The Best Hotels with Pools in Austin

The Hotel Van Zandt serves as an architectural homage to Townes Van Zandt, the legendary Austin singer/songwriter. This is evident everywhere you look, from the custom chandeliers (made from trombones) and extensive record collection, to the rooftop pool equipped with underwater speakers. Other amenities include pet-friendly services, in-room yoga mats, and complimentary wine, beer, and margaritas in the evenings.

The iconic Austin Motel, a restored 1938 motor court on South Congress Avenue, also has an equally iconic pool. Don’t be surprised if you catch sight of celebrities, artists, and musicians hanging by the waters and ordering palomas at the poolside tiki bar. Rooms have a fittingly funky, throwback style, with bold bursts of color, shag pillows, and vinyl low-profile beds.

Ultra-modern and glitzy, the Fairmont Austin is connected by footbridge to the Austin Convention Center, just a brief walk away from Sixth Street and Rainey Street. Expect the works here: gleaming marble floors, a full-service spa, upscale food court, a seventh-floor terrace with a heated pool (with lounge chairs in the water), a hot tub, and private cabanas that each come equipped with a 65-inch TV and a fully stocked Yeti cooler.

Timelessly elegant in every way, Hotel Ella is one of Austin’s most well-known historic buildings—and it’s also home to one of its best pools. Just behind this mansion, you’ll find an inviting, serene lap pool surrounded by lush topiary and sleek lounge chairs. Other facilities include laundry service, a complimentary shoe shine, tea service on weekends, and a complimentary car service to whisk you around the city.

One of the swankiest spots in the city, the Michael Hsu-designed South Congress Hotel is a true urban retreat, with its trendy, industrial decor, three on-site restaurants, electric bikes available right out front, and two retail shops. Catch some rays at the rooftop pool that looks out over SoCo and downtown, enjoy poolside drinks and snacks provided by Café No Sé.

The pool scene at the Line is always brimming with locals and tourists alike, thanks to the hotel’s snazzy location, right next to the Congress Avenue Bridge. Likewise, the striking design, an infinity pool that overlooks Lady Bird Lake, draws the crowds in. Soak up the sun with a frozen aperol pink lemonade in hand, before retiring to your room, with its Texan-ified quirks, like such as work from emerging local artists and vintage books on Texas history.

Despite its central location, just a few blocks from Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, the (impossibly cool) Carpenter Hotel is fairly hidden from view, behind a thick grove of pecan trees. This means you’ll enjoy quite the peaceful pool experience here, with none of the crowds that you’ll find at most hotel pools downtown. Use the red pool phone to order food and drinks, brought straight to the water’s edge.

Right across from lush Republic Square Park, Hotel ZaZa is every bit as opulent as its name suggests. Each room was thoughtfully designed by Texas firm Design Duncan Miller Ullmann to include vibrant, mod furniture and eclectic patterns. Upscale amenities include, most notably, the hotel’s signature turn-down service, complete with candlelight, VitaFive Melatonin, water, and Lindor truffles. Guests can indulge in a facial, an infrared sauna session, or a hot stone massage at the on-site spa. Alternatively, relax poolside on the spacious deck overlooking the square.

Despite being a chain, the Westin Downtown has a distinctive Austin vibe. Part of this is the hotel’s location, right across from the legendary nightclub Antone’s and within walking distance of the best downtown venues and bars. It’s also kitted out with typical Austinite decor, such as the Texas limestone floors and woodwork shaped like a guitar behind reception. You’ll never want to leave the Azul rooftop terrace, featuring a heated pool, bar, and glittering skyline views.

In the heart of the Domain development in North Austin, the Archer Hotel boasts a celebrated on-site eatery (Second Bar & Kitchen), several outdoor spaces (with a fireplace and cabanas), as well as a refined Texas elegance all its own. Think giant chandeliers, earth-tone leather, and cowhide chairs. The crown jewel is the sizable, round pool with the star of Texas painted at the bottom, with by a 14 x 7ft TV screen. Welcome to the Lone Star State, y’all.