Best boutique hotels in Austin

Austin, Texas, known for its live music scene, vibrant arts culture, and stunning outdoor spaces, is a city full of energy and creativity. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets, enjoying the food scene, or catching live music, Austin offers something for everyone. Boutique hotels in Austin provide a personalized and luxurious stay, often reflecting the city’s eclectic and creative spirit. This guide explores some of the best boutique hotels in Austin, ensuring your visit is unforgettable.

Why Choose Boutique Hotels in Austin?

Boutique hotels in Austin stand out for their unique designs, personalized services, and cozy atmospheres. These hotels often incorporate local art, music, and culture into their aesthetic, offering a truly authentic Austin experience. Whether you’re looking for a modern, minimalist hotel or a vintage-inspired retreat, Austin’s boutique hotels have something special to offer.

Heywood Hotel Austin

Address: 1609 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702, United States
Price from: $280 per night
Number of rooms: 7

Heywood Hotel Austin is a boutique hotel located in the vibrant East Austin neighborhood, known for its modern design and personalized service. Each room features contemporary furnishings, free Wi-Fi, streaming TV services, a minibar, and a refrigerator. Guests can also enjoy complimentary locally roasted coffee in the lobby and free bicycle rentals until 7 PM.

Guest reviews: Guests frequently praise the hotel’s excellent location, cleanliness, and the friendly, helpful staff. The cozy atmosphere and thoughtful amenities, like the community coffee/tea bar and cozy blankets for the patio, are often highlighted. Many appreciate the hotel’s proximity to popular Austin attractions, including the pubs and entertainment on 6th Street and the University of Texas at Austin​.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Address: 112 Academy Drive, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Price from: $800 per night
Number of rooms: 14

Hotel Saint Cecilia is a luxurious boutique hotel located just off South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. The property is known for its elegant design and serene atmosphere, making it feel like a peaceful oasis within the city. Each room features modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with high-quality toiletries. The hotel also offers a variety of unique touches, including the ability to borrow vinyl records to play in your room.

Guest reviews: Guests frequently praise the hotel for its excellent location, friendly and helpful staff, and beautifully designed rooms. The property is described as charming and luxurious, with a unique and calming atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the spacious and comfortable rooms, as well as the well-maintained swimming pool and garden area. The hotel’s location provides easy access to nearby shops and restaurants, while still offering a secluded and tranquil setting​.

South Congress Hotel

Address: 1603 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Price from: $400 per night
Number of rooms: 83

South Congress Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located in the vibrant South Congress neighborhood of Austin, known for its eclectic shops, restaurants, and bars. The hotel features modern, clean designs and a variety of amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and three on-site restaurants: Café No Sé, Maie Day, and Otoko. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with high-quality toiletries.

Guest reviews: Guests frequently praise the hotel’s excellent location, allowing easy walking access to various local attractions. The decor and design of the hotel, described as chic and modern, are often highlighted as well. Guests also appreciate the helpful and friendly staff, the variety of on-site dining options, and the overall ambiance of the hotel. The rooftop pool is a popular feature for relaxation and enjoying the view​.

Hotel Ella

Address: 1900 Rio Grande Street, Austin, TX 78705, United States
Price from: $300 per night
Number of rooms: 47

Hotel Ella is an elegant boutique hotel located in a historic mansion near the University of Texas at Austin. The hotel offers stylishly decorated rooms equipped with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms with high-quality toiletries. Guests can enjoy dining at Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar, which serves global cuisine with a seasonal menu. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and meeting facilities.

Guest reviews: Guests frequently praise the hotel’s elegant decor, friendly staff, and convenient location. Many highlight the beautiful property and the relaxing atmosphere of the pool area​.

The Driskill

Address: 604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Price from: $450 per night
Number of rooms: 189

The Driskill is a historic and luxurious hotel located in the heart of Austin. As part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, this landmark hotel combines old-world charm with modern amenities. The Driskill features elegantly decorated rooms with high ceilings, marble bathrooms, and vintage furnishings. Each room is equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee makers.

Amenities: The hotel offers a variety of facilities including a fitness center, two on-site restaurants (1886 Cafe & Bakery and Driskill Grill), a bar, and valet parking. The property also hosts evening entertainment, making it a lively choice for travelers.

Guest reviews: Guests often praise The Driskill for its excellent location, friendly staff, and historic charm. The on-site dining options are frequently highlighted, with many guests enjoying the ambiance and quality of the food. The hotel’s central location makes it convenient for exploring Austin’s main attractions​.

Lone Star Court

Address: 10901 Domain Drive, Austin, TX 78758, United States
Price from: $280 per night
Number of rooms: 123

Lone Star Court, by Valencia Hotel Collection, is a retro-inspired boutique hotel located in Austin’s Domain area. The hotel offers unique and stylish accommodations with amenities like flat-screen satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, and patios in each room. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, rent bicycles for free, and dine at the on-site restaurant and bar, The Water Trough.

Guest reviews: Guests frequently praise the hotel’s charming decor, friendly staff, and excellent location near The Domain’s shopping and dining options. The outdoor spaces, including fire pits and a courtyard, are particularly appreciated for their ambiance. Many reviews highlight the peaceful environment and unique experience compared to typical hotels.

Carpenter Hotel

Address: 400 Josephine Street, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Price from: $250 per night
Number of rooms: 93

The Carpenter Hotel is a stylish and modern hotel situated near Shoal Beach in Austin. The hotel offers rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies. Guests can enjoy amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, two on-site restaurants, a bar, and a terrace. The hotel also provides private parking and has a 24-hour front desk to assist guests.

Guest reviews: Guests often praise the hotel for its excellent location, friendly staff, and modern facilities. The outdoor spaces, including the pool and terrace, are popular features. Many guests highlight the comfortable rooms and the hotel’s unique, contemporary design. The proximity to local attractions like the Austin Convention Center and Capitol Building is also appreciated​.

Frame Hotel – Treehouse

Address: 110 The Cir, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Price from: $300 per night
Number of rooms: 7
Description: Frame Hotel – Treehouse offers a sleek, contemporary stay in South Austin with a focus on minimalist design and sustainability. The hotel features light-filled rooms, a serene courtyard, and a communal kitchen, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Guest Reviews: Guests appreciate the modern design, the peaceful setting, and the self-service kitchen. The quiet, adults-only environment makes it a perfect retreat for couples​

Hotel San José

Address: 1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Price from: $250 per night
Number of rooms: 40
Description: Hotel San José is a trendy boutique hotel located on South Congress Avenue. The hotel features minimalist decor with a Texan twist, an outdoor pool, and a courtyard bar. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Austin.
Guest Reviews: Visitors love the hotel’s stylish design, the lively atmosphere, and the prime location. The outdoor pool and the courtyard are also favorite features​

Exploring Austin

Top Attractions

Austin is known for its live music, outdoor activities, and cultural landmarks. Some must-visit spots include:

• Zilker Park: A large urban park with trails, picnic areas, and Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool.
• The Texas State Capitol: A historic building offering free guided tours and beautiful grounds.
• South Congress Avenue: A vibrant street filled with shops, restaurants, and live music venues.
• The Blanton Museum of Art: A premier art museum on the University of Texas campus.

Dining in Austin

Austin’s food scene is diverse, offering everything from barbecue to gourmet cuisine. Be sure to try:

• Franklin Barbecue: Famous for its brisket, often considered the best in the country.
• Uchi: A high-end Japanese restaurant offering sushi and creative dishes.
• Torchy’s Tacos: A local favorite for unique and flavorful tacos.
• Eberly: A chic spot known for its American fare and beautiful interiors.

Best Time to Visit

Austin is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and many festivals take place, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits.

Tips for Travelers

• Getting Around: Austin’s public transportation is limited, so renting a car or using ride-sharing services is recommended.
• Live Music: Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, so be sure to catch a show at venues like the Continental Club or Antone’s.
• Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of Austin’s many parks and outdoor spaces, including Lady Bird Lake for kayaking and paddleboarding.

For more information, check out our other travel guides and tips.