The Commodore Perry Estate is a 1928 mansion that was transformed into a luxury hotel.
Austin is booming—the culinary landscape now boasts seven one-star Michelin restaurants, and the live music scene is unmatched. Now, the hotel sector is buzzing with six properties making Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best List. Despite Austin’s rapid growth (the population hovers just under a million), it’s maintained the same small-town vibe that made me move here in 2013. With 30 million tourists visiting the Texas Capital every year, the hotel market is constantly expanding with options for every budget.
To avoid sitting in the notorious I-35 traffic jams that rival L.A., stay in the area you’ll be hanging out in the most. (Austin’s public transit consists mostly of buses and one train line that’s built only for commuters, so ride shares are the easiest way to get around.)
From South Congress to Barton Creek, keep reading for the best hotels in Austin, organized by neighborhood, from bougie to budget friendly. If you’re looking for things to do in Austin or where to eat in Austin, I’ve also written posts about both.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog.
Hotel List
Just want the list? Here’s a quick round down of the best hotels in Austin.
Four Seasons Austin: Booking.com// Expedia // website
Driskill Hotel: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Austin Proper Hotel: Booking.com // Expedia // website
South Congress Hotel: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Austin Motel: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Frances Modern Inn: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Commodore Perry Estate: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Archer Hotel Austin: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Lone Star Court: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Omni Barton Creek: Booking.com // Expedia // website
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Austin
Not sure where to stay? Here’s a quick breakdown of the Austin’s main neighborhoods.
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Downtown: Urban skyline, walkable, nightlife hubs
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South Congress: Hip boutiques, live music, eclectic restaurants
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East Austin: Artsy and laidback, food trucks, breweries and dive bars
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Domain: Modern shopping, tech, upscale suburban feel
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Hyde Park: Historic homes, tree-lined streets, quiet charm
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Barton Creek: Hill Country views, golf, luxury resorts, nature trails
Best Hotels in Downtown Austin
The Four Seasons Hotel Austin offers great views of the skyline and Lady Bird Lake. Photo courtesy of the Four Seasons.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Typical starting/peak prices: $650/$1300
Best for: Luxury Travelers, Couples, Business Travelers, Events, Families
On-site amenities: Saltwater outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants & bar, paid valet parking, event space, lake access, kids’ programs
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are free.
Book Now: Booking.com// Expedia // website
Unparalleled, direct access to Lake Bird Lake and the shoreside trails is the big draw for the Four Season’s Austin, a hidden refuge in the heart of the city. While the comfortable rooms and lavish amenities will make it hard to leave the property, the location is unbeatable for exploring downtown.
Take advantage of the hotel’s seasonal events and programming, ranging from an annual summer speakeasy pop-up to a winter ice rodeo. These events are open to non-guests making them a big draw for locals.
The Driskill Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rendering courtesy of Driskill Hotel.
Driskill Hotel
Typical starting/peak prices: $299/$648
Best for: History Buffs, Couples, Business Travelers, Events
On-site amenities: Historic property, restaurant, bar, fitness center, paid valet parking, event/ballroom spaces, pet amenities, concierge
Pet Friendly: Yes, pet fee $100 per stay.
Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Built in 1886, this 18,000-square-foot historic property was the state’s first luxury hotel—President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson had their first date in the dining room. (The Governor’s Suite was perpetually reserved for Johnson.) Located on Sixth St., the hotel is only blocks from the Capitol Building.
The property will celebrate its 140th anniversary in December 2026 and a full renovation set to complete in summer 2026. The hotel is open during the process with the fall 2025 debut of the 110 tower guest rooms, new ballroom, fitness center and three dining concepts, including a cocktail lounge named The Victorian.
The Peacock Mediterranean Grill at the Austin Proper Hotel. Photo courtesy of Austin Proper Hotel.
Austin Proper Hotel
Typical starting/peak prices: $360/$900
Best for: Luxury Travelers, Couples, Solo Travelers, Business Travelers
On-site amenities: Rooftop pool and bar, multiple restaurants, paid valet parking, fitness center, spa, event space, concierge
Pet Friendly: Yes, pet fee $100 per stay.
Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
This luxury hotel is nestled on the western side of downtown in the Seaholm district with great skyline views and a stunning rooftop pool. Each of the modern 238 rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows (with blackout drapes) and interiors selected by Kelly Wearstler to reflect the city’s Craftsman style, featuring local art and barefoot-friendly rugs. Fitness buffs will love the 2,000-square-foot gym, cold plunge and sauna. Four dining and bar options will keep you well-fed, from poolside breakfast tacos to Texas Wagyu beef tartare.
Best Hotels in South Congress
The rooftop pool at the locally-owned South Congress Hotel. Photo by Casey Dunn.
South Congress Hotel
Typical starting/peak prices: $192/$590
Best for: Couples, Foodies, Solo Travelers, Business Travelers
On-site amenities: Rooftop pool and pool bar, multiple restaurants (Japanese omakase, all-day café, chophouse, bake shop), paid parking (valet and self), fitness center, concierge, retail shops
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are free.
Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
If you want to stay in the heart of South Congress Avenue, there’s no better location with all shops and main attractions within walking distance and easy access to downtown. Families will love the larger suites with private balconies. All rooms have walk-in showers with rainfall shower heads, and locally-sourced mini bars, but the best rooms have rooftop pool views.
This locally-owned spot is a favorite hangout for Austinites thanks to six on-site dining and drink options, including Otoko (12-seat omakase restaurant), Café No Sé (all-day cafe serving up some one of the town’s best breakfasts) and the Watertrade cocktail bar.
One of Austin Motel’s funky rooms. Photo by Grant Pifer.
Austin Motel
Typical starting/peak prices: $193/$329
Best for: Couples, Solo Travelers, Budget Travelers, Pet Owners
On-site amenities: Outdoor pool, free parking, bar/lounge, bodega, complimentary coffee, lobby shop
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are free.
Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
The property’s 1938 neon sign with ever-changing quirky messages is an Austin icon, like the hotel itself—a retro motor court continuously operated since the sign was put up. The unique 1,100-square-foot kidney-shaped pool is a draw for locals who often take advantage of the daily pool passes. The funky rooms have big pops of color with midcentury-modern inspired furnishings and brightly patterned walls. Texans get a preferred rate when booking directly.
Best Hotels in East Austin
Frances Modern Inn’s medium rooms come with a Juliet balcony. Photo courtesy of France Modern Inn.
Frances Modern Inn
Typical starting/peak prices: $174/$454
Best for: Solo Travelers, Couples, Urban Explorers, Business Travelers
On-site amenities: Rooftop terrace, restaurant, free parking, lounge, concierge, complimentary coffee/tea in lobby, individually decorated rooms
Pet Friendly: No
Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
This 15-room boutique hotel is just steps from famed Franklin’s Barbecue. Named after the owner’s grandmother, the space features one-of-a-kind rooms with unique color palettes reminiscent of your grandmother’s house, including whimsical door knockers ranging from a pineapple to a blinking cat. The medium rooms feature Juliet-style balconies while the extra-large room is a two-story space with private entry and a clawfoot tub. Soak in the skyline views while sipping a cocktail on the rooftop.
Best Hotels in Hyde Park (Hancock)
The bathroom in the Mr. & Mrs. Perry Suite at the Commodore Perry Hotel.
Commodore Perry Estate
Typical starting/peak prices: Starting at $496 but vary greatly by room type.
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, wellness seekers
On-site amenities: Pool, 24-hour fitness center, wellness classes, ten acres of private gardens, historic chapel, complimentary guest bikes, valet parking, weekly live music
Pet Friendly: Yes, up to two pets under 60 lbs., $90 per night; includes amenities.
Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
A 1928 mansion is the centerpiece of the 10-acre estate featuring a newly built three-story inn, giant oak trees and sculptured English gardens. Named after the original owner, businessman Edgar “Commodore” Perry, the estate has 54 rooms and 11 suites that make you feel as if you’ve traveled to Europe minus the jetlag.
Each of the mansion’s five original rooms was designed by Ken Fulk. (Pink Floral patterns cover the walls and ceiling of my favorite room, the LaVerne Suite.) Fulk also designed the garden-themed interior of Lutie’s, the on-site dinner and weekend brunch restaurant. (I still dream of the estate bread with layered butter and pastry dishes.)
Best Hotels in The Domain (North Austin)
The photogenic lobby at Archer Hotel Austin. Photo courtesy of Archer Hotel Austin.
Archer Hotel Austin
Typical starting/peak prices: $188/$425
Best for: Couples, Business Travelers, Shoppers, Families
On-site amenities: Pool with free cabanas, paid parking, 24-hour fitness and business center
Pet Friendly: Yes, pet fee $75 per stay.
Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
With a chandelier-clad lobby and poolside fire pit, it’s no wonder this Domain hotel landed on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best List for the top five hotels in Austin. The “Texas chic” rooms feature floor-to-ceiling photo murals of iconic Texas scenes and five-star bedding with a mix of down pillows. Watch the UT game from the 14-foot TV while lounging in the Lone Star-inspired splash pool, while nibbling on a pizza. Or grab a cocktail during the “sunset hour” happy hour from the on-site AKB bar.
Lone Star Court
Typical starting/peak prices: $133/$409
Best for: Couples, Families, Business Travelers, Music Lovers
On-site amenities: Outdoor pool, live music, bar/restaurant, free parking, fire pit, deluxe rooms, SMEG refrigerators, wrap-around porches
Pet Friendly: Yes, pet fee $50 per stay.
Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
Tucked on four acres of North Austin, The Lone Star Court Hotel is nestled in the quieter side of the ever-expanding Domain, a shopping, entertainment and residential complex. The property resembles a modern retro-motor court with resort amenities, including fire pits, lawn games, a pool and complimentary bicycles.
The 123 rooms include classic Texas elements, such as sliding barn-style bathroom doors and cowhide director’s chairs and are situated on ranch-house-style breezeways lined with rocking chairs.
Best Hotels in Barton Creek (Hill Country)
The Omni Barton Creek offers Hill Country views only 10 miles from downtown. Photo courtesy of Omni Barton Creek.
Omni Barton Creek
Typical starting/peak prices: $273/$709
Best for: Families, Golfers, Spa Enthusiasts, Couples, Business Travelers
On-site amenities: Four golf courses, multiple pools (including adults-only), nine dining outlets, paid valet & free self-parking, spa, tennis courts, large fitness center, kid’s programs
Pet Friendly: Yes, pet fee $125 per stay.
Book Now: Booking.com // Expedia // website
This 4,000-acre Hill Country refuge always ranks as one of the best resorts in Texas because of the wide range of lavish amenities from four 18-hole golf courses to the Mokara Spa, a 13,000-square-foot sanctuary featuring a private heated infinity pool. There are four pools—including an adults-only infinity pool. For children, there are nature hiking trails, movie nights, splash pads family-friendly pools and programming.
Rooms range in size from 425 square feet to the 1,800-square-foot suites with a private oversized terrace. Located only 10 miles from downtown Austin, it’s easy to explore the city or visit from the city for a spa day. (Day passes are available for spa guests.)