19 Best Boutique Hotels In Austin (+ Map and Prices)

By Kelsey Kennedy | February 9, 2023

36 Shares

Looking for the perfect Austin escape? When visiting the city, make sure to choose a hotel that truly represents the unique character of the vibrant destination. From funky decor to rooftop pools with awe-inspiring views of the city and cozy beds, there's no shortage of boutique hotels in Austin offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience. I've personally stayed at almost all of the best boutique hotels in town and would be more than happy to share my expert recommendations. Even with all the fun activities and late nights out, you can still expect to be spending about 20-30 hours in the hotel throughout your 3-day trip, so make sure you choose wisely.

About me: Hi, I’m Kelsey! I’m a longtime Austin food and lifestyle blogger over at So Much Life. I started this site, TheAustinThings.com, as a way to help direct visitors to the best local businesses, restaurants, and hotels in Austin. I spend every day exploring my city, and I love helping visitors find worthwhile things to do, too.

19 Best Boutique Hotels In Austin

1. South Congress Hotel

PHOTOS FROM SOUTH CONGRESS HOTEL

Located in the iconic South Congress Ave district of south Austin, South Congress Hotel is a stunning modern 3-story building designed by the Michael Hsu Architecture team. If it’s your first time visiting Austin and you want to enjoy an absolutely fabulous hotel stay, a room at this boutique hotel is a sure bet.

This locally-owned hotel has 83-rooms that range from interior courtyard rooms to suites with sweeping views of South Congress Avenue. One of the best parts of this hotel? The 3 local restaurants, speakeasy-style Japanese cocktail bar, a coffee bar + bakeshop, and a beautiful lobby bar where you can enjoy a happy hour beer or a nightcap.

Amenities include complimentary drip coffee at the front desk, a 24-hour fitness center with 2 Peloton bikes, a Tesla Supercharger, a rooftop pool, in-room dining from downstairs restaurant Café No Sé, and valet parking.

The rooftop pool at this boutique hotel has a beautiful pool bar, and you can order bites that will be delivered to your lounge chair. Pretty luxe, right?

As a pet-friendly boutique hotel in Austin, South Congress Hotel doesn’t charge an extra fee for you to bring a pet with you. Just keep in mind that your dog needs to be attended to at all times. They even offer dog beds, dog bowls, and treats, if you want!

WEBSITE | 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

2. The LINE Hotel

PHOTOS FROM THE LINE HOTEL

One of the BEST locations to stay in Austin, The Line is at the corner of Congress Avenue and Lady Bird Lake, but located on the downtown Austin side…that means this hotel is walking distance to the iconic Bat Bridge in austin, downtown restaurants, the shops on South Congress, the hiking trail around the lake, and the nightlife of Rainey Street. You simply can’t beat this location!

It was once home to a jazz club in the late 1960s, and after a massive renovation (just a few years ago), The Line now has a midcentury/modern style with sleek furniture and clean lines.

All of the rooms come standard with a view of Downtown Austin or Lady Bird Lake. Again, the location is incredible! If you select a room overlooking the lake, you’ll have a front-row seat of the Congress Bridge Bats emerging at dusk during the summer months.

You’ll be within walking distance to some of the best food in Austin, but you could simply stay on site and enjoy the incredible eateries offered: Alfred Coffee, a specialty coffee shop based out of California, Arlo Grey, from celebrity chef and Top Chef winner Kristen Kish, local favorite taco shop Veracruz All Natural, and rooftop cocktail bar P6, built into the renovated 6th floor of the parking garage.

Amenities include their beautiful saltwater infinity pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake with a walk-up taco window, free pet stays, hi-speed wifi, wellness amenities in the suites, a 24-hour gym, multilingual staff, and room service.

where to stay in austin for a bachelorette party

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

3. Hotel ZaZa

PHOTOS FROM HOTEL ZAZA

Definitely, one of the funkier hotels in downtown Austin, this luxury art hotel is one of the most elite boutique hotels in Austin. Just steps from world-class restaurants and shopping, Hotel ZaZa also features a stunning 7th-floor rooftop pool with downtown views, a full-service restaurant, a destination spa, and an elite fitness center.

Walk into the lobby, and you’ll see the trendy art character scattered with an authentic Texas style, and the result is a style unlike any other boutique hotel around. Each of the 159 guest rooms features the unique ZaZa style, with glitz, glam, and color.

For the all-out experience, book one of their Magnificent Seven Suites, each individually decorated to invoke a feeling of the seaside, hill country, Palm Springs, and more. Standard amenities include a flat-screen TV, a spacious work desk, and complimentary WiFi.

WEBSITE | 400 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

4. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt

PHOTOS FROM KIMPTON HOTEL VAN ZANDT

Quickly becoming THE place to stay on Rainey Street, this stunning hotel in Austin is literally just a few steps from some of the most popular nightlife destinations in the country. If you’ve ever stayed at a Kimpton hotel, you know that each one is designed to mimic the character of the city in which it is built. The Van Zandt is no exception: deep luxurious leather, local artwork on the walls, and another decor that mimics the music scene in Austin. It’s sophisticated and casual all at the same time…just like Austin.

The big soaking tubs with unobstructed views of Lady Bird Lake are a perk for sure, as is the complimentary lobby happy hour from 5-6 pm each evening with local craft beer, cocktails, and wine on the house. The rooftop pool is another fun perk; be sure to take advantage of the refreshing cocktails at the rooftop bar while you’re there!

4th floor restaurant Geraldine’s (named after a peacock who used to be in the area!) has farm-to-table fare and nightly live music. Or walk to other award-winning Austin restaurants, like Emmer & Rye for an upscale dinner date, or Banger’s for some in-house made sausage and Austin’s largest beer tap wall.

Hotel Van Zandt is very pet-friendly, with all pets welcome (no matter the size or breed) at no extra charge. They’ll also include a concierge list of places you can bring your pup, like parks, groomers, and nearby pet-friendly restaurants.

Each room comes with the following amenities: in-room spa treatments, plush robes (they’re so good!!), luxury bath products, a minibar, room service, and a personal refrigerator so you can keep your craft beer cold all weekend.

WEBSITE | 605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701

5. Kimber Modern

PHOTOS FROM KIMBER MODERN

One of the most unique boutique hotels in Austin, Kimber Modern is near South Congress Avenue…but you’d never know it! With tree house vibes and a modern architecture style, Kimber Modern is a completely different type of oasis than you’ve ever experienced. It’s Austin’s only Design Hotel.

For starters, it’s just a few steps from SOCO but it’s tucked away off the street - no one can see that it’s there! You have to know what you’re looking for to find it. It’s an all-inclusive oasis with an automated European coffee service, complimentary wine, and a hassle-free check-in. Expect Arne Jacobson egg chairs, an Eames coffee table, Gretchen Gammell painting, and modern furniture and design in each room.

Clean lines, bright light-filled rooms, a gorgeous oak tree-filled courtyard, and an attention to detail unlike any other boutique hotel in Austin, Kimber Modern is so much more than a hotel. You’ll be talking about this stay for years and years after your Austin vacation has ended.

WEBSITE | 110 The Cir, Austin, TX 78704

6. The Driskill

PHOTOS FROM THE DRISKILL

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel on 6th Street, The Driskill is for you! Originally built in 1886, this historic landmark in Texas represents old Texas luxury. Dark wood, leather chairs, a stunning hotel lobby bar, whiskey cocktails, cowhide rugs, and history and stories for days.

Each of the 189 guest rooms is a part of Texas history. You’ll find custom Texas textiles like pecan wood, local art, and other elegant décors. The beds have pillow-top mattresses and plush bedding, and your stay includes concierge services, a 24-hour fitness center that overlooks the lake, pet-friendly accommodations, and same-day laundry and dry cleaning services.

If you plan to head to the nightlife on Sixth Street, you simply can’t find a more convenient hotel option than The Driskill. The street is blocked off to cars on the weekends to create a pedestrian-friendly bar-hopping experience, so you can wander around and then simply walk back to the hotel at the end of the night.

Onsite dining includes The Driskill Bar, named one of the 10 Best Hotel Bars in America by USA Today, the 1886 Café & Bakery, and The Driskill Grill, where Presiden Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson had their first date.

WEBSITE | 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

7. Carpenter Hotel

PHOTOS FROM CARPENTER HOTEL

Tucked into a shady grove on Barton Springs Rd, the Carpenter Hotel is a lush, open-air hotel concept that has a lazy, laid-back Austin vibe. Although it’s fairly new to the Austin boutique hotel scene (it opened in 2018), it has quickly become one of the favorite hotels in south Austin.

You’ll be near all sorts of fun Autin activities, like the ZACH Theatre (Texas’s oldest independent theater), paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake, the famous Barton Springs Pool, and Zilker Park, as well as the restaurants on Barton Springs Rd like Juliet Italian, Juiceland, and Chuy’s.

The restaurant at the Carpenter Hotel is a destination in and of itself. (Seriously! Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, the restaurant is worth a visit.) Carpenters Hall (named one of America’s 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit) is an indoor/outdoor restaurant with dishes that honor Texas’s original roots. Additionally, the in-house coffee shop called Carpenter Coffee Bar has an exceptional coffee program, breakfast tacos, and some of the best pastries in the city.

Each room has access to the beautiful shaded outdoor swimming pool, a private terrace in each room, complimentary mini-bars and wifi and drinking water, easy access to hiking trail, and all-natural bath products.

WEBSITE | 400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704

8. Hotel Magdalena

PHOTOS FROM HOTEL MAGDALENA

If you’re looking for South Congress hotels with pools, here’s one that’s certainly worth considering. Hotel Magdalena opened in 2020 and was greeted with immediate success. It gives off a feel of summer vacation, and it’s tucked into a courtyard that’s hidden from South Congress Ave. This means you’re located on SOCO without feeling like you’re on SOCO.

With 89 rooms that are connected by elevated walkways and courtyards, Hotel Magdalena feels like a high-end treehouse up high in the sky. The courtyard is full of native Texas trees, and the pool is a 900-sq-ft sunken swimming pool with a bar.

Amenities include room service, mini-bars, complimentary WiFi, bike rentals and yoga mats, daily coffee service in the lobby, and wellness programming like yoga and live music. Hotel Magdalena is dog friendly.

Summer House on Music Lane is their full-service restaurant with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and weekend brunch, as well as happy hour where you can enjoy a craft cocktail in the courtyard. When you book your stay at Hotel Magdalena, you’ll receive complimentary parking and a food and beverage credit that you can use at Summer House.

WEBSITE | 1101 Music Ln, Austin, TX 78704

9. Hotel San Jose

PHOTOS FROM HOTEL SAN JOSE

Located in the heart of the South Congress dining and shopping district, Hotel San Jose is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel with bungalow-style rooms, a pool, and a beautiful hidden courtyard with snacks and bites. You know that famous “I Love You So Much” mural in Austin? Yeah, this hotel is just a few steps from that!

Enjoy comfort and charm at this lovely little spot with luxurious Malin + Goetz bath products, a curated mini bar, wifi, complimentary drinking water, and incredible Sferra linens.

You’ll have access to the beautiful swimming pool, and the courtyard lounge. But one of the best parts about staying at Hotel San Jose? Walking distance to the BEST places to eat on South Congress. Be sure to dine on seafood at Perla’s on the oak-shaded outdoor patio, get a glass of rosé and a burger at June’s All Day, and head to Little Brother for coffee and kolache in the morning.

WEBSITE | 1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

10. Hotel Saint Cecilia

PHOTOS FROM HOTEL SAINT CECILIA

This is a sister property to Hotel San Jose, but you might not notice it because they’re so different. Hotel Saint Cecilia is one of the most luxurious (and expensive!) hotels in Austin. It’s where famous musician celebrities often choose to stay when they visit Austin.

Created in honor of the patron saint of music and poetry, Hotel Saint Cecilia has Austin vibes through and through. From the iconic 50-foot lap pool with the SOUL neon sign to the lush grassy grounds and outdoor bistro tables to the absolutely luxurious guest amenities, this secluded property is one of the best boutique hotels in Austin.

Featuring five suites, six poolside bungalows, six garden suites, and three studios, each room feels private and intimate. The old-world luxury and playfulness are reflected in every area, from the heated lap pool with seated poolside dining under the arbor to the covered terrace (available for cocktail parties of up to 20 guests.)

You truly can’t find a more luxurious boutique hotel in Austin than the Hotel Saint Cecilia.

WEBSITE | 112 Academy Dr, Austin, TX 78704

11. Austin Motel

PHOTOS FROM AUSTIN MOTEL

With retro vibes, an iconic pool, and just steps from some of the best restaurants in the city, the Austin Motel is a very fun spot to stay in Austin.

With only 41 guest rooms and suites, the Austin Motel feels intimate and iconic at the same time. The kidney-shaped pool is among the most recognizable destinations in South Congress. When you book a room here, you’ll get access to that pool, in addition to free onsite parking, complimentary wifi, and a pet-friendly and kid-friendly experience.

Both of the hotel food options are amazing: Joann’s Fine Foods has a restaurant and a fun patio overlooking SOCO’s sidewalk (you must dine here and enjoy a few beverages!), and Jo’s (home of the “I Love You So Much” mural) has coffee and breakfast tacos for an easy breakfast.

Be sure to shop the Austin Motel store, which features classic poolside reads, natural scents, and apothecary selections. It has all of the summery Austin vacation vibes you’re looking for.

WEBSITE | 1220 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

12. Austin Proper

PHOTOS FROM AUSTIN PROPER

Voted the #1 hotel in Austin by Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards, the Austin Proper looks like it came straight out of an Anthropologie magazine. Towering over the 2nd Street District in downtown Austin it’s a lux and sophisticated hotel with a rooftop pool, two excellent restaurants, a sunken lobby bar, and a world-class staff that will make sure your stay is absolutely perfect.

With 244 rooms, this is one of the largest boutique hotels in Austin. The layers of interesting textiles feature local art and accessories, earthy tones like stones from nearby quarries and warm woods, and a comfortable, inviting feel in every space.

The holistic Verbena Spa offers deep facials, customized massages, and steam showers, as well as in-room spa and beauty treatments. Both of the onsite restaurants are worth visiting: La Piscina is a luxurious Mexican restaurant on the 5th floor with tabletop fajitas and house-made tortillas and some of the best margaritas you’ve ever tried, and The Peacock is a stunning Mediterranean restaurant with colorful, fresh cuisine and cocktails. Goldie’s cocktail bar is lively in the evenings, so you don’t need to even leave the hotel lobby to reach some of Austin’s best nightlife.

Amenities include access to the 5th floor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary bike rental, and an art-filled lobby where you can work, lounge, or dine. The Proper is pet friendly.

WEBSITE | 600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701

13. The Thompson

PHOTOS FROM THE THOMPSON

There are many great Austin hotels with pools, but The Thompson might be at the top of the list. Head to the rooftop pool (or dine at the indoor/outdoor poolside restaurant, Wax Myrtle’s), and you’ll enjoy a close-up view of the Frost Bank Tower, one of the most recognizable buildings in the Austin skyline.

But of course, beyond the pool and views, this hotel is a stunning place to stay and make yourself at home in Austin. It’s rather new (it opened in 2022) and shows off a bold, sultry side with geode-inspired architecture, black walls, dark herringbone wood floors, and plenty of restaurants and bars on site where you can take in some of the best of the best Austin food and drinks.

The James Beard award-winning chef Mashama Bailey has two restaurants on site: The Diner Bar (southern food) and The Grey Market (grab-and-go and counter service bodega style), both of which are available as room service delivered straight to your door. There’s also Wax Myrtle’s Hide-A-Way, an indoor/outdoor dining space with cocktails and delicious bites, and The Coffee Bar At Tommie where you can get your morning caffeine.

WEBSITE | 506 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

14. ARRIVE Austin

PHOTOS FROM ARRIVE AUSTIN

Tucked into the heart of east Austin, ARRIVE is an exceptional place to stay if you’re hoping to get a good feel of the east Austin restaurant and nightlife scene. For starters, you’ll be able to enjoy onsite dining like Vixen’s Wedding (one of Austin Magazine’s Best New Restaurants in 2019), Lefty’s Brick Bar for some quick and casual bites on the patio, the rooftop Gin Bar, which features 90+ varieties of gin, and Cartel Coffee Lab, an exciting coffee experience.

The 83 rooms at ARRIVE are inspired by Scandinavia with light-colored wood and a minimalistic design. You’ll get to enjoy Brooklinen sheets, Niven Morgan’s bath products, Apple TVs, and marble-accented bathrooms.

But one of the best parts about ARRIVE? The location is in East Austin. If you're a foodie and hope to explore some of the best restaurants in Austin, this boutique hotel is perfect for you. You’ll be steps away from Suerte, Canje, Zilker Brewing, Tamale House East, Lazarus Brewery, APT 115 Wine Bar, Via 313 Pizza, Whistler’s cocktail bar, Counter Cafe, and all of the nightlife on East 6th Street.

One thing worth noting: ARRIVE does not have a pool, so it’s a great option if you’re visiting Austin in the winter months…or if you’re looking for a cheaper boutique hotel in Austin. (Prices here tend to be a bit lower than other boutique hotels since it doesn’t offer a rooftop pool.)

WEBSITE | 1813 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

15. Hotel Ella

PHOTOS FROM HOTEL ELLA

This grand beauty is one of the most beautiful historic hotels in Austin, and it’s full of exceptional amenities that make it one of the best boutique hotels in Austin. Ella Newsome was one of the first women to graduate from the University of Texas, and her namesake hotel was originally a mansion built in 1900. It underwent renovations in 2013 to create the unique, modern, luxurious boutique hotel that you can book now.

The original mansion features 9 large rooms, and in the 1980s, an additional North Wing was added, which features 38 rooms. No matter which room you book, you’ll want to visit the calm and quiet outdoor pool, eat at Goodall’s Kitchen, and step off the grounds to the nearby Texas State Capitol building or University of Texas campus.

While Hotel Ella is an older historic building, it's absolutely full of modern amenities. The staff will make sure your stay is full of relaxation, delicious drinks, and good times.

WEBSITE | 1900 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705

16. East Austin Hotel

PHOTOS FROM EAST AUSTIN HOTEL

A striking corner building that’s just a few blocks away from coffee shops, nightlife, bars, restaurants, and all of the popular murals in East Austin, the East Austin Hotel is a cute spot to spend a weekend in Austin.

It’s locally owned and operated and features 75 mid-century hotel rooms, plenty of beautiful poolside suites, and an exceptional restaurant onsite.

be sure to dine at Second Bar + Kitchen, an iconic restaurant in Austin that recently opened thai particular location at the East Austin Hotel (it has an amazing rooftop lounge area), and you’ll also want to grab some snacks at the Pool Bar.

Amenities include underground parking, access to the courtyard and pool, signature robes and caftan, Red Flower bath products, Casper mattresses, Gilchrist & Soames Carnaby linens, and locally crafted furniture.

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

17. Heywood Hotel

PHOTOS FROM HEYWOOD HOTEL

One of the most unique hotels in the United States, this luxury boutique hotel is only a few blocks from downtown Austin. There are only 7 rooms here (it’s a true boutique hotel!) and they all have modern design, award-winning architecture, and crazy comfy beds.

You can actually rent the entire hotel for group lodging and small events, like micro weddings, family reunions, and birthday parties.

Because there are only 7 rooms, you can look through photos and details of their rooms and select the exact style of room that you want. For instance, The King Patio has 10’ tall ceilings, a luxury tub with a skylight and a separate pass-through shower, and north, south, AND east-facing windows. And the Queen Balcony features a private balcony that overlooks 6th Street, a beautiful shower with a skylight, and reclaimed longleaf pine floors.

All of the rooms feature amenities like coffee and tea service, free bikes, free parking, and free wifi.

Note that children under 10 are not allowed to stay at this hotel, so if you’re looking for the best kid-friendly boutique hotels in Austin, consider The Austin Motel or The LINE hotel.

WEBSITE | 1609 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

18. Colton House Hotel

PHOTOS FROM COLTON HOUSE HOTEL

For an inexpensive boutique hotel in Austin, here’s one to consider: Colton House Hotel is built about a ½ mile south of the popular area of South Congress. While it’s still close enough to walk to the main hub, it’s far enough away to be slightly less expensive than the other options on SOCO like South Congress Hotel, Austin Motel, and Hotel Magdalena.

Colton House has 80 large custom suites, making this a great place to stay for families. It’s an Austin oasis with hand-picked local art, a coffee bar & lounge, and all sorts of stunning spaces.

The suites include everything from studio to 3-bedroom spaces. If you’re planning an extended stay in Austin, Colton House is perfect for you. They go all the way up to 1325 square feet and are equipped with Serta mattresses, Beekman shower products, free wifi, balconies in select rooms, and the 3-bedroom spaces even have a washer and dryer.

WEBSITE | 2510 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

19. Origin Hotel

PHOTOS FROM ORIGINAL HOTEL

A new boutique hotel in Austin, the Origin Hotel is the first hotel to open in the Mueller district, an area that’s about a 5-7 minute drive from downtown Austin (but it’s quickly becoming quite the place to shop, eat, and stay!) and has an urban-chic feel.

Enjoy pet-friendly accommodations, an outdoor fireplace and courtyard (no pool here), in-room Peloton bikes, high-speed WiFi, and free bicycles so you can enjoy the Mueller neighborhood district.

The Mueller District actually used to be where the Austin airport was located! But when it moved, Mueller was left with big open spaces of empty fields. In the last 5-10 years it has become one of the top destinations for families to purchase new builds. Mueller is home to The Thinkery Children’s Museum, a location of the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater, several fun new restaurants like Marufuku Ramen, boutique shopping, and bars.

WEBSITE | 1825 McBee St, Austin, TX 78723

« Previous
1
…
19
20
21
22
Next »