Austin is thriving, with seven one-star Michelin restaurants and a lively music culture. The hotel scene is also flourishing, featuring six properties on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best List. Despite its rapid growth (population nearing a million), Austin retains its
small-town charm, attracting 30 million tourists annually. With a growing hotel market, there are choices for every budget.
To avoid getting stuck in notorious I-35 traffic, stay close to your main activities. Public transit mainly consists of buses and a commuter train, making ride shares the easiest mode of transportation.
From South Congress to Barton Creek, discover the top hotels in Austin, categorized from upscale to affordable. If you're interested in things to do in Austin or local dining options, we have that covered as well.
Affiliate links are included in this post. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps support this blog.
Hotel List
Just want the list? Here’s a quick overview of Austin’s top hotels.
Four Seasons Austin: Booking.com// Expedia // website
Driskill Hotel: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Austin Proper Hotel: Booking.com // Expedia // website
South Congress Hotel: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Austin Motel: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Frances Modern Inn: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Commodore Perry Estate: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Archer Hotel Austin: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Lone Star Court: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Omni Barton Creek: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Top Neighborhoods for Your Stay in Austin
Unsure where to book? Here’s a breakdown of Austin’s key neighborhoods.
- Downtown: Urban skyline, walkable, vibrant nightlife.
- South Congress: Trendy boutiques, live music, diverse dining.
- East Austin: Artsy and relaxed, food trucks, breweries, dive bars.
- Domain: Upscale shopping, tech vibe, suburban feel.
- Hyde Park: Historic homes, shaded streets, peaceful ambiance.
- Barton Creek: Scenic views, golf courses, luxury resorts, nature paths.
Top Hotels in Downtown Austin
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Typical starting/peak prices: $650/$1300 Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, business guests, events, families On-site amenities: Saltwater pool, spa, fitness center, multiple dining options, valet parking, event space, lake access, kids’ programming Pet Friendly: Yes, no charge for pets. Book Now: Booking.com// Expedia // website
The Four Seasons Austin offers direct access to Lady Bird Lake and scenic trails, making it a peaceful oasis in the bustling city. The luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities encourage guests to relax while still being close to downtown.
Enjoy seasonal events and activities, such as a summer speakeasy and winter ice rodeo, open to both guests and locals.
The historic Driskill Hotel is a designated Historic Place. Rendering courtesy of Driskill Hotel.
Driskill Hotel
Typical starting/peak prices: $299/$648 Best for: History enthusiasts, couples, business guests, events On-site amenities: Historic charm, restaurant, bar, fitness center, valet parking, event spaces, pet amenities, concierge Pet Friendly: Yes, $100 pet fee per stay. Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Opened in 1886, this 18,000-square-foot landmark was Texas's first luxury hotel—President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson had their first date in its dining room. Located on Sixth St., it’s just a few blocks from the Capitol.
Celebrating its 140th anniversary in December 2026, the hotel is undergoing renovations, with a new ballroom and fitness center set to open in summer 2026.
The Peacock Mediterranean Grill at Austin Proper Hotel. Photo courtesy of Austin Proper Hotel.
Austin Proper Hotel
Typical starting/peak prices: $360/$900 Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, solo adventurers, business guests On-site amenities: Rooftop pool, several dining options, valet parking, fitness center, spa, event spaces, concierge Pet Friendly: Yes, $100 pet fee per stay. Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
This upscale hotel is located in downtown's Seaholm district, offering breathtaking skyline views and a stunning rooftop pool. The 238 modern rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and locally inspired designs. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the 2,000-square-foot gym, cold plunge, and sauna. Four dining venues will satisfy your cravings, from poolside breakfast tacos to gourmet Texas Wagyu beef tartare.
Top Hotels in South Congress
South Congress Hotel
Typical starting/peak prices: $192/$590 Best for: Couples, food lovers, solo travelers, business guests On-site amenities: Rooftop pool, several dining options (Japanese omakase, all-day café, steakhouse, bakery), valet and self-parking, fitness center, concierge, shops Pet Friendly: Yes, pets stay free. Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Located in the heart of South Congress Avenue, this hotel provides an ideal base with all attractions within walking distance. Families will appreciate the spacious suites featuring private balconies. Each room has rainfall shower heads and locally sourced mini bars, with the best suites offering rooftop pool views.
This locally-owned hotel is a hotspot for Austinites, boasting six dining and drinking options, including Otoko (a 12-seat omakase restaurant) and Café No Sé (known for some of the best breakfasts in town).
One of Austin Motel’s vibrant rooms. Photo by Grant Pifer.
Austin Motel
Typical starting/peak prices: $193/$329 Best for: Couples, solo travelers, budget-conscious guests, pet owners On-site amenities: Outdoor pool, complimentary parking, bar/lounge, convenience store, free coffee, shop Pet Friendly: Yes, pets stay free. Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
This retro motor court has been a beloved Austin icon since 1938, marked by its quirky neon sign. The unique 1,100-square-foot kidney-shaped pool attracts locals, who often utilize daily pool passes. The colorful rooms are designed with mid-century modern furnishings and vibrant patterns. Texas residents enjoy a special rate when booking directly.
Top Hotels in East Austin
Frances Modern Inn’s medium rooms feature Juliet balconies. Photo courtesy of Frances Modern Inn.
Frances Modern Inn
Typical starting/peak prices: $174/$454 Best for: Solo travelers, couples, urban explorers, business guests On-site amenities: Rooftop terrace, restaurant, free parking, lounge, concierge, complimentary coffee/tea in lobby, uniquely decorated rooms Pet Friendly: No Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
This charming boutique hotel is steps away from the famous Franklin’s Barbecue. Named after the owner's grandmother, each room is uniquely designed with nostalgic color schemes and whimsical door knockers. The medium rooms have Juliet-style balconies, while the spacious room features a private entry and a clawfoot tub. Enjoy skyline views while sipping cocktails on the rooftop.
Top Hotels in Hyde Park (Hancock)
Commodore Perry Estate
Typical starting/peak prices: Starting at $496, but varies by room type. Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, wellness enthusiasts On-site amenities: Pool, 24-hour fitness center, wellness classes, ten acres of gardens, historic chapel, complimentary bikes, valet parking, live music weekly Pet Friendly: Yes, up to two pets under 60 lbs, $90 per night; includes amenities. Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
This 1928 mansion serves as the heart of a 10-acre estate, complete with a newly constructed three-story inn surrounded by grand oak trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. Named after original owner Edgar “Commodore” Perry, the property features 54 guest rooms and 11 suites that evoke a European ambiance.
Each of the mansion's five original rooms was designed by Ken Fulk, with my favorite being the LaVerne Suite, adorned in pink floral patterns. Fulk also designed Lutie’s, the on-site restaurant known for dinner and weekend brunch (I still dream of the estate bread with layered butter and pastries).
Top Hotels in The Domain (North Austin)
The stylish lobby at Archer Hotel Austin. Photo courtesy of Archer Hotel Austin.
Archer Hotel Austin
Typical starting/peak prices: $188/$425 Best for: Couples, business guests, shoppers, families On-site amenities: Pool with cabanas, paid parking, 24-hour fitness and business center Pet Friendly: Yes, $75 pet fee per stay. Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
With its elegant lobby and fire pits by the pool, this Domain hotel is a top choice on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best List for Austin. The “Texas chic” rooms feature floor-to-ceiling murals of iconic Texas landscapes and plush bedding with a mix of down pillows. Watch games on the large TV while relaxing in the Lone Star-inspired splash pool or enjoy cocktails during happy hour at the AKB bar.
Lone Star Court
Typical starting/peak prices: $133/$409 Best for: Couples, families, business travelers, music enthusiasts On-site amenities: Outdoor pool, live music, bar/restaurant, free parking, fire pit, deluxe rooms, SMEG refrigerators, wrap-around porches Pet Friendly: Yes, $50 pet fee per stay. Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Set on four acres in North Austin, Lone Star Court offers a quieter atmosphere within the bustling Domain shopping and entertainment complex. This property resembles a modern retro-motor court and features resort-style amenities, including fire pits, lawn games, a pool, and complimentary bicycles.
Rooms reflect classic Texas design with elements like sliding barn-style doors and cowhide chairs, arranged along breezeways lined with rocking chairs.
Top Hotels in Barton Creek (Hill Country)
Omni Barton Creek features stunning Hill Country views just ten miles from downtown. Photo courtesy of Omni Barton Creek.
Omni Barton Creek
Typical starting/peak prices: $273/$709 Best for: Families, golfers, spa lovers, couples, business guests On-site amenities: Four golf courses, multiple pools (including adults-only), nine dining options, valet parking & free self-parking, spa, tennis courts, large fitness center, children’s programs Pet Friendly: Yes, $125 pet fee per stay. Book Now:
Expedia//
Spanning 4,000 acres, this Hill Country haven consistently ranks among Texas’s top resorts, offering an array of lavish amenities, including four 18-hole golf courses and the Mokara Spa, a retreat with a heated infinity pool. There are four pools—including an adults-only infinity pool. Family-friendly activities include nature trails, movie nights, splash pads, and pools.
Rooms range from 425 square feet to spacious 1,800-square-foot suites featuring private terraces. Located only ten miles from downtown, it’s a breeze to explore the city or enjoy a spa day. (Day passes are available for spa visitors.) Members of Texas Exes, the UT alumni association, receive 20% off rooms, a $75 resort credit, and complimentary upgrades based on availability.
