Best Hotels in Austin for Every Type of Traveler

Whether you’re visiting for a business conference, planning a romantic weekend, or soaking up some sunshine on a family getaway, choosing the right hotel in Austin can make all the difference.

Having stayed in dozens of Austin hotels over the years and done plenty of digging as a travel writer and local enthusiast, I’ve rounded up the absolute best places to stay in. From luxe high-rises with skyline views to quirky boutique spots oozing with personality, there’s something here for everyone.

---

Quick Picks: Best Hotels by Category

If you’re in a hurry or just want the best pick for your specific travel style, here’s a quick summary. Click any link to jump straight to that section:

• Best Overall Hotel: Fairmont Austin
• Best Boutique Hotel: Hotel Saint Cecilia
• Best Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Austin
• Best for Business Travelers: Hilton Austin
• Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: Firehouse Hostel
• Best Hotel for Couples: Hotel Van Zandt
• Best Family-Friendly Hotel: Hyatt Regency Austin
• Most Unique/Quirky Stay: The Austin Motel

---

Best Luxury Hotels in Austin

When it comes to luxury, Austin blends southern hospitality with sleek, modern elegance. Here are our top luxury hotel picks:

1. Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Why it’s special: Perched on the banks of Lady Bird Lake, this polished gem boasts lakefront views, a saltwater pool, and the kind of service that anticipates your needs before you even know them. The in-house restaurant Ciclo offers a farm-to-table experience with Latin flair, and the spa is a serene escape.

Ideal for: Romantic getaways, weddings, VIP travelers.

Book your stay at the Four Seasons Austin

2. The Driskill

Why it’s special: Steeped in history, The Driskill is a stunning 19th-century landmark that fuses old-world charm with modern luxuries. Chandeliers, marble floors, and a Texas-style lounge make this a classic Austin experience.

Ideal for: History buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone who wants a touch of the past with their plush pillow-top bed.

Reserve your room at The Driskill

3. Fairmont Austin

Why it’s special: This towering luxury hotel is located right in the heart of downtown, offering sweeping skyline views and direct access to the Austin Convention Center via a skybridge. The rooftop pool is Instagram-famous, and the multiple dining options range from casual to gourmet.

Ideal for: Business travelers, luxury seekers, urban explorers.

Check availability for the Fairmont Austin

4. Commodore Perry Estate (Auberge Resorts Collection)

Why it’s special: If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a romantic European-style villa without leaving the U.S., this is your spot. Tucked away in Hyde Park, this restored mansion feels both grand and intimate.

Ideal for: Quiet luxury, intimate escapes, art and design lovers.

Explore booking options at the Commodore Perry Estate

---

Best Boutique Hotels

Austin does boutique better than most cities—each hotel tells a story, and these are some of the most captivating:

5. Hotel Saint Cecilia

Why it’s special: Named after the patron saint of music, this hotel feels like a rockstar’s retreat. Think deep blues, vintage turntables, and velvet drapes. Set in a lush enclave off South Congress, it’s private, stylish, and effortlessly cool.

Ideal for: Creatives, couples, design lovers.

Book your stay at Hotel Saint Cecilia

6. Hotel Van Zandt

Why it’s special: Located in the hip Rainey Street District, this boutique spot offers modern Texas charm with a musical soul. Live music in the lounge, local art, and a rooftop pool that rivals the best in the city.

Ideal for: Couples, solo travelers, music lovers.

Reserve your room at Hotel Van Zandt

7. The Carpenter Hotel

Why it’s special: An old union hall turned hotel? Only in Austin. With a minimalist-industrial aesthetic, this hotel near Zilker Park has a down-to-earth vibe, great food, and one of the city’s most loved coffee shops.

Ideal for: Creative travelers, eco-conscious guests, festivalgoers.

Check availability at The Carpenter Hotel

---

Best Budget Hotels

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or character in Austin.

8. Firehouse Hostel

Why it’s special: Hidden behind a bookshelf in a historic fire station, this downtown hostel is both affordable and fun. There’s a stylish speakeasy bar, clean dorms and private rooms, and it’s walking distance to all the action.

Ideal for: Backpackers, solo travelers, adventurous spirits.

Book your stay at Firehouse Hostel

9. East Austin Hostel

Why it’s special: Affordable stays meet East Austin’s edgy personality. This hostel offers shared spaces with local art, a communal kitchen, and frequent social events for guests.

Ideal for: Social travelers, digital nomads.

Reserve your spot at East Austin Hostel

10. Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Downtown

Why it’s special: Clean, consistent, and located in the heart of downtown. Breakfast is free, rooms are spacious, and you’ll find all the familiar comforts of the Hilton chain.

Ideal for: Families, business travelers on a budget.

Book your stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Downtown

11. Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown

Why it’s special: This one punches above its weight with modern amenities, a rooftop pool, and a great location for sightseeing.

Ideal for: Budget-conscious couples, families, and event-goers.

Check availability at Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown

---

Best Hotels for Business Travelers

Whether you’re attending SXSW, a tech summit, or meeting with clients, these hotels are optimized for productivity and comfort.

12. Hilton Austin

Why it’s special: Just steps from the Austin Convention Center, this Hilton has top-tier business amenities, a rooftop pool for post-meeting relaxation, and an executive lounge that means business.

Ideal for: Conference attendees, corporate travelers.

Book your stay at Hilton Austin

13. Fairmont Austin

(Also featured in Luxury section)
Its proximity to downtown offices and convention spaces, combined with five-star amenities, make it a strong contender for work trips.

Ideal for: Business travelers with a taste for luxury.

Reserve your room at Fairmont Austin

14. Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown

Why it’s special: A newer addition to Austin’s business hotel lineup, this Canopy offers a trendy aesthetic, work-friendly common areas, and a quiet vibe ideal for remote work.

Ideal for: Digital nomads, startup teams.

Check availability at Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown

---

Best Family-Friendly Hotels

Traveling with little ones or teens? These hotels offer the space, convenience, and amenities families need.

15. Hyatt Regency Austin

Why it’s special: Located on Lady Bird Lake with stunning views and walkable access to Zilker Park, this hotel has spacious rooms, a great pool, and kid-friendly dining.

Ideal for: Families who want a mix of nature and city.

Book your stay at Hyatt Regency Austin

16. Omni Austin Hotel Downtown

Why it’s special: Centrally located, this hotel features a glass elevator that kids love, a rooftop pool, and plenty of nearby attractions.

Ideal for: Families with older kids and teens.

Reserve your room at Omni Austin Hotel Downtown

17. Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress

Why it’s special: Every room is a suite (hello, separate bedrooms), and the complimentary breakfast and evening snacks are a hit with families.

Ideal for: Budget-conscious families who value space and comfort.

Book your stay at Embassy Suites Austin South Congress

---

Most Unique or Quirky Hotels

Austin prides itself on being weird—and some of its hotels take that motto to heart.

18. The Austin Motel

Why it’s special: A funky throwback to the ‘60s with neon signage, retro decor, and a kidney-shaped pool. Located smack in the middle of SoCo, this place is all about personality.

Ideal for: Quirky travelers, Instagrammers, old-school road trippers.

Book your stay at The Austin Motel

19. The Carpenter Hotel

(Also featured in Boutique section)
Its rustic-modern vibe, creative spaces, and proximity to Barton Springs give it that offbeat charm travelers love.

Ideal for: Alternative travelers, festival attendees.

Reserve your room at The Carpenter Hotel

20. Heywood Hotel

Why it’s special: A renovated bungalow in East Austin with only seven rooms, curated local art, and complimentary bikes to explore the city.

Ideal for: Couples, indie travelers, staycationers.

Check availability at Heywood Hotel

---

Where to Stay in Austin

Choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as picking the right hotel. Here’s a quick overview of Austin’s key areas:

Downtown

• Pros: Walkable, close to nightlife, great for events and conferences.
• Cons: Can be noisy, pricey parking.

Find downtown Austin hotels on Expedia

South Congress (SoCo)

• Pros: Artsy, great food and shopping, iconic Austin vibe.
• Cons: Trendy = pricey, limited public transit.

Browse SoCo hotels or boutique stays here

East Austin

• Pros: Edgy, full of murals, indie shops, and cool cafes.
• Cons: Not as walkable at night in some areas.

Book your stay in East Austin

Zilker/Barton Springs

• Pros: Close to nature, perfect for families and outdoor lovers.
• Cons: Requires a car or ride-share to get downtown.

Check out nearby hotels here

University Area (UT Austin)

• Pros: Budget-friendly, lively student energy.
• Cons: Less polished, limited hotel options.

---

Travel Tips for Booking Hotels in Austin

• Book Early, Especially During Events: SXSW, ACL, and Formula 1 race weekends cause hotel prices to skyrocket. If your trip aligns with any major festival or conference, book months in advance.
• Parking Isn’t Always Free: Many downtown hotels charge hefty daily parking fees. Consider whether you really need a rental car. Austin is walkable in many areas, and rideshares are widely available.
• Use Hotel Sites + Aggregators: Check both hotel websites and third-party platforms like Expedia. Often, booking direct comes with perks like free breakfast or upgrades.
• Read Recent Reviews: Hotel quality can change quickly. Always scan recent traveler feedback, especially if the hotel is under renovation or new management.

---

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or heading to Austin for the first time, finding the right hotel sets the tone for your entire trip. From five-star luxury to laid-back hostels, there’s a stay in Austin that fits your style and budget.

Personally, I never tire of the city’s unique blend of southern hospitality, indie creativity, and live-music buzz. And no matter where I stay whether it’s sipping cocktails at the Fairmont rooftop or grabbing tacos outside a budget hostel, Austin always delivers.

Got a favorite hotel in Austin that’s not on the list? Drop a comment below! I’d love to hear about your experience.

And hey, happy travels, y’all.