Carpenter Hotel has a prime location off South Lamar, just minutes from Zilker Park and Barton Springs. The hotel holds 93 guest rooms, an exterior breezeway and stairways to each room’s private terrace, all contributing to the hotel’s casual, open-air experience. The hotel’s restaurant, Carpenters Hall, and in-lobby Carpenter Coffee Bar complete this Austin favorite.

Just off South Congress, Hotel Saint Cecilia is a 20-room estate housed in a restored 1880s Victorian home. The property is accessible only to hotel guests and private club members, offering an exclusive retreat. Highlights include a library of records, films and biographies, a heated pool, and 24-hour concierge service.

Commodore Perry Estate offers a luxurious retreat on a 10-acre property in Hyde Park. The estate’s Ken Fulk-designed interiors provide an elegant backdrop for a relaxing getaway. Guests can dine at Lutie’s, the hotel’s garden restaurant, which features locally sourced ingredients in its seasonal menu.

No list of the top hotels in Austin is complete without South Congress Hotel, an iconic boutique destination on its namesake street. With a lobby bar, rooftop pool, coffee shop and three restaurants, South Congress Hotel is a traveler’s dream. Check out the hotel’s restaurant, Maie Day, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Michael Fojtasek.

The LINE Hotel offers a modern stay at the intersection of Town Lake and downtown Austin. Home to P6, a rooftop bar with scenic views, the hotel features rooms with original art, plush beds and floor-to-ceiling windows — plus pets stay for free. Guests can dine at Arlo Grey, led by chef Kristen Kish, enjoy tacos from Veracruz All Natural or grab coffee from Alfred Coffee.

No two rooms are the same at Hotel San José, a 40-room property originally built in the 1930s before being reimagined by hotelier Liz Lambert. Part of the Bunkhouse Hotels hospitality company, the hotel’s rooms surround a lush, green courtyard in a bungalow-style setting, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling South Congress scene just outside.

The Driskill is home to 189 guest rooms on the corner of Brazos Street and 6th Street. The historic hotel originally opened in 1886 and honors its past with marble floors, custom furniture and a stained-glass dome. President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, a Texas favorite for many years, had their first date in The Driskill’s dining room in 1934.

Austin Motel offers a distinct local charm with a prime location near shopping and dining destinations on South Congress. Their 41 guest rooms and suites hold vinyl tufted beds, old-fashioned phones and vintage music posters. The motel is best known for its iconic sign and kidney-shaped pool, where guests can lounge under red and white umbrellas and sip on cocktails from the pool bar designed by Jack Sanders’ Design Build Adventure.

Austin Proper is for the cool kids. Earthy tones, interesting architecture and artful design come from the mind of designer Kelly Wearstler, inspired by Austin’s Craftsman architectural style. The hotel’s Verbena Spa is a spot for serenity, while the four onsite dining options give guests indulging options.

Although still in Austin city limits, The Wayback is a Hill Country haven that feels secluded and remote. The boutique hotel’s eight cottages, located off Bee Cave Road, feature neutral linens and views of the surrounding landscape. The mother-and-daughter-owned spot is perfect for a peaceful getaway and a venue for weddings and other special events.

Rainey Street’s Hotel Van Zandt is the spot for music lovers. From live music at hotel restaurant Geraldine’s to their curated collection of vinyl records for in-room record players. Guests can rent custom-designed TREK bikes, relax on the rooftop pool deck, or enjoy a drink at the chic lobby bar, Brass Poppy. The hotel is also pet-friendly, with no pet fees and amenities including beds, toys and a YETI dog bowl.

Hotel Magdalena consists of four buildings connected by elevated walkways and courtyards, creating a treehouse-like atmosphere. The property features a 900-square-foot swimming pool, wellness programming, and the retro-inspired Equipment Room, a bar and vinyl listening space. Guests can dine at the signature restaurant, Summer House on Music Lane. Hotel Magdalena is also the first mass timber hotel built in North America, utilizing sustainable construction materials.

Less than a mile from the University of Texas, Hotel Ella combines historic charm with modern luxury. Housed in a Greek revival mansion, the boutique hotel features 47 elegant rooms, a courtyard pool and dining at Goodall’s Kitchen.

Lake Austin Spa Resort offers an all-inclusive, adult-only retreat just outside the city. The resort features an award-winning spa, daily wellness activities, and complimentary paddleboarding, kayaking and hydrobiking. Its 40 cottages blend rustic charm with refined comfort, featuring hand-selected linens, curated artwork and private porches overlooking the Hill Country.

Located in Block 21 in downtown Austin’s Second Street District, the W Austin recently completed a pricey renovation featuring redesigned guest rooms, an American brasserie called Serenade, and an intimate bar, Blue Room. The hotel offers luxury touches like 300-thread-count linens, a goose-down duvet and spa services. In keeping with Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” the lobby bar hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Designed by Austin-based interior designer Kim Lewis, The Frances Modern Inn boutique hotel blends vintage-inspired interiors with modern comforts. Owner and operator Vicki Faust collaborated with Lewis to transform the space and communal lounges. Guests can sip morning lattes or evening cocktails on the rooftop while taking in skyline views, with top-rated restaurants, local shops and downtown Austin just minutes away.

Set on 4,000 wooded acres in the Texas Hill Country, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa features three pools, a full-service spa, 72 holes of golf, tennis courts and a fitness center. Guests can choose from nine dining outlets—six full-service restaurants, a lobby bar, a coffee shop and a pool bar—and explore a self-guided nature trail. Families are welcome with activities such as miniature golf, lawn games, seasonal events, kid-friendly pools and a splash pad.

The chic boutique hotel Colton House features 79 art-filled rooms showcasing works by local artists. Guests can unwind with coffee or cocktails in the lounge, a stylish coworking space, or relax by the outdoor pool with the onsite food truck La Taquicardia. Amenities include a fitness center and a private yoga studio. For extended stays, the hotel offers up to 35% off for bookings of 28 days or more.

Overlooking Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline, The Loren offers a tranquil retreat just minutes from downtown. The hotel features a rooftop restaurant, spa, coffee shop, and rooftop pool, along with lush indoor and outdoor spaces. It is also home to the historic Paggi House, one of Austin’s oldest buildings.