Whether you’re planning to visit Austin for the music, the food, the outdoor activities, or the welcoming hospitality of Austinites, Texas’ capital has a superb range of accommodation options to choose from. Hotels here are as diverse and warmhearted as the city itself. From luxury high-rise properties with sweeping city views in downtown to charming boutique accommodations in hip neighborhoods like East Austin or South Congress, there’s something to suit all. Airbnbs in Austin include some of the best in the state and offer groups space and the comforts of a home. But if you’d prefer the amenities and service of a hotel, here are the top Austin hotels ranked exceptional for service, location, amenities, and character.
Photo: Expedia
These Exceptional Hotels in Austin Showcase the Finest Southern Hospitality in Texas
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What is the best area to stay in Austin?
For first-time visitors who want to be at the heart of it all, downtown is one of the best areas. It’s the epicenter of the city’s vibrant culture and bustling activity, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions within walking distance. Landmarks like the Texas State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake are located here. Plus, it’s home to many popular events like SXSW and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
What is a good time of year to go to Austin?
From March to May and September to October, the weather in Austin is generally pleasant, and the city hosts a number of lively festivals. The temperatures during these periods are comfortable for outdoor activities, averaging between 70°F to 85°F.
March brings the popular South by Southwest (SXSW) festival and in October, the city hosts the Austin City Limits Music Festival, another significant event in the music world.
However, it’s worth noting that these peak times also mean higher prices for accommodations and potentially larger crowds. If you prefer a slower pace, late fall and early spring are also great times to visit with mild temperatures and less tourist traffic.
Taking a trip to Texas? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay across the Lone Star State:
- The best Texas Airbnbs to experience Lone Star culture
- The best Dallas Airbnbs, from a Deep Ellum warehouse to a family ranch
- 9 San Antonio Airbnbs within walking distance of the riverwalk
- The 9 most exciting boutique hotels in Dallas
- These 9 luxurious Houston Airbnbs are the best in the heart of the city
Austin Proper Hotel
Austin Proper Hotel, situated in the middle of the action of downtown’s Second Street District, is a luxury boutique hotel known for its world-class services and amenities. It’s just steps away from Lady Bird Lake (and its trails), Zilker Park, and the University of Texas campus, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers. For exploring downtown Austin, its location couldn’t be better.
The hotel’s architecture and bohemian decor, designed by Kelly Wearstler, is a fresh, colourful mix of natural materials (from nearby woods and quarries), local artwork and rich fabrics. The property offers 244 rooms and suites, along with 99 branded condominium residences. This selection caters to different guest needs, from solo travelers to large families.
The hotel places a strong emphasis on wellness, with an excellent spa, swimming pool and fitness center with a yoga studio. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a massage or keep up with your workout routine, Austin Proper Hotel has got you covered.
Austin Proper Hotel : 600 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX, 78701
Price per night: $282
ARRIVE East Austin
Situated right on Austin’s most bustling street, Sixth, ARRIVE East Austin serves as an integral part of the vibrant and eclectic East Austin neighborhood. A plethora of restaurants, bars, galleries, and boutiques are just a stone’s throw away, while the downtown area is less than a mile’s distance.
The hotel’s restaurant Vixen’s Wedding is exceptional, serving an eclectic menu of Goan- and Portuguese dishes. It serves dinner only. Due to its popularity, it’s worth booking in advance and don’t skip on Wagyu Goan green curry. After dining, you can head up to the rooftop gin bar (with a long list of gins from around the world) and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
A standout feature is the business’ commitment to integrating into the local community. Instead of a traditional hotel lobby, you check in at the hip and welcoming coffee shop and there’s a host of neighborhood events and partnerships with local businesses.
ARRIVE East Austin : 1813 E 6th St, Austin, TX, 78702
Price per night: $259
W Austin
The W are not only great at service; the brand is fantastic at celebrating the culture of each location. Throughout the property there are nods to Austin’s creative collective with photographs of famous Austinites and cool artwork. The business is also famously pet friendly.
Situated in the heart of the “Live Music Capital of the World” on Willie Nelson Boulevard the hotel is next to Austin City Limits recording studio. The Second Street District location is extremely walkable and is a stroll (or short taxi drive) from some of the city’s best live music venues. But you don’t need to leave the W to enjoy entertainment. The hotel is part of Austin’s entertainment scene offering a calendar of DJ sets and pool parties. On that note, the outdoor swimming pool is the place to be seen. It’s surrounded by private cabanas and day beds where you can order small bites and drinks.
W Austin : 200 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX, 78701
Price per night: $239
JW Marriott Austin
This is the largest JW Marriott hotel in the Americas and is conveniently on Congress Avenue, providing easy access to everything to want to do (and where you want to eat and drink) in Austin. In the past it has been voted not only the city’s top hotel, but best in Texas.
Rates vary hugely depending on the type of accommodation and time of year, but due to its 1,012 rooms (and of course brand alliance deals), you can often find a decent price per night. With that you get guaranteed five-star service, rooms with a soothing decor, spacious bathrooms (with Aromatherapy Associates toiletries), and all the amenities (including access to the Edge rooftop infinity pool) we’ve come to love from the brand.
JW Marriott Austin : 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX, 78701
Price per night: $231
The Driskill
If you’re looking for something a little more historic, look no further than The Driskill. The hotel is situated on the corner of Sixth Street and Brazos Street in downtown Austin and has been a landmark of Texas luxury and hospitality since 1886. While the five-star has recently been restored and redecorated, the interior retains original features throughout. It’s an extremely popular place for important birthdays and weddings, and the restaurant and bar are first-class offering one of the city’s most upscale dining experiences. The hotel also has a reputation for being haunted. Ask any staff member, and they’ll likely share a spooky tale or two.
The Driskill : 604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701
Price per night: $188
Hotel Van Zandt
This chic boutique Kimpton hotel is in the hub of entertainment in the Rainey Street District. The happening area is packed with microbreweries, bungalow bars serving thoughtfully-crafted cocktails, and some of Austin’s better food trucks. There’s never a dull moment in this part of town, especially when it comes to live music. The hotel integrates this with musical touches throughout its design and its name in honor of country music legend Townes Van Zandt. One of the major draws is the rooftop terrace, pool and bar, offering stunning views of the Austin skyline. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing or meetings.
Hotel Van Zandt : 605 Davis Street, Austin, TX, 78701
Price per night: $182
Fairmont Austin
On the doorstep of the Austin Convention Center, the location of the Fairmont is hard to beat — as is the variety of nightly rates and the on-site dining options. The decor is classic without dropping the ball on modern conveniences. Towering 37 stories high, it features 1,048 richly appointed guest rooms and suites that provide picturesque vistas of Lady Bird Lake, an awe-inspiring cityscape, and the State Capitol. Views can also be enjoyed from the seasonally heated pool on the 7th floor terrace and it’s home to downtown’s largest spa. 
Fairmont Austin : 101 Red River St, Austin, TX, 78701
Price per night: $163