Downtown Austin is typically defined as the area where most of the city’s high-rise buildings are located and where most of the business and government offices are too. When I have visited Austin in the past, I’ve found that this is a great place to be regardless if you are here for fun with friends, sightseeing with a partner, or in town for a work event. There are numerous districts or neighborhoods that comprise downtown Austin, but as long as you are in the general vicinity, you’ll have an easy time getting around without having to deal with long commutes in this highly walkable part of town.
Here are some of the best downtown Austin hotels to choose from for your trip.
Hotel Van Zandt
For a boutique hotel experience, you can stay downtown at Hotel Van Zandt. This hotel is in the heart of the Rainey Street District of downtown and has an authentically Austin, laid-back vibe. All of the rooms here come with mini-bars, refrigerators, plush robes, and luxury bath amenities. In-room spa services are available, as well as room service for dining. Geraldine’s is an on-site restaurant with jazz brunches, songwriter showcases, and a fresh-ingredient menu. You’ll also love the pool deck with poolside cocktails and seasonal bites. There are packages that you can book here that include breakfast, valet parking, and other perks.
Key Amenities:
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Restaurant with live music
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In-room spa services available
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Poolside food and cocktails
The LINE Austin
The LINE is in an Austin location where downtown meets Lady Bird Lake. This hotel is in the building that was once a jazz club that broadcast live on the radio. The hotel is the home of a lakeside restaurant of a Top Chef winner (Kristen Kish, who runs the Arlo Grey restaurant on-site) and in a diverse and walkable location with a mix of everything. Guests enjoy the view of the lake from the P6 lounge, tacos from Veracruz All Natural, and margaritas from the poolside walk-up window. There’s a saltwater infinity pool, yoga classes, in-room spa services, tarot readings in a yurt, a gym with lake views, and free bikes and stand-up paddleboards to use.
Key Amenities:
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Lakeside restaurant and taco shop
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Infinity pool with walkup windows for cocktails
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In-room spa services and yoga classes
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
Located on 8th Street in Austin, Omni Austin Hotel Downtown recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation and is just a few blocks from the nightlife and live music districts. The hotel’s rooms feature contemporary Texas décor, plush robes, mini-fridges, and workstations, and some rooms are pet-friendly. There is a premier floor lounge that requires an exclusive key card and extra amenities, including hot breakfasts, evening hors d’oeuvres and alcoholic drinks, and snacks throughout the day. Capital A is an on-site restaurant with communal tables and a private dining room. The Omni also has a rooftop pool with city views, a gym, and in-room fitness kits.
Key Amenities:
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On-site restaurant with communal and private dining
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Rooftop pool
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In-room fitness kits
Hotel Ella
Located just minutes from the State Capitol building, Hotel Ella is an Austin hotel that offers a boutique experience. It is four miles from downtown Austin. It was originally a dormitory, sorority house, and rehabilitation center, but today, guests can stay in the rooms of the original mansion or the additional wing with more rooms. Guests can enjoy drinks at the Parlor Bar, which has happy hour daily from 4 pm to 7 pm. Goodall’s is an on-site restaurant that takes a modern approach to classic southern dishes to serve brunch and dinner. There are events held at the hotel, too, including elegant afternoon tea sessions and pool parties.
Key Amenities:
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Hotel bar with daily happy hour
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Modern Southern cuisine restaurant
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Pool parties and afternoon tea events
Kimber Modern Boutique Hotel
The Kimber Modern is near downtown Austin and a sophisticated place to stay for your trip. This design hotel features art and architecture influences in the guest rooms and common area, which is the hub of the hotel and an inviting place with unique furniture and a kitchen area. The hotel’s multi-level courtyard has a 25-foot glass water feature and lounge areas. Meanwhile, the guest rooms offer lots of amenities, including robes, refrigerators, reading chairs, TVs, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Key Amenities:
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Inviting common spaces in the hotel
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Rooms with refrigerators and robes
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Unique artwork throughout the hotel
Hotel San Jose
Located on South Congress Avenue and a few blocks south of where the river runs through downtown, Hotel San Hose is a highly-rated Austin hotel. It has a lovely courtyard to spend time outdoors and unique community events, such as lounge sessions and concerts. There’s a shop on site to browse, a pool to take a dip, and curated mini-bars in the rooms. The restaurant offers all-day dining, a happy hour menu, and room service. Jo’s is a coffee shop in the hotel’s parking lot that offers food, coffee, beer, and community events.
Key Amenities:
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Courtyard with outdoor dining
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Coffeeshop in the parking lot
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Live music and other events
Moxy Austin – University
The Moxy Austin is located near UT Austin and not far from downtown. It is a boutique hotel with a creative vibe. There’s a fun bar, an all-day taco counter, and pet-friendly rooms. You’ll be right across the street from the university campus here and enjoy playing the on-site games, such as giant Jenga, shuffleboard, and Pac-Man. On the weekends, you can listen to the live DJ from 9 pm to 1 am.
Key Amenities:
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24/7 taco counter
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Live DJ on weekend nights
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Games like Pac-Man and giant Jenga
East Austin Hotel
Just five blocks from downtown Austin, the East Austin Hotel is a locally owned and operated boutique hotel. It has 75 mid-century, Scandinavian-inspired rooms ranging from budget-friendly options with shared bathrooms to poolside suites. Second Bar + Kitchen serves seasonal and local food, while the rooftop bar and pool bar are the place to go for tropical and classic cocktails. Check the hotel’s events calendar to see what’s coming up, such as pool parties and happy hour specials.
Key Amenities:
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Room options to fit different budgets and styles
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Pool bar and rooftop bar
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Events with parties and specials
Hilton Austin
Another option is to stay in the heart of downtown at the Hilton Austin, which is linked to the Austin Convention Center. This hotel has a rooftop pool that overlooks the city, a Topgolf Swing Suite, and an F45 training studio. It’s easy to access nightlife, dining and entertainment on Sixth Street from here. For dining and drinks, there is a taco and craft cocktail restaurant, biergarten and bourbon bar, Starbucks, and poolside drinks at the rooftop bar.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop pool with cocktails
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Topgolf swing suite
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Taco restaurant
Hyatt House Austin Downtown
The Hyatt House Austin Downtown is a downtown hotel that caters to extended-stay guests. It is near Sixth Street and has an outdoor pool, free daily breakfasts, and spacious rooms. The hotel has pet-friendly rooms and also a 24/7 fitness center, meeting facilities, and business services. H Bar is located at the hotel and is a good place to grab a drink or bite to eat.
Key Amenities:
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Suites with full kitchens
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Outdoor pool and 24/7 fitness center
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Restaurant with a bar on site
The Westin Downtown Austin
Here’s a downtown Austin hotel with a vibrant lobby and signature restaurant with an open kitchen and outdoor seating. At The Westin Downtown Austin, there is a rooftop lounge where you can enjoy cocktails by the fire pits. The Azul Rooftop is 20 floors up and has a lively daytime pool scene with cabanas. Stella San Jac, the restaurant, is open all day and has a full bar. The Westin has a modern gym with a Peloton bike. Pet-friendly rooms are available here, as well as dog amenities like bowls, beds, and treats.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop pool with cabanas
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All-day restaurant and 24-hour gym
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Pet-friendly rooms with dog amenities
Hotel Saint Cecilia
For a historic and inspiring stay near downtown, consider booking accommodation at the Hotel Saint Cecilia. This hotel has a lounge serving handcrafted cocktails and food. It is a dog-friendly hotel on a secluded hideaway property and has five suites, six poolside bungalows, six garden suites, and three studios. Take a swim in the 50-foot, heated lap pool that is open 24/7 to guests. Also, check out the vintage music lending library.
Key Amenities:
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50-foot, heated lap pool
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Vintage record library
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Dog-friendly accommodations
Hotel ZaZa Austin
The Hotel ZaZa is another popular and trendy place to stay in Austin. It is surrounded by restaurants and entertainment, right where you want to be. There are two full-service restaurants and two lounges to try here, as well as a pool bar. The cabana bar is on the seventh floor and offers bottle service, cocktails by the pitcher or glass, and a covered terrace area with sofas and loungers. This is a pet-friendly hotel that also has a full-service spa, fitness center, and room service.
Key Amenities:
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Pool with cabana bar and sofas
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Two restaurants and two lounges
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Full-service spa with various treatments
The Driskill
The Driskill is a downtown Austin hotel on the corner of Sixth Street and Brazos Street. It is a historic and luxurious hotel with spacious guest rooms, as well as luxury suites. There are three restaurant and bar options. The Driskill Bar typically offers live music every night, and there is a café and bakery that serves a great brunch. At the Driskill, you can add some elegance to your day with afternoon tea or hear stories about the artwork you see with an art tour audio guide.
Key Amenities:
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Live music in the hotel bar
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Afternoon tea and art audio tours
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Add-on amenity options like champagne and strawberries
