper winks at the wildlife of Waller Creek.
And let’s not forget, amidst this oasis of tranquility, downtown Austin’s tech buzz is just a 10-minute drive away. Truly, one of the best hotels in Austin where history and luxury collide.
Hotel Van Zandt: A Melodic Stay in the Best Hotels in Austin
Inspired by the legendary Townes Van Zandt, Hotel Van Zandt hits all the right notes in the Live Music Capital of the World. Music lovers, rejoice! Here, chandeliers are crafted from French horns, the lobby bar’s record player serenades the elevators, and vinyl bird-shaped artwork takes flight on the walls. Every room offers stunning views of the city or Lady Bird Lake and is styled in chic gray and dark blue tones.
While the furniture hails from Restoration Hardware, the artwork is anything but ordinary. Expect framed vintage concert posters and wallpaper maps of historic Austin. True to its roots, this gem among the best hotels in Austin welcomes you with Topo Chico bottles and boot jacks for those Allens cowboy boots. Whether you’re a music aficionado or just looking for a stylish stay, Hotel Van Zandt is undeniably one of the best hotels in Austin. Come for the comfort, stay for the rhythm.
Hotel Saint Cecilia: The Exclusive Hideaway Among the Best Hotels in Austin
Tucked behind an ivy-covered fence, Hotel Saint Cecilia is Austin’s ultra-private gem, reserved for those in the know. With a guest list that reads like a who’s who of record execs, artists, musicians, and writers, this place screams exclusivity. Locals with a rare membership access the swanky bar, making it a hotspot for Austin’s elite.
Each of the 14 rooms in this Victorian-era mansion has its own flair. Rooms in the main house feature ornate crown molding and original fireplaces, but the real showstopper? The six-figure Hästens mattresses that’ll make you rethink your own bed at home. If you’re hunting for the best hotels in Austin, Hotel Saint Cecilia’s mix of privacy and luxury is hard to beat. So, for a taste of Austin’s high life, this is your spot.
The Driskill: Where Authentic Texan Charm Meets Modern Luxury in the Best Hotels in Austin
Welcome to The Driskill, the grand dame of the best hotels in Austin. This 1880s-era beauty near downtown Austin is a true Texan at heart. Its iconic limestone-and-brick facade leads to light and bright guest rooms, thoughtfully modernized yet paying homage to Texas history. Check out the headboards—they’re adorned with Texas stars and the letter “D,” just like a cattle branding iron.
The hotel’s bar is a cozy haven with cowhide bar stools, well-worn leather couches, and nightly jazz pianists. Locals and bartenders are practically family, and with 30 years of cocktail magic, who can blame them? Don’t miss the Civil War-era pistols turned into lamps or the bar snacks—truffle popcorn and meatballs are must-tries. And, of course, no visit is complete without savoring the famous 1886 Chocolate Cake. At $12 a slice, it’s worth every decadent penny.
For a stay that’s authentically Texan and undeniably luxurious, The Driskill is top of the list for the best hotels in Austin.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin: Where Luxury Meets Lakeside Chill
For those seeking a blend of downtown buzz and serene lakefront vibes, the Four Seasons Hotel Austin is the ultimate Texas getaway. Nestled in the Rainey Street Historic District, this gem offers scenic views of Lady Bird Lake while being a hop, skip, and margarita away from Austin’s hottest bars and restaurants.
What makes it one of the best? Let’s start with the spa, featuring an eucalyptus steam room and a Himalayan salt wall that’ll have you feeling more zen than a yoga retreat. Need to channel your inner rock star? Borrow a Taylor guitar for some lakeside strumming. Fitness buffs, rejoice—there’s a gym with a view, and they’ll even hand you a trail map for your morning run.
Kids and pups get the royal treatment here too, with tiny bathrobes for the kiddos and plush dog beds for your furry friends. Oh, and winter guests? There’s an ice-skating rink and fire pits for that ultimate winter wonderland experience.
With twice-daily housekeeping and a pillow menu to cater to your sleep whims, every night feels like your first at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin—because let’s face it, even your dreams deserve the five-star treatment.
