Our Favorite Austin Hotels
Five-star Hotel: Four Seasons
• 4-ꞏ Four-star Hotel: JW Marriott
• 3-star Hotel: Austin Motel
• For families: A luxury hotel
• ‧ For Couples: Heywood
• Resort Amenities: Fairmont
• Near 6th Street: Driskill
• ā¢ 5-ā¢ Paddington Station: Hilton
Table of Contents
Best Areas to Stay in Austin
- The Austin Hotel & Neighborhood Map provides information about hotels and neighborhoods in Austin.
As the state capital of Texas, Austin is renowned as the Live Music Capital of the World with over 250 live music venues exhibiting styles like rock, blues, country and jazz nightly. Beyond the entertainment and nightlife, Austin has an outdoor emphasis with parks, river access, and many trails for hiking and cycling. It also has a foodie reputation for barbeque, tacos, Kolaches (breakfast pastry), frito pie, queso, and excellent food trucks.
The official nickname for Austin is “Violet Crown City,” which refers to a purplish glow that appears over the hills on winter evenings; the fun-loving and eclectic city’s unofficial motto is “Keep Austin Weird.”
Downtown Austin is renowned for its late-19th-century architectural landmarks, such as the Texas State Capitol (1888) and the Driskill Hotel (1886). One of the most popular activities during a visit is to head to Congress Avenue Bridge (known as bat bridge) at dusk to watch the bats fly out from beneath the bridge into the night sky.
The Colorado River flows through the center of Austin and into a body of water called Lady Bird Lake (which is not truly a lake, but rather a section of the river that has been enclosed by a dam). The area surrounding Lady Bird Lake is excellent for enjoying activities like kayaking, hiking, cycling, or taking a stroll through the Zilker Botanical Gardens. Cultural institutions to visit include the Bullock Texas State History Museum,Blanton Museum of Art,UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum,Harry Ransom Center, and LBJ Presidential Library. Austin is additionally home to the Museum of the Weird which showcases a variety of unusual objects and curiosities.
Austin has wonderful options for families like the Texas Toy Museum,Austin Nature & Science Center, the dinosaur display at Texas Memorial Museum,Zilker Park waterfalls at the Botanical Garden, and naturally watching the bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue bridge.
Austin has an incredible restaurant, bar, and beer scene. You’ll find 58 local craft breweries downtown Austin and the surrounding area. Some of the most popular breweries are the Brewtorium,Austin Beerworks,Blue Owl Brewing, and Zilker Brewing Co.
Austin is also a college city and home to the University of Texas at Austin as well as Saint Edward’s University and Huston-Tillotson University.
The top Austin neighborhoods for visitors include Downtown, South Congress (SOCO), Zilker, and East Austin.
Staying Downtown Austin provides the greatest convenience for visitors as it allows comfortable walking or brief Uber trips to all primary destinations. The core downtown sits along the Colorado River`s northern bank spanning the zone from Lamar Boulevard west to Interstate 35 east, and from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the University of Texas at Austin north to Lady Bird Lake.
Each approach carries benefits and drawbacks, and the best fit relies on personal priorities. Let`s examine the options further.
- 6th Street is the largest nightlife district and live-music hub of the city – a party-zone district filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. There are three sections of Sixth Street in Austin referenced by locals as West, East, and what locals refer to as Dirty Sixth; the original entertainment section of the street located between Congress Avenue and I-35.
- Rainey Street, in the southern region of downtown near the river, is where colorful historic homes converted into restaurants and bars can be found. This is seen as a party zone, and one of Austin’s trendiest areas.
- The 2nd Street District is renowned as downtown Austin’s shopping nucleus. The street also houses many of Austin’s downtown hotels and a suitable selection of eateries.
The East Austin district, located across the freeway from Downtown, is renowned for its artistic and eclectic atmosphere and is home to some of the best street murals in the city, art galleries, and food trucks.
South Congress Avenue (SOCO), located south of the Colorado River and stretching around 2 to 5 miles from downtown, is one of Austin’s trendiest neighborhoods renowned for its unique independent shops, galleries, and antique shops.
The Zilker neighborhood is located three miles south of Downtown, characterized by the massive Zilker Park with its green spaces and trails for walking and biking.
The page discusses some highly-regarded lodging facilities found in Austin, Texas. It notes that many superior hotels can be discovered throughout downtown, providing options to suit various budgets. Luxurious residences mentioned include the Four Seasons,Archer Hotel, and JW Marriott. Additionally, The Driskill is emphasized as Austin`s oldest hotel, established in 1886
The best times to visit Austin are September to November or March to May, when daytime temperatures average in the 70s and 80s. Texas summers can be intense as temperatures rise into the mid to high 90s with high humidity beginning in June and lasting through August.
Best Places to Stay in Austin
- Best Luxury Hotels in Austin
Four SeasonsThe DriskillFairmontJW Marriott - Best Boutique Hotels in Austin
Kimpton Van Zandt • Heywood • Archer • Carpenter - Best Cheap & Midrange Hotels in Austin
The primary lodging recommendations for Austin included the Aiden by Best Western,Austin Motel,Holiday Inn,Hotel Indigo, and Omni - Best Family Hotels in Austin
Four Seasons • South Congress Hotel - Best Hostels in Austin
Former fire station lodging • Hostel with nautical theme
Best Neighborhoods in Austin for…
- Best Neighborhood in Austin for a First Timer to Stay: Downtown
If it’s your initial time in Austin, Downtown is a superb choice as it’s a very center location. Downtown Austin is the heart of the city and you can easily walk to museums, the State Capital building, restaurants, and bars. Hotels tend to range from moderate to expensive. The Driskill hotel is located on 6th Street, in the heart of downtown and not only is it a historic landmark, it is also said the suites in the 1886 wing are haunted. - Best Neighborhood in Austin for Sightseeing: Central Business District
When it comes to enjoying the sights, Downtown Austin contains an abundance of historic landmarks such as the Texas State Capitol building, notable dining establishments, and many of the city’s primary attractions for visitors. Downtown positions you within walking distance of restaurants like Stubbs BBQ and eccentric shops along Congress Avenue. You’ll also find well-known venues like Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater as well as numerous others on both Rainey Street and 6th Street. Accommodations are an assortment of luxury hotels, boutique lodging, and some budget-friendly establishments - Best Areas in Austin for Nightlife: 6th Street, Rainey Street (Downtown)
6th street is the epicenter of Austin’s nightlife and where the majority of college kids flock to on the weekend. That said, Rainey Street is considered the hip place to hang out; here you’ll find rows of bungalow homes have been transformed into whiskey bars, beer gardens, outdoor patios. The Broken Spoke is one of Texas’ most classic dance halls, but you can find more honky-tonk dance clubs such as The White Horse,Giddy Up’s, and Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse. Austin has a lot of rooftop bars where you can enjoy craft cocktails and city views. Some of the more popular rooftop bars are Parkside,Azul at the Westin,P6, and The Upside. Established in 1866, Scholz Garten is Texas’ oldest bar, as well as the oldest operating biergarten in the whole country. - Best Austin Location for Food and Restaurants: Downtown
Texas barbecue is a must-try when visiting Austin. There are barbecue joints throughout the city with many located in the downtown region. Franklin’s (on 11th Street) is the most renowned and be prepared for lines wrapping around the block. The Rainey Street district houses some of the best ethnic eateries in the city - Preeminent neighborhood in Austin for families: Zilker
- Most romantic neighborhood in Austin: Throughout
- Best Neighborhood in Austin for Local Vibe: East Austin
- Best Areas in Austin for Shopping: 2nd Street, Congress, or Domain (Downtown)
Located downtown Austin, 2nd Street is the city’s most popular area for shopping. The 2nd Street District combines local retail, restaurants, and entertainment venues in a walkable layout near many central hotels. Both local shops and some chain stores can be found. Visit Toy Joy for special toys and novel items, the Austin General Store stocks upscale gifts and housewares along with clothing boutiques. Moreover, the zone has numerous restaurants; many with outdoor tables if dining after shopping is preferred. 2nd Street is calmer and less crowded than Congress and auto parking is easier. The Domain neighborhood lies about 15 minutes from downtown and contains over 100 upscale and mainstream retail stores plus eateries - Highly Recommended Restaurants in Austin
Some of the most popular places to enjoy a meal in Austin are scattered throughout the city. A few local favorites highly regarded by residents include Loro,DipDipDip Tatsu-ya,Comedor,Emmer & Rye,Kemuri Tatsu-ya,Clark’s Oyster Bar,Rosewood, and La Barbecue. For breakfast, head to Little Ola’s Biscuits where James Beard Award finalist Chef Michael Fojtasek is renowned for Southern cuisine including biscuit sandwiches and chicken fried steak. For a fine dining experience, consider Olamaie and their 16-ounce wagyu ribeye or Wink which is known for their exceptional wine list and their signature black truffle macaroni and cheese. Food trucks are worth seeking and Veracruz All Natural serves tacos that are highly recommended, The Peached Tortilla is praised for their Southern-Asian comfort food and Hainan chicken, and Patrizi’s food truck is reputed for having the freshest pasta in Austin. - Best Rooftop Bars
The city of Austin has numerous rooftop patios where craft cocktails and views of the city can be enjoyed. Some of the more popular rooftop bars are Parkside,Azul at the Westin,P6, and The Upside.Scholz Garten, which opened in 1886, is the oldest continually operating restaurant in Austin. It is a historic landmark renowned for beer, bratwurst, and bowling. - Safest Areas of Austin
Austin’s downtown, especially the tourist areas on 6th Street are safe as far as cities go. The west side is safer than the east, with Old Enfield, Rollingwood, and Hyde Park being Austin’s safest neighborhoods. Standard precautions apply at night, as they do in any city. - Unsafe Areas of Austin
Generally, Austin ensures safety. Minor crimes like theft are mostly a concern in tourist areas. But as with any city, several areas could warrant avoidance like Montopolis, Martin Luther King-Hwy 183, and Saint Johns. A homeless shelter downtown exists at 7th and Neches. Parts of downtown may seem rather seedy, especially at night for example East Congress. Panhandlers are likely around 2nd Street and other neighborhoods, as in any major city. After dark, wandering such areas could prove best avoided
For families visiting Austin, the Zilker neighborhood presents an excellent choice that is only a few miles south of downtown via Lamar Blvd. Zilker Park offers 350 acres of recreational green space with walking and cycling paths. Popular attractions for children include the three-acre Barton Springs pool, Taniguchi Japanese Garden at the Zilker Botanical Garden, along with other amenities. Zilker also features top-rated restaurants, food trucks, and live music venues. An assortment of activities can keep entire families engaged throughout their visit to the Zilker neighborhood
Austin has numerous Romantic hotels and the Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, located on 220 forested acres protecting native wildlife, is regarded as top accommodations. Miraval is an upscale all-inclusive wellness resort providing luxury amenities. Additional romantic options comprise Hotel Ella, a classicGreek-Revival mansion with surrounding porches, and The Fairview which is a historic home reinvented as a hotel just blocks from downtown amidst a tranquil neighborhood. There is nothing more romantic than savoring cocktails at sunset on the front porch rocking chairs of The Fairview. Austin`s SOCO district is a favored place for couples seeking the trendy side of Austin and an enchanting night on the town. III Forks is one of Austin`s most romantic locales. Choose a seat at the piano bar and indulge some of the city`s finest steaks and seafood. Eddie V’s,Siena Ristorante Toscana,Jeffrey’s,Olamaie,Juniper,Péché, and Blue Dahlia Bistro all offer an ambiance of romance and exquisite cuisine. Azul Rooftop Pool Bar + Lounge, located on the 20th floor of The Westin Austin Downtown contains the highest rooftop bar in the city and has the finest perspectives of the downtown skyline. A genuinely romantic place to enjoy a cocktail is the historical oak Cedar Tavern bar. Later, visit their speakeasy-style room with a two-way mirror and concealed entrance. For an outdoor romantic experience, take a stroll in Zilker Park and admire the gardens, streams, waterfalls, ponds and Botanical Gardens.
The East Side is known for its creative and unique atmosphere. The boundaries of East Austin include IH-35, Lady Bird Lake, Manor Road, and Springdale Road. Some of Austin’s best happy hours, food trucks, taco shops, and restaurants are located here. East Austin is home to some of the best urban art in the city; on walls, wrapped around telephone poles, abandoned houses, sidewalks, and on electrical boxes. There are numerous galleries and East Austin is the location of the largest art event in the city called EAST (happens each November). East Austin is where you’ll find the famous Franklin Barbecue as well as numerous other barbecue restaurants including favorites such as La Barbecue and Mickelthwait. For vegan and vegetarian options check out Counter Culture,Vegan Nom, and Veracruz All Natural.Via 313 is the spot on the East Side for Detroit-style pizza and try Cisco’s for authentic Tex-Mex. East Austin’s craft beer setting is impressive and home to Zilker Brewing and Hops & Grain. Another must, is the White Horse for a Texas honky tonk live music experience.
The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Austin for Tourists
1. Central Downtown
Central Downtown Austin provides an ideal place for visitors experiencing the city for the first time. The most popular attraction is the Texas State Capital, which is freely accessible to the public daily with complimentary guided excursions. The 6th Street Historic District is a must for patrons seeking nightlife and live musical entertainment, and there are multiple additional attractions easily reachable on foot from downtown like The Contemporary Austin,Blanton Museum of Art,The Bullock Texas State History Museum,Willie Nelson monument, and the Harry Ransom Center. From downtown it is a short amble to the river, where a renowned activity is viewing the bats fly under Congress Avenue at sunset on a boat tour. The guided Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Sightseeing bus hits all the highlights for a magnificent perspective of Austin. Downtown restaurant selections are boundless. Some of the most cherished are Wu Chow for soup dumplings, and Comedor for modern Mexican fare. There is a stellar Secret Food Tour with Viator that avoids tourist traps, focusing on the finest restaurants downtown. There are ample choices for lodging downtown, but the most iconic is the Driskill hotel. Constructed in 1886, it is Austin’s oldest hotel reputed as the city’s most haunted hotel.
- Top Hotels: InterContinental Stephen F. Austin • Driskill
- Best mid-range hotel: Hilton Garden Inn
2. 2nd Street District
The 2nd Street District is known as the shopping hub of downtown Austin and houses city hall. Many locally owned shops call this area home, such as Luxe Apothetique for women`s fashion, League of Rebels for tailored menswear, Austin Rocks for music-inspired attire, and Austin General Store for all things relating to “Austin”. This part of downtown is near attractions and entertainment including the Austin City Limits concert venue. Austin`s 6th Street entertainment district is a 12-minute walk and Lady Bird Lake, a popular place for walking and biking routes, is a 5-minute walk. There are also numerous excellent dining options near 2nd Street, such as the award-winning La Condesa for fine Mexican cuisine, Taverna for pizza, III Forks for fine dining, and Lamberts for slowly smoked barbecue, to name just a few. The street is also home to many of Austin`s downtown hotels. The W Austin is by far the trendiest hotel in this part of Downtown.
- Top Hotels: Four Seasons,JW Marriott,Austin Proper,W Austin, and The Line
3. Rainey Street
While 6th Street has gained widespread renown as a prime party enclave, Rainey Street is deemed the trendy place to congregate. Rainey street comprises Craftsman-style homes from the 1930s that have transformed into whiskey bars, beer gardens, outdoor terraces, and some of the highest rated ethnic restaurants in town. Emmer & Rye consistently takes the prize as one of Austin`s finest eateries, serving excellent dim sum. Head to G’raj Mahal for Indian cuisine, Anthem for Southeast Asian fusion like miso mac and cheese spheres, and Via 313 food truck for outstanding Detroit-style pizza with a thick yet crisp crust. The Container Bar originated from shipping containers in one of the liveliest courtyards on Rainey. Craft Pride purveys most local craft beers fabricated in Austin and is renowned for their happy hour. If seeking something a touch swankier, the poolside bar at Hotel Van Zandt offers superb cocktails and a beautiful city vista. Only a handful of lodgings exist in the neighborhood, but one of the best options remains the Fairmont if aiming to be near this trendy nightlife locale.
- Top Hotels: Fairmont – Kimpton Van Zandt
- Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel: Holiday Inn Town Lake
4. South Congress (SOCO)
SOCO is one of Austin’s trendiest neighborhoods and filled with quirky shops, great restaurants, and a local vibe. It’s located south of the Colorado River and approximately 2 to 5 miles from downtown. The stretch of South Congress Avenue from Riverside Drive to Oltorf Street has the most pedestrian-friendly section and contains the largest focus of restaurants, exceptional self-governing shops, galleries, antique shops, and amusement venues. The neighborhood is home to one of Austin’s most well-known nightlife destinations; the fabled Continental Club. There are many dining establishments to choose from in SOCO. Two particularly buzzworthy restaurants to visit are Perla’s for their fresh oysters and Güero’s Taco Bar for Tex-Mex. The area is also where you can find one of the best perspectives of the Texas State Capitol and a notably good place to watch the sunset. South Congress has some great family hotels as well as upscale boutique hotels.
- The hotels ” South Congress Hotel” , ” Hotel San Jose” , and ” Hotel Saint Cecilia” are among the best in the region
- Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel: Austin Motel
5. East Austin
This area is best if you enjoy a hipster vibe, love art or prefer a more genuine local experience. East Austin is where you`ll find the globally renowned Franklin Barbecue. Check out the Milonga Room and Buenos Aires Cafe; known for their steak and tapas upstairs and a secret bar downstairs. For traditional Southern comfort food like fried chicken and shrimp and grits head to Colleen’s Kitchen. The neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s most intriguing museums. In an 1841 building is the French Legation Museum that houses documents from the Republic of Texas era. The George Washington Carver Museum Cultural and Genealogy Center offers a notable collection focused on African-American history and culture. East Austin is home to the Tejano Walking Trail; a self-guided tour of over 20 culturally significant Hispanic sites along East Cesar Chavez. This community is also home to the Austin Bouldering Project which is the biggest bouldering gym in the world.
- Top Hotel: Heywood • East Austin Hotel
6. Domain Northside
The Domain neighborhood is situated in North Austin and serves as the center of the city’s technology corridor. It’s renowned for its specialty shops, dining alternatives, and proximity to the Rock Rose nightlife district. The Domain Northside district is approximately a 15-minute drive from Downtown.
The Domain shopping center contains a hundred upscale and mainstream retail stores and eateries like small specialty shops, chain retailers also as high-end outlets for example David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Neiman Marcus. In the Domain shopping area there are four hotels on site; Westin at The Domain,Lone Star Court,The Archer, and Aloft. The most family-friendly of these is Lone Star Court with amenities for example a swimming pool, outdoor fireplaces, and a exercise room
- Highly Rated Hotels: Archer – The Westin at The Domain – Aloft at The Domain – Lone Star Court
7. Zilker
The Zilker neighborhood is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s located just south of downtown Austin, allowing for convenient trips to local attractions. The expansive 350-acre Zilker Park offers opportunities to spend time in the Texas sunshine. The park serves as a nice spot for a picnic or kite flying. The lake rents canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. On warm days, visiting the Barton Springs Pool provides a refreshing swim. Also nearby is the Zilker Botanical Gardens. A fun activity for families involves the relaxing 25-minute Zilker Zephyr train ride through scenic areas of the park. Beyond the park activities, the Zilker neighborhood features a suitable selection of eateries and food trucks. Nearby hotels include The Guild Lamar Union for those preferring ultra-modern apartment-style accommodations. Another good choice is the Carpenter hotel, conveniently located a short walk from Zilker Park and the train station. Both hotels provide an onsite pool.
- Best Hotel: The Carpenter
