21 Cool Hotels Near Austin City Limits Festival
When it comes to booking a hotel near Austin City Limits Music Festival, you have two main options: 1. Pay a TON of money to book a hotel walking distance to ACL fest, or 2. pay a pretty high rate to book something that's a short uber ride away. Haha...what I'm trying to say is that, either way, hotel prices are higher than usual in October in Austin.
If you're already going to be paying a lot for a hotel, you might as well make sure it's a really cool hotel!
So I'm going to share a few of my very favorite Austin hotels that are near ACL Festival grounds. Ready?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelsey Kennedy is a native Texan and a local Austin author, photographer, and blogger with a serious obsession for all things Austin. As the creator of four Texas-focused travel websites, her work has reached over 12 million readers in 38 countries, all searching for the coolest things to do in the hottest cities in Texas. For more insider tips on the capital city, check out her bestselling travel book, Austin Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite and Libation at a Time.
21 Cool Hotels Near Austin City Limits Festival
Every October, tourists flock to Austin for this occasion. If you are planning to attend Austin City Limits Music Festival this coming October, consider making a reservation at one of these cool hotels near the area. Booking an early reservation will ensure you can snag one of the hotels near Zilker Park before they completely sell out.
Your very best option in regards to location (you can just walk to the festival!), The Carpenter Hotel is a beautiful, relaxing boutique hotel with an oak-shaded outdoor pool, an award-winning restaurant, a fantastic coffee bar, and incredibly comfy beds. Photo: Karla S, Yelp
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): .8 miles
Time (car ride): No driving (because this road is closed for the festival) but it’s a 15-minute walk to the entrance
WEBSITE | 400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704
The Downright Austin used to be a Sheraton...and it got a MAJOR GLOWUP with a trendy, boutique hotel feel. It's even home to Swim Club Austin, the new and super trendy swimming pool and social club that provides a throwback to the 1980s.
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 3.3 miles
Time (car ride) : 11-minute drive
WEBSITE | 701 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701
Anyone who likes Texas history will enjoy their stay at this historic hotel in Downtown Austin. Because it was constructed in 1886 and is close to 6th Street, The Driskill boasts some unique “old Texas” vibes.
Note: this hotel is on Dirty Sixth street in downtown Austin, so if bar-hopping on Sixth Street is on your bucket list while you’re in Austin, this is the perfect hotel for you. Another note: Austin locals hate Sixth Street, but bachelor parties, college bros, and tourists seem to love it. Photo: Ami A, Yelp
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.3 miles
Time (car ride) : 9-minute drive
WEBSITE | 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
JW Marriott Austin is a high-rise hotel with a sophisticated, sleek design. It has more than 1,000 rooms, and many have living and dining areas too. You can also enjoy their 4 restaurants, on-site spa, concierge lounge, and rooftop lounge.
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.2 miles
Time (car ride) : 8-minute drive
WEBSITE | 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Hotel Ella is a really beautiful hotel near ACL fest. It was first built in 1900, and it features contemporary rooms ideal for tourists who want elegance and relaxation. Be sure to enjoy the spacious veranda in the evenings. It’s the best spot to unwind after a long tiring day at ACL fest.
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.8 miles
Time (car ride) : 8-minute drive
WEBSITE |1900 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
The Omni Austin Hotel has a rooftop terrace where you can chill at night. Visitors can swim in the outdoor pool that overlooks Lady Bird Lake. Aside from that, this downtown Austin hotel is steps from many great Austin restaurants and bars, and it features a 24-hour fitness center in case you want to exercise before or after going to the Austin City Limits festival. Photo: The Omni Austin
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.8 miles
Time (car ride) : 9-minute drive
WEBSITE | 700 San Jacinto, E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
Fairmont Austin is one of the coolest hotels in Austin with an EPIC rooftop deck and outdoor pool. October weather in Austin is still warm enough to jump in and cool down before or after you visit the ACL festival. Other amenities of this hotel are 2 bars/lounges, a poolside bar, a 24-hour fitness center, plus their spa is among the best spas in Austin. Photo: Fairmont Austin
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.5 miles
Time (car ride) : 7-minute drive
WEBSITE | 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Austin Motel is a quintessential Austin icon located in South Congress, so it’s close to some of Austin's top restaurants and retail stores. It’s an excellent place to stay (hint: it will sell out early!) during ACL Fest because it has both vintage and modern aesthetics with bright colors and fun room designs. Photo: Austin Motel
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.2 miles
Time (car ride) : 7-minute drive
WEBSITE |1220 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel is a downtown hotel with old-school Austin elegance. It’s conveniently located near Sixth Street. Their indoor pool is a quiet place to cool off after partying at Austin City Limits.. They also offer a bar/lounge and a 24-hour fitness center. Photo: Dani N, Yelp
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.8 miles
Time (car ride) : 9-minute drive
WEBSITE | 701 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
The Hotel Saint Cecilia was designed as a rock 'n' roll retreat in honor of the patron saint of music and poetry. It’s one of the most expensive $$$$ hotels in Austin, but if you want to experience ACL Fest in luxury, book a room. Even though it’s close to South Congress, the expansive gardens, large oak trees in front, and the general vibe give it a cozy feel. Photo: Hotel Saint Cecilia
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.0 miles
Time (car ride) : 8-minute drive
WEBSITE |112 Academy Dr, Austin, TX 78704,
One of the city's most iconic luxury hotels where you can stay during the Austin City Limits Music Festival is the W Austin. It has 251 rooms with the classic W Austin minimalist design. It’s conveniently located near many attractions, stores, and entertainment in Austin's newly developed 2nd Street District. Photo: Jon L, Yelp
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.0 miles
Time (car ride) : 7-minute drive
WEBSITE | 200 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
The LINE Austin is a boutique hotel in downtown Austin with some of the BEST real estate available. It features views of Lady Bird Lake, a saltwater infinity pool, and lakefront dining at Arlo Grey.
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.0 miles
Time (car ride) : 8-minute drive
WEBSITE | 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
If you want a really unique hotel in Austin, Frame Hotel - Treehouse is for you. It’s the only designed hotel in Austin with 7 architecturally-pleasing rooms. It’s tucked off of South Congress Ave, but it feels like it’s in a hidden oasis. Photo: Kimber C, Yelp
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.0 miles
Time (car ride) : 7-minute drive
WEBSITE | 110 The Cir, Austin, TX 78704
The iconic Rainey Street neighborhood's Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt was designed for music lovers. The music-inspired decor (like those light fixtures built from brass instruments) is the first thing you'll notice here. But there’s also an incredible view of the Austin sunset, a fantastic on-site restaurant, a spectacular rooftop pool, and (best of all) this hotel is steps from all the best bars on Rainey Street.
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.4 miles
Time (car ride) : 9-minute drive
WEBSITE | 605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701
Hotel San Jose is a South Congress boutique hotel with well-decorated rooms with a minimalistic design. If you’re visiting Austin for ACL fest and you want to go all out, Hotel San Jose is one of the most desirable boutique hotels in Austin right now!
It has adorable food, great little restaurants, and beautiful rooms, and it’s located on SOCO, which means you’re close to the hottest tourist destination in Austin. Photo: Alison M, Yelp
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.0 miles
Time (car ride) : 8-minute drive
WEBSITE | 1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
With a rooftop terrace, ARRIVE Austin will let you enjoy the view of city lights at night. Travelers usually like it since it is a very convenient location and has a fun location in a food-centric part of East Austin.
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 3.7 miles
Time (car ride) : 14-minute drive
WEBSITE | 1813 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
This is a great option that’s near SOCO without the crazy SOCO prices you’ll find at Hotel Saint Cecilia, Hotel San Jose, or South Congress Hotel.
Embassy Suites features an outdoor pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake, and an on-site restaura
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 1.6 miles
Time (car ride) : 7-minute drive
WEBSITE | 300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
The Otis Hotel features a rooftop pool and lounge, a few onsite restaurants, and a location that’s just slightly north of downtown (near the UT campus) if you’d like to avoid a bit of the noise and traffic.
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 3.2 miles
Time (car ride) : 12-minute drive
WEBSITE | 1901 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78705
Not necessarily the coolest or swankiest hotel, but I'm including this because it might be the very best budget option for hotels near ACL Fest. La Quinta is located in downtown Austin, and it features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and (best of all) it’s close to pretty much anything you need in downtown Austin.
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.8 miles
Time (car ride) : 10-minute drive
WEBSITE | 300 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701
Doubletree Suites is just slightly further north of most of the hotels mentioned in this guide. And while it’s still close to ACL Fest, the rates are most likely going to be a little more reasonable. I'm just throwing this one out there for anyone who needs a budget hotel that's still pretty close to Austin City Limits festival!
Distance from Austin City Limits (miles): 2.8 miles
Time (car ride) : 9-minute drive
WEBSITE | 303 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701
Looking for vacation rentals near ACL Fest?
Use the map below to find a vacation rental near Zilker Park. The closer to the park the more you'll pay...but it also means you can just walk home after the festival and you won't spend a bunch of money on ride shares and pedi cabs. So you might actually break even at the end of the weekend!
A Bit About ACL Festival
You probably already know that Austin City Limits Music Festival (or ACL Music Fest) is an awesome music festival in Austin. It occurs annually at Zilker Park and includes a wide variety of music genres.
It usually lasts for six days on two consecutive weekends (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
Since 2002, the ACL festival has been hosting more than 100 music artists/performers and 450,000 patrons. You read that right...four hundred and fifty THOUSAND people!!!
There are a bunch of stages all over Zilker Park where artists perform. So...it's no surprise that everyone is looking for hotels near Austin City Limits music festival during the first two weekends of October!
This fest is truly perfect for anyone who loves Austin vibes, great music, and partying with a huge crowd. It’s a really fun, unique festival because it also includes some of the best food in Austin available at the food court. Vendors set up food booths where festival goers can order bbq, queso, burgers, freshly squeezed juice from Juiceland, homemade cookies from Tiff's Treats, and other favorites.
Are Hotels Expensive During Austin City Limits Festival?
Because of the music fest, a lot of tourists come to Austin, and since it's an annual event the hotels anticipate the surge in tourists and definitely up their prices in October. (October is also F1 weekend in Austin.) The influx of traffic slightly increases hotel fares compared to normal days in Austin. But here’s the thing: although the price is slightly expensive, it is still worth it for the amazing experience of attending the ACL Festival! Truly. Also, if you book earlier, you might be able to get some of the cheaper hotel deals during the ACL festival.
So, now the question is where to stay during ACL Fest? Keep reading to find out some of the coolest hotels near Austin City Limits Music Festival venue, according to Austin locals.
When Should I Arrive in Austin for ACL Festival?
Arrive on Friday morning! If you're going to all 3 days of ACL fest, you should fly/drive in early in the morning on Friday (or arrive the day before.)
If you can help it, don’t risk having a flight delay! It’s a major bummer to show up late to ACL fest after splurging on a 3-day wristband. Being rushed on your way and arriving late means you might miss some really great artists early on Friday. So try to book the earliest flight possible on Friday to add some wiggle room for potential delays.
Honestly, if you're planning to go to the festival on Friday and you're able to splurge, your best bet is to arrive on Thursday morning and just book an Austin hotel for Thursday night. Or if you're going on Saturday, arrive on Friday. Arriving the day before will give you enough time to check into your hotel and enjoy the amazing city of Austin Texas before ACL starts.
HAVE FUN! And if you're looking for more tips and tricks around ACL fest, click below to get more details.
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