The Best Hotels to Book in Downtown Austin

Favoring downtown Austin hotels with suites? Set on acres of private greenery, this Austin hotel offers a five-star experience across the board, from the heated saltwater pool to the four-poster beds. You’ll sleep like royalty in this quiet corner flanked by the gurgling Colorado River. Sliding iron-and-glass doors and Lady Bird Lake views accompany gray velvet sofas and dining rooms with see-through fire features. Need some work-health balance? Chase the runner’s high on the 24/7-gym treadmills, or use the ritzy town limo service to get to your next meeting.

Ever stayed at a hotel because of a cat? Well, it’s the owner Shelly’s attention that appeals to guests of the Cat Noir, which refers to the hotel cat Louie. One of the best places to stay in downtown Austin, this three-floor boutique hotel has an inviting rooftop patio for soaking up the Texan sun. While all 14 rooms feature ink-blue feature walls and modern art, it’s the Signature room with a Juliet balcony that offers East Austin views. Don’t miss Uncle Nicky’s crispy piadina – every bite as authentic as in Italy.

Formerly the Local Union 1266 site near Zilker Park’s green expanses, this Austin hotel feels secluded amid trees and plants in vintage pots. The brains behind this open-air hotel featuring terracotta masonry have incorporated Austin’s stay-weird mentality – from the pool open to guests and outsiders to the lobby’s industrial design and vintage stadium speakers. Oh, and the restaurant honors the German heritage with crispy chicken schnitzel on the menu. Cool and quirky rooms have concrete floors and ceilings, colorfully striped textiles and brick tile-balustraded balconies. Beds are heaven.

The city’s largest hotel towers over the east corner of downtown at the southern tip of Austin’s Red River Cultural District. Blue accents in rooms and suites nod to the Texan sky with views over the State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake. Foodies and fun-seekers will love the hotel’s location, a short walk from the best food trucks, nightlife and outdoor experiences the city has to offer. After a day pounding the pavements sightseeing, head to the Fairmont’s bar for an old fashioned cocktail, or make your way toward the food court with its array of dining options.

Built in 1924, this was the city’s first high-rise hotel on historic Congress Avenue. With an Art Deco facade and a lavish early 20th-century interior, you’ll sleep well in a variety of rooms and suites that are homey and handsome with comfy chairs to sink into and warm feature walls. Escape the Texan heat in the indoor pool that resembles a Turkish bathhouse before sampling prime cuts at the high-end Roaring Fork restaurant. Now you can take in a play at the historic Paramount Theatre or enjoy the short walk to the Texas State Capitol.

Set on the edge of the lively Rainey Street Historic District, the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt encourages you to cut loose from the moment you check in with a local beer. If you get a taste for the nectar, the bar offers a curated collection of craft beers, and Austin musicians always occupy the stage. But the Kimpton also takes care of your health, with yoga mats placed in your dark blue and bronze room and a rooftop pool with underwater speakers surrounding you with special playlists. Whenever hunger comes, remember room service from the hotel’s classy restaurant, Geraldine’s, is available 24 hours a day.

With a beautiful pool deck for handcrafted cocktails, a history filled with music, a view of Lady Bird Lake that is second to none, a restaurant led by a Top Chef winner and a pets-stay-free policy, the LINE Austin flaunts the essence of the city in a classy way. Once a jazz club that broadcast its shows live on local radio in the 1960s, now you can stay in rooms lined with artwork from local artists in arguably the best area of downtown. With so much to admire, from the dangling plants to the local landscape-inspired furniture, don’t forget to take a brief walk south to the famed South Congress Bridge or exit down into the city’s popular hike-and-bike trail for a trip around the lake.

Built in 1886, the Driskill is the oldest operating hotel in Austin. Located on East Sixth Street – the city’s central party area for tourists and college kids – the hotel’s architectural beauty and classic style is something to behold. Step inside, where the lobby’s marble floors, towering columns and ornate ceilings evoke the early 20th century. Sleep well in classic rooms with dark wood pieces and plenty of art before sampling some of the best muffins and espresso in town at the charming bakery. After you’ve explored enough (if that’s possible), the back bar and restaurant – where local artists often play sets on the grand piano – are the perfect spots to begin and end your evening.

At the center of live music, great shopping, new restaurants and outdoor attractions, the W Austin overlooks the world-famous ACL Live at the Moody Theater, home to A-list music and comedy headliners. The south-end rooms of the hotel come with a view of the spectacular Lady Bird Lake and its hike-and-bike trail and framed photography by Austin City Limits photographer Scott Newton. Accompanying the luxury rooms are the WET Deck – a semi-rooftop pool area always hosting parties and happy hours – and the Trace restaurant, featuring a fancy dining room, a locally sourced menu and a patio bar.