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The Best Hotels to Book Near the Circuit of the Americas, Texas

Austin may look like a typical American city, but theres plenty of Texan charm to ensure you wont want to leave
Austin may look like a typical American city, but there's plenty of Texan charm to ensure you won't want to leave | © Mitchell Kmetz / Unsplash

Motor racing and music are the words of the day (and night) at the Circuit of the Americas – book a hotel with Culture Trip and get ready for a fun weekend at the most awesome amphitheater in Austin.

There are many reasons to visit Austin, but the major draw is live entertainment. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) hosts the biggies, from the American Grand Prix in Formula 1 and COTA Karting to internationally recognised artists spanning all genres. As the largest permanent outdoor amphitheatre in Central Texas, COTA is on the edge of the city – a 25-minute drive from downtown. Heading in to join 120,000 spectators? Here are the best stays within convenient reach, bookable now with Culture Trip.

South Congress Hotel

Hotel

Hip outdoor pool area with blue-cushioned lounge chairs and stylish round sun shades at South Congress Hotel, Austin
Courtesy of South Congress Hotel / Expedia.com
South Congress Hotel sits in the heart of Yuppieland, so expect hipster coffee shops, Scandi-chic apparel stores and patio bars just steps from the front door. In line with the neighbourhood, this hotel provides a design-driven stay that appeals to the conscious local crowd. Both Café No Sé and the rooftop pool are busy with regulars arranging meetings on Planr while sipping on Lone Star beers. If you want a glimpse into the future of Austin, this is where to go.

Aiden by Best Western @ Austin City Hotel

Hotel

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Courtesy of Aiden by Best Western @ Austin City Hotel / Booking.com

Sure, it’s not in the heart of all the action, but this stay is great value and one of the most agreeable Best Westerns you’ll come across. Expect all the brand regalia, with a sprinkle of Texas charm. Hill Country patterns meet mini-agave plants and live-music-inspired artwork, but best still, perks include free hot breakfast and parking. All that and you’re just a 15-minute drive into COTA.

Austin Motel

Motel

Austin Motel, Austin
Courtesy of Austin Motel / Expedia.com

Don’t worry, Austin Motel is not your typical grotty motel. Yes, there’s a no-frills side (zero mini bars, closets absent), but the Austin offers a retro motor-inn experience in rainbow colours; bright rooms, sleek, modern tech points and funky social spaces. There’s a buzzy swimming pool out front for people-watching and a wonderfully pride-inspired bodega and bar. Perched at the top of SoCo, downtown Austin and the trail are a stroll away.

Staybridge Suites Austin Airport

Hotel, Chain Hotel

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Courtesy of Staybridge Suites Austin Airport, an IHG Hotel / Booking.com

In town just for COTA? Then don’t waste time – bed down at the airport. Staybridge Suites Austin Airport is only 12 minutes from the venue, and it’s got all the amenities you need for a home away from home. Guests feel like a local who’s just popping out to catch the show in suites with fully-equipped kitchens, but a complimentary breakfast is offered regardless. You even get microwaves, dishwashers and flexible workspace with ample power outlets and free WiFi.

Park Lane Guest House

Bed and Breakfast

A double bed in a bright, white room at Park Lane Guest House
Courtesy of Park Lane Guest House / Hotels.com

With a stay at Park Lane you’re right in the city, but it feels the tranquil opposite: two blocks from South Congress, this eco-oasis is all about wellness and sustainability. Everything is mindful of organic and chemical-free components, from the natural bedding to the breakfast eggs laid by the free-range hens. You’ll be encouraged to take one of their bikes to explore the rest of city – just not COTA, as there are no direct transit routes and it’s a drive away.

The Carpenter Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Outdoor pool area with lounge chairs, large tree and retro hotel behind it at the Carpenter Hotel in Austin
Courtesy of Carpenter Hotel / Expedia

If you don’t mind bedding down a little further away there’s The Carpenter Hotel, basking in an old pecan grove on the edge of Zilker Park. What you sacrifice in proximity to the COTA, you more than make up for in stylish simplicity. As it sounds, this is a tranquil city escape – but you’re within walking distance of Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs with its lush green trail. The hotel has plenty of space; the 93 guest rooms each have their own private terrace, record collection and player, and the locally made – all-natural – bath products are, naturally, on tap.

Hotel ZaZa Austin

Boutique Hotel

An outdoor rooftop pool at Hotel ZaZa, with sun loungers, plants and city views of high-rise buildings
Courtesy of Hotel ZaZa Austin / Expedia

Flying in for COTA? Make it a trip to remember with a stay at Hotel ZaZa Austin. It’s a luxurious boutique property with lashings of Texan style. Take one of the trademark Magnificent Seven Suites, as sumptuous as the name suggests. Or explore the Hill Country Suite, informed by the natural expanses of Texas valleys. Maybe you’d rather the Seaside Suite with its beach vibes. Whatever, but don’t miss the restaurant and bar for generous Texan-sized pours of wine and bubbles. Have we mentioned this hotel is Texan inspired?

The Catherine (aparthotel)

Hotel, Apartment

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Courtesy of Sonder - The Catherine / Expedia

True, nobody wants ever to leave Texas, but you can rent a short-stay apartment, too – how else to feel like a true Austinite? Check in at the Catherine, a luxury high-rise with downtown views, right next to the YETI flagship (every local has a YETI, for outdoor-gear needs). Rooms are elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets and fully equipped kitchens – this is an apartment, after all. Amenities include an infinity pool, gym and sky lounge. Why leave?

Stay elsewhere in Austin; find out where to book in the city for a local experience or treat yourself to a spa retreat, bookable now with Culture Trip. Choose how you tour Austin by bike, boat or kayak and enjoy a historic visit to the city, before indulging in the best barbecues and breweries the Texan capital has to offer.

About the author

James Wong is a travel writer who has lived in London, New York, Austin and Tokyo.

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
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