I’ve Lived In Austin For 10+ Years, and Here Are My Favorite Staycation Hotels

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There’s just nothing like a staycation at a swanky hotel in your own city! I feel very called to share these amazing experiences for hotel staycations in Austin with you because 1) everyone Austinite should do a staycation every now and then, and 2) HOLY MOLY there are some fun hotels in Austin right now! 

I’ve done so many fantastic, swanky hotel stays in Austin. When I’m looking for an excellent hotel for a staycation, I’m looking for a  fun location first and foremost, because I need to be able to access cute parts of Austin, walking trails, pretty views, shopping, and nearby coffee shops, bars and restaurants. 

hotel pool

But, of course, I want the hotel to be amaaaazing too! There’s just nothing as sparkling as that feeling of walking into a hotel lobby that basically looks like an Anthropolgie catalog. And please, can someone tell me how boutique hotels always just smell absolutely incredible? They just smell “fancy.” I want a hotel with the most comfortable beds, plush robes, delectable bath products, and all the other amenities. 

A pool at an Austin hotel? I mean…that’s a given. A staycation needs to have a hotel pool! (And if you're just looking for an Austin hotel with a pool, these are my favorites.)The best Austin hotels are the ones that have rooftop pools with views. And rooftop bars, too

And speaking of dining…my favorite Austin hotels need to have excellent restaurants. (Psst: 33 best restaurants in Austin...how many have you tried?) This is just a given. If you’re doing a staycation, half the fun is allowing someone else to cook for you. You get to freshen up in your room, take a short elevator ride to the restaurant, and voila! Dinner is served. Afterward, no need to Uber back home or worry about getting your car from the valet…just walk back to your room. I MEAN IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER? 

Hotel ZaZa Pool

Best Austin Hotels for Staycations

1. Commodore Perry Estate

Commodore Perry Estate 1

This one might be the fanciest hotel in Austin, so if you want to really splurge on a special occasion for your staycation, book a room at the Commodore Perry Estate immediately! It’s a historic renovated mansion with big suites, lush grounds, an award-winning restaurant, and a lovely pool. 

It’s situated just a bit north of downtown Austin, so the only downside to this hotel is that you can’t easily walk around Austin when you stay here. BUT…you probably won’t want to leave the hotel. It’s that nice! 

Commodore Perry Estate

To top it all off, the restaurant at Commodore Perry Estates, Lutie’s Garden Restaurant, is hands down one of the best dining experiences in Austin. The cuisine is phenomenal, the hanging plants and velvet barstools and jewel tones give off a Great Gatsby-era vibe, and the best part? The server’s attention to detail is BEYOND. They treat every guest so intentionally, you’ll probably feel like you’re their favorite person in the world. The hospitality here is what really gets that 10/10 for me. 

Photo Credit: Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Lutie’s Garden Restaurant: craft cocktails and seasonal cuisine in a garden setting.

The Mansion: delights guests with an exquisite culinary journey, featuring locally sourced ingredients and unique interpretations of classic dishes.

Amenities include: 

  • Lawns
  • Gardens
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • 24-hour gym
  • Valet parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Linus bikes to borrow

WEBSITE | 4100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751

2. The Line

The Line 1

I often tell people that if they’re looking for an Austin hotel with the BEST location, you literally can’t beat The Line. It’s located in downtown Austin, but it’s next to the Congress Bridge.

This means you can see the famous Austin bats from outside your window (while everyone else is squeezing onto the bridge to try to get a view), and you can also look out over Lady Bird Lake during your stay. PLUS you can walk to downtown Austin and you can walk to the shops at South Congress! 

The Line

Regarding restaurants, The LINE seriously has it all. Start your morning with a cortado from Los Angeles-based coffee chain Alfred Coffee. Order Austin’s best breakfast taco from Veracruz All-Natural, which features a poolside walk-up window. Then enjoy happy hour drinks on the rooftop bar P6, which offers an unobstructed view of the lake. For dinner, head to the ground floor for a French- and Italian-inspired meal at Arlo Grey, a modern restaurant from Top Chef winner Kristen Kish. 

The infinity pool at The LINE is one of my favorite pools in Austin. It’s quiet and pretty, and the immediate access to Veracruz tacos doesn’t hurt at all. 

Photo Credit: The LINE Austin

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Arlo Grey: serves up modern American cuisine with a creative twist, perfect for foodies seeking a culinary adventure.

P6: offers panoramic views of downtown Austin alongside craft cocktails and small plates, making it the ultimate rooftop hangout spot.

Veracruz All Natural: brings authentic Mexican flavors to the table with their fresh and flavorful tacos and bites, satisfying cravings for delicious street food.

Alred Coffee: offers a cozy atmosphere and expertly brewed coffee, ideal for starting your day or unwinding with a cup of coffee.

Amenities include: 

  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Cowshed Bath Amenities
  • Wellness Amenities
  • Complimentary Bikes
  • Valet Parking

WEBSITE | 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

3. Thompson Austin

Thompson Austin 1

The Thompson hotel chain has quickly become my favorite luxury brand in the United States, and we’re lucky to have one right here in Austin. Their hospitality and guest services are extremely polished in the way that only a mega hotel chain (with lots of $$$) can pull off, so you’ll feel absolutely pampered during your stay. 

The poolside cabanas are absolutely lovely. The Thomspon is in the middle of downtown, so the rooftop pool has views of other iconic Austin high rise buildings like the Frost Bank Tower. 

Thompson Austin 2

The rooms are beautiful and modern and make you want to upgrade all your bedding at home so you can sleep this well every night. 

And if you enjoy watching Chef's Table on Netflix, you’ve heard of Mashama Bailey. She’s the James Beard Award-winning chef who owns Diner Bar, the modern southern restaurant on the ground floor of the Thomspon. You’ll 100% want to make sure you book a dinner reservation there during your stay.

Photo Credit: Thompson Austin

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Arriba Abajo: offers innovative take on traditional Mexican cuisine.

Diner Bar: serves up classic American comfort food with a modern twist.

The Grey Market: offers a curated selection of delicious breakfast & lunch options.

The Coffee Bar at Tommie: provides a cozy retreat for coffee lovers with expertly brewed drinks and delectable pastries.

Amenities include: 

  • SnackBar/Deli
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Housekeeping
  • Room service
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • 24-hour Gym
  • Free WiFi

WEBSITE | 506 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, United States

4. Carpenter Hotel

Carpenter Hotel

This is one of the most “Austin-y” of all the boutique hotels in Austin where you could book your staycation. I think it’s one of the best options, so I'm listing it early on this guide. From restaurant to pool to location to accommodations, the Carpenter Hotel has it all. 

The building itself was the old carpenters’ union hall building that underwent a massive renovation in 2019. They kept the original structure to be the hotel lobby, coffee shop, and restaurant, and added new buildings for the 93 guest rooms. The entire property has a mid-century feel. 

Carpenter Hotel

The pool is shaded with massive pecan trees and Live Oak trees. Even though this hotel is located near Barton Springs pool, you might never want to leave the property! Especially since you can start your morning with a coffee and pastry from their on-site coffee shop, one of the best coffee options in south Austin. And then you can dine at Carpenters Hall for lunch and dinner. They were named one of the top 50 restaurants in the country by Bon Appetit immediately upon opening in 2019.

Photo Credit: Carpenter Hotel

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Carpenters Hall: invites guests to enjoy indoor and outdoor dining with a diverse menu for lunch and dinner, available every day of the week.

Carpenter Coffee Bar: starts the day right with a selection of hot coffee and house-made morning bites, transitioning to happy hour and late-night snacks for a lively atmosphere throughout the day

Amenities include: 

  • Bar/Lounges
  • Poolside Bar
  • Parking available
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

WEBSITE400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704

5. Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

For those of us who want a slightly more festive party atmosphere for an Austin staycation AND a truly relaxing hotel experience, Hotel Van Zandt is where you can have your cake and eat it too. After all, this hotel is in the famous Rainey Street Historic District!

Hotel Van Zandt is truly stunning. It’s in the Kimpton hotel family, which is known for their regional decor, upscale restaurants, and remarkable hospitality. 

Hotel Van Zandt

The large soaking tubs are SO lovely here! Unfortunately, the unobstructed views of Lady Bird Lake are now blocked by new  high rise builds, but you can still enjoy the rooftop view, easy access to Rainey Street, and live music at New American restaurant Geraldine’s 7 days a week.

Photo Credit: Hotel Van Zandt

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants?

Geraldine's: savor a Texas-style, chef-driven menu bursting with fresh ingredients, while enjoying live music and uniquely Austin experiences, from jazz brunch to local songwriter showcases.

Cafe 605: offers delicious and convenient options, perfect for a picnic or a sweet treat after a day of sightseeing, with tasty fresh selections ready to go whenever you need them.

Amenities include: 

  • Pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Gym
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Poolside bar

WEBSITE | 605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701

6. Hotel Magdalena

Hotel Magdalena

Modern, funky, fun, and aaaaaall the South Congress vibes here! Hotel Magdalena is from the Bunkhouse Group (Hotel St Cecilia, Hotel San Jose), which means its beautifully branded, very polished, has great food, and is just a FUN place! 

I love  Hotel Magdalen’s location at Music Lane. You get to stay on SoCo, but your’re tucked off the busy street just a bit. It has a calm, lake house energy. (Which is also the theme of their restaurant, Summer House at Music Lane.)

Hotel Magdalena 1

The pool is beautiful, the vinyl cocktail lounge is super cool, and this is genuinely just one of the best hotels for a staycation in Austin.

Photo Credits: Hotel Magdalena

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Summer House: Channels the casual sophistication of a lake house weekend with a menu of honest cooking and old-school hospitality, infused with an unpretentious, Austin sensibility.

Magdalena Bar: quench your thirst with a robust beverage menu featuring frozen fan favorites alongside memorable snacks, perfect for warm, sunny days.

Amenities include: 

  • Valet parking on site
  • Pool
  • Pool side bar
  • WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • 2 Bars
  • Coffee and tea
  • Vegetable Garden

WEBSITE | 1101 Music Ln, Austin, TX 78704

7. South Congress Hotel

South Congress Hotel 1

The South Congress Hotel has become iconic in Austin. It’s in the heart of the South Congress shopping district, and it’s a very popular hotel for weddings. 

But beyond the phenomenal location, South Congress Hotel has it all. The chic, simple rooms are gorgeous. You can pick a courtyard view or a window that overlooks SOCO. 

South Congress Hotel

The rooftop pool is small, but it’s absolutely perfect. I love lounging here with a book and a cocktail. You can order poolside bites from their all-day café (and quite possibly never want to leave the pool deck!) 

The restaurants are where this hotel really shines, in my opinion! There are 6 options in all, including a striking coffee shop, a local chop house, a Japanese whisky bar speakeasy, a high-end omakase counter, a lobby bar, and an all-day café. 

Photo Credit: South Congress Hotel

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants?

Maie Day: enjoy a daily festival of food and community with a twist of steakhouse tradition, featuring prime rib Fridays and a vibrant party atmosphere.

Lobby Bar: serves as a welcoming space for locals and travellers alike, offering handcrafted cocktails, coffee, and a menu of shareables and snacks from Café No Sé, with happy hour specials throughout the week.

Café No Sé: brightens South Congress Avenue with its dog-friendly patio and seasonal brunch, dinner fare, and incredible desserts, including the must-try kouign amann.

Mañana: delights as a neighborhood coffee and bakeshop, offering specialty coffee drinks, house-made pastries, breakfast tacos, and seasonal treats like paletas and ice creams.

Otoko: Have a culinary journey with a 12-seat Japanese omakase experience blending Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki, curated by Executive Chef Yoshi Okai based on ingredient availability and seasonality.

Watertrade: offers an intimate omakase-style cocktail experience adjacent to Otoko, featuring specialty Japanese whiskeys, sake, and craft cocktails curated around ingredient seasonality, alongside bar bites and specialty dishes from the Otoko culinary team.

Amenities include: 

  • Valet parking on site
  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Free area shuttle
  • Bars
  • Restaurants
  • Coffee shop
  • Outdoor pool
  • A poolside bar
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Gym

WEBSITE | 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

8. Austin Proper

Austin Proper Hotel 1

Want to splurge on a luxurious Austin hotel for your staycation? The Austin Proper is my top recommendation for a high-end hotel in downtown Austin! It’s a Kelly Wearstler-designed hotel, and honestly? The decor alone is reason to visit! 

Austin Proper Hotel

Other reasons to book a room here: the multiple restaurants and bars, all from Austin’s own MML Hospitality group, the lovely rooftop pool, and the swanky rooms. It’s all SO delightful. This is one of those hotels that will make you feel like you’re finally getting that true vacation experience.

Photo Credit: Austin Proper Hotel

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

The Peacock: savor colorful and loosely plated Mediterranean mezze and wood-grilled fare inspired by the Eastern Mediterranean, complemented by fresh and fragrant natural wines and light spirits.

La Piscina: offers elevated poolside dining with commanding sunset views, featuring made-to-order antojitos, fragrant wood-grilled fare, and playful cocktails alongside a spotlight on native tequilas and mezcals.

Goldie's Cocktail Bar: combines the charm of a Turkish bar with Austin's laid-back vibe, offering boutique wines, garden-fresh cocktails, and supercall sips in a cozy atmosphere illuminated by pink marble tables and hand-crocheted covers on suspended glass globes.

The Quill Room: experience an immersive, private living room atmosphere with golden hues, vintage furnishings, and live music, offering a sophisticated environment for sipping classic spritzes and sharing French-inspired bites.

Amenities include: 

  • 24-hour gym
  • Fitness classes
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Electric car charging station
  • Full-service spa
  • Pool
  • Valet parking on site
  • Restaurant

WEBSITE | 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

9. Fairmont

Fairmont Austin

If you haven’t ever stayed in a Fairmont property, the Austin Fairmont is a great way to dip your toes in the water. Um, literally. The pool here is AMAZING! It’s the largest hotel pool in Austin, and you can enjoy summer cocktails and Latin American-bites from  the poolside bar. Absolute bliss! 

The large hotel caters to the Austin Convention crowd, but don’t sleep on this place as a staycation in and of itself. They have a full day spa with world-class treatments, 1,048 grogeous guest rooms with views of the city, and 8 different dining options, including a champagne and caviar bar. 

Fairmont Austin

While this one isn’t the most “Austin-y” of all the options (got to Commodore Perry, Carpenter Hotel, South Congress Hotel, or Hotel San Jose for that), it is a very swanky, high-end, luxurious place to enjoy a staycation in Austin. 

Photo Credit: Fairmont Hotel

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

The Broken Coconut Tiki Bar: escape to a tropical oasis on the 7th floor inside Rules & Regs for a refreshing experience in downtown Austin.

Garrison: offers welcoming luxury where locals gather for seamless service, unforgettable cuisine, and the joy of good company in the heart of downtown.

Room 725: invites you to indulge in a semi-private Champagne & Caviar lounge for an exquisite taste of luxury in Austin.
Revue beckons with a diverse menu of shareable Italian and Asian favorites, raw bar delicacies, and quality cocktails to explore.

Fulton: immerses you in Austin's flavors with local craft beer, handcrafted spirits, and seasonal dishes embodying the city's creativity.

Amenities include: 

  • Secured self-parking on site
  • Electric car charging station
  • Restaurants
  • Coffee shop
  • Poolside bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • WiFi

WEBSITE | 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

10. East Austin Hotel

East Austin Hotel

The East Austin Hotel is my recommendation for those who are looking for a budget-friendly staycation hotel in Austin. (Seriously - look at these prices!!) This hotel isn’t quite as swanky as some of the other ones I’ve mentioned, but it’s lots of fun! It’s located in the heart of East Austin, so you can easily walk around to all the cool bars and restaurants nearby. 

East Austin Hotel 1

Plus it has a great pool in the courtyard, a phenomenal restaurants (2nd Bar and Kitchen), and a cool, retro vibe. 

Photo Credits: East Austin Hotel

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Second Bar + Kitchen: offers a carefully curated, seasonally driven menu in a comfortable mid-century modern setting, focusing on local ingredients.

Second Bar + Kitchen rooftop: savor garden-fresh classic cocktails, an accessible wine program, and a selection of beers while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere overlooking East Sixth Street.

Amenities include: 

  • Outdoor Pool
  • Poolside bar
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar/Deli
  • Grocery store
  • Limited onsite parking

WEBSITE | 1108 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

11. Hotel San Jose

Hotel San José 1

Here’s another lovely hotel for a South Congress staycation in Austin! The gorgeous Hotel San Jose is another boutique hotel from the Bunkhouse Group. It’s funny how many people don’t even realize it’s right there on South Congress because it’s hidden behind a wall of greenery…but it’s literally located on the main part of SOCO. 

Hotel San José

Grab a drink at the courtyard lounge, take a dip in their darling little plunge pool, and enjoy live music on the first Thursday of every month. 

This hotel originally opened in 1930. It’s obviously had some substantial renovations and upgrades, but they’ve maintained that retro feel.

Photo Credits: Hotel San Jose

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Jo’s Coffee: home of the iconic "I Love You So Much" mural, this is where you can savor hot coffee, beer, and a variety of food from breakfast tacos to pulled pork sandwiches while soaking in vibrant Austin on the patio.

Courtyard Lounge: perfect for both locals and visitors who enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, and light fare. It is in the garden courtyard oasis, offering a perfect spot to unwind with a cheese board and signature Michelada.

Amenities include: 

  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • Self parking on site
  • Restaurant
  • WiFi

WEBSITE | 1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

12. Hotel St Cecilia

Hotel Saint Cecilia 1

Yet another boutique hotel from the Bunkhouse Group, Hotel St Cecilia is for when you REALLY want to splurge! (Um yes, go ahead and glance at these prices. It's a splurge FOR SURE.)

It’s also located near South Congress Ave, but it’s tucked away a little bit more and feels more private. Lots of celebrities like to stay at this hotel. 

It was originally built in 1888 as a mansion, and it’s one of the only 5 remaining Victorian homes along this stretch of the Colorado river. 

Hotel Saint Cecilia

You’ll sleep on a handmade organic bed from Sweden, wrap yourself in a custom-made kimono bathrobe, and listen to LPs on your own Rega turntable and Geneva sound system. 

This is a very secluded property, so if you’re looking for a private hotel staycation in Austin, this is it.  

Photo Credits: Hotel St Cecilia

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Hotel Saint Cecilia Lounge: nestled at the heart of the property, offers indoor and outdoor seating exclusively for hotel guests and private club members, maintaining stringent hosting guidelines to preserve the intimacy and privacy of the hotel.

Amenities include: 

  • 24-hour pool access
  • Outdoor pool
  • Restaurant
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar
  • Picnic area
  • Pool sun loungers
  • Garden

WEBSITE | 112 Academy Dr, Austin, TX 78704

13. JW Marriott

JW Marriott Austin 1

The JW Marriott truly never disappoints! If you’ve stayed at one of these luxury hotels anywhere in the country, you probably know what to expect: oversized rooms, multiple dining options, and excellent hospitality. 

The rooftop pool at the JW Marriott Austin is one of my favorite parts of this property. You might have seen a picture of it before - it’s that pool that has an outline of Texas on the bottom and just looks so cool! 

JW Marriott Austin

The restaurants at the JW Marriott aren’t particularly exciting to me, although a lot of tourists do end up eating at the Corner Restaurant, Starbucks, and EDGE Rooftop Lounge simply because they’re on site and convenient. But with the JW Marriott’s amazing downtown location, you can easily access some of the best restaurants in downtown Austin like Hestia, Diner Bar, and Red Ash. 

Photo Credits: JW Marriott

WEBSITE | 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Dean's Italian Steakhouse: blends classic American steakhouse tradition with Italian flair, featuring Texas and Japanese A5 wagyu, a raw bar, and extensive wine and whiskey selections.

The Veranda at Dean's: offers an intimate, open-air dining experience with patio seating, views of Austin’s Tau Ceti mural, and a pared-down signature menu alongside happy hour specials.

Corner Restaurant: showcases the flavors of Texas with a focus on regional ingredients and a carefully crafted menu.

Burger Bar Congress, located on Congress Avenue, is a walk-up window serving 100% wagyu beef burgers, inventive shakes, and addictive fries.

Starbucks: located on the second level, provides a variety of popular coffee beverages and tea specialties to meet all your needs.

Edge Rooftop: offers an elevated evening lounge experience with stunning views of Congress Avenue and the Texas State Capitol.

Amenities include: 

  • Self Parking on-site
  • Valet Parking on-site
  • Poolside bars
  • Restaurants
  • Coffee sops
  • Outdoor pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym

14. The W

Best Austin Hotels for a Staycation

Similar to the JW Marriott, the W Austin is just a consistently-good-high-end-hotel. You pretty much know what you’re going to get here because all of the W locations around the country are pretty similar. 

The Wet Deck pool at the W is kind of famous for their pool parties, so it can get pretty rowdy! If you love a good pool party, this is for you. But the W is also home to the Away Spa, a beautiful place to pamper yourself and enjoy some downtime in downtown austin. 

Best Austin Hotels for a Staycation

And most importantly, the Moody Theater is tucked inside the W building. If you want to see a live taping of Austin City Limits TV show, or catch another live music show, you could enjoy a staycation at The W and never have to worry about catching a ride share the entire weekend. 

Photo Credit: W Austin

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

W Austin Restaurant & Lounge: located on the second floor, offers hotel guests a sleek and sophisticated dining experience featuring the finest flavors of Central Texas sourced directly from local farms.

WET Deck: enjoy a poolside cocktail, grab a snack, or cool off with a frozen treat while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Amenities include: 

  • Valet parking
  • Electric car charging station
  • Poolside bar
  • Restaurants
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Yoga classes
  • Snack bar/Deli

 

WEBSITE | 200 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

15. The Loren

Best Austin Hotels for a Staycation

The Loren is a new building in Austin, and the most important thing to know about it is that it’s a high rise luxury hotel on the south side of the lake. This means that you get to enjoy views of downtown Austin because you’ll be staying on the opposite side of the lake! 

Best Austin Hotels for a Staycation

The rooftop restaurant is phenomenal here. Honestly, even if you don’t book a staycation here, it’s worth booking a reservation at Nido to enjoy a cocktail and some raw oysters while you overlook Lady Bird Lake. 

Photo Credit: The Loren

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Nido: offers a true rooftop oasis with sophisticated cuisine and impeccable service, providing a glamorous escape from the city's restless energy.

Cafe at The Loren: nestled along the river's edge near the iconic Hike and Bike Trail, offers a perfect pick-me-up with signature beverages, artisanal pastries, fresh grab-and-go options, and an array of wines and craft cocktails in the afternoon and evening.

Amenities include: 

  • Outdoor pool
  • Gym
  • Parking available
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Snack bar/Deli
  • Coffee shop

WEBSITE | 1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

16. The Westin Austin Downtown

Best Austin Hotels for a Staycation

The Westin is a solid option for a staycation in Austin! I’m going to be honest…this one doesn’t light me up quite as much as the other fun boutique suggestions, and that’s mostly because it doesn’t have any standout amenities like award-winning restaurants or new and modern accommodations. 

Best Austin Hotels for a Staycation

The Westin is a solid option for a staycation in Austin! I’m going to be honest…this one doesn’t light me up quite as much as the other fun boutique suggestions, and that’s mostly because it doesn’t have any standout amenities like award-winning restaurants or new and modern accommodations.

Photo Credits: The Westin Austin Downtown

Pool? 

Yes. 

Restaurants? 

Stella San Jac: the signature restaurant of The Westin Austin Downtown, offers modern Austin flavors through balanced dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients, and features a full bar, outdoor patio, and open, well-lit dining room.

Azul Rooftop: with private cabanas, firepits, and the "World’s Coolest Hotel Pool," provides a premier downtown skyline view and has been named Austin's #1 Best Outdoor Bar by Eater.

Amenities include: 

  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Restaurant
  • Parking available
  • Poolside bar
  • Coffee shop
  • Bars/Lounges

WEBSITE | 310 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701

Why Do A Staycation In Austin If You Already Live Here?

I mean, I feel like this is fairly self explanatory, but there are still some people I talk to who are like, “wait, you book a hotel in your own city?” So allow me to explain. 

Austin staycations allow you to experience a different part of the city. I live in south Austin, so I love booking an east Austin or downtown Austin hotel so I can walk around and “live” in those parts of the city. It’s a great way to get to know a different corner of your own city. 

You don’t have to book airfare. If you’re looking for the cheapest vacation this summer, a staycation in your own city is about as good as it gets. You can deduct the $600 you were going to spend on a flight and the $150 you were going to spend on Ubers and the full extra day of PTO you were going to have to spend on travel days and you can just start the vacation…now. 

Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt Pool

Hotels are SO nice these days, you often don’t want to leave! I don’t know about you, but when I’m on a vacation in a different city and I’m staying in a nice hotel, I don’t want to leave…but then I think, ugh, I’m in this new city, I should probably get out and explore. Well, if you book a hotel in your own city, you don’t have any pressure to explore. You already live here and you’ve most likely done all the touristy stuff already. So just relax at the hotel! 

The bedding, the showers, the decor…ooh la la. Listen, hotels are just getting really swanky these days! It’s so fun to splurge on a gorgeous place to stay and just soak it all in. 

Hotels have pools! Well, at least all of the hotels I’ll mention in this guide. Many of us don’t have pools in our own backyards, so it’s especially fun to book an Austin staycation at a hotel with a rooftop pool. Cue the summer vibes. 

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