The Best Places to Stay in Austin, Texas

There are many factors to consider when researching the best places to stay in Austin. 

Austin continually tops the list of places to visit, thanks to its recent reinvention. 

Unique coffee shops, restaurants, and boutique stores are opening up around Austin as the city embraces its renewed gentrification. 

These businesses help give each of Austin’s neighborhoods its unique vibe and feel.   

With this in mind, we have done our best to narrow down Austin into five areas to stay in, which will help you know exactly where to stay based on your needs.

As one of America’s fastest-growing cities and one of the top vacation spots in Texas, it is easy to get “lost” in the hustle and bustle surrounding you in Austin.

The city has over 59 neighborhoods, each with its distinct personality.

While exploring, check out several of Austin’s neighborhoods to get a good feel for what Austin is really about.

Austin is one of our favorite cities to visit. Austin is a fun getaway with its bustling nightlife, great food, and plenty of things to do. 

We especially love visiting Austin during Christmas to enjoy the fabulous lights.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a girls’ weekend or a romantic getaway; Austin has something for you. 

Austin is so close to many of our Texas small towns that you can easily take a day trip to Wimberley to see the Blue Hole, or head to Fredericksburg to tour some fabulous wineries. 

While visiting Austin, you should check out the bats that emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge and spend some time outdoors.

Popular outdoor activities include spending the day at Lady Bird Lake or exploring the Zilker Botanical Garden.

Those who love culture and museums will also find plenty to do in Austin.

While here, visit the LBJ Presidential Library, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and the quirky Museum of the Weird.

Austin has it all!

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Best Places to Stay in Austin, Texas

Downtown is a Great Stay in Austin For First-Timers

If you stay in downtown Austin, you remain in the city’s heart. 

We love staying here because you can easily walk to museums, restaurants, and bars.

The downtown area has so much to offer.

Since the downtown area is brimming with hotels, getting a reasonable price for a nice room there is usually straightforward.

In addition to the reasonable hotel prices, downtown Austin is accessible to the other neighborhoods mentioned in our guide, making it an all-around winner!

Downtown is bursting with history, charm, and a unique atmosphere. 

No matter what time of day, you will hear live music from somewhere in this area. 

History lovers will enjoy visiting the Texas State Capitol building and seeing the Paramount Theatre during their time in Austin, Texas.

The Texas State Capitol is open to visitors and is one of the free things to do in Austin.

Downtown Austin has so much to offer. Loads of great galleries, museums, and unique shops call this area home.

Visit the Second Street District (just a few blocks from Lady Bird Lake) to get a feel for local life in downtown Austin.

You will find places like the Violet Crown Cinema, where you can have drinks while watching a movie.

When night hits, head to the popular Rainey Street.  Lined with colorful houses–turned bars, Rainey Street thrives on outdoor patios made especially for drinking. 

Rainey Street is like one big playground for adults. Many bars are converted old Austin homes, making them perfect places to hang out.

Start your night out at Bangers, an Austin eatery specializing in beer and bratwurst. 

We enjoy sitting in their Biergarten, sipping a craft beer, and noshing on a delicious bratwurst before heading off to one of the bars on Rainey.

Don’t miss the speakeasy and Bar Illegal while in this area.

You will find Bar Illegal open Thursday-Saturday. It is located just behind Clive Bar.

Austin’s 6th Street in the downtown area is also popular for nightlife. Sixth Street has bars and nightclubs, so take your pick.

We love visiting the Iron Cactus for great Mexican food and margaritas. While in this area, you should also check out Maggie Mae’s rooftop.

Downtown is one of the go-to areas to stay!

Downtown Austin Hotels

Fairmont Downtown

If you love being spoiled while traveling, the Fairmont Downtown Austin is for you. 

Not only does the staff make you feel like royalty, but the fabulous pool and the luxurious rooms will make you never want to leave. 

You can’t beat the location of the Fairmont as well.

They are right across the street from the Austin Convention Center and only a few blocks from Rainey Street and Sixth Street.

The Fairmont is where to stay in Austin near Rainey and Sixth Street!

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Hilton Garden Inn

Consider the Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown for travelers looking for a nice hotel at a reasonable price. 

This hotel contains 254 rooms, an outdoor pool, a great workout area, and a delicious on-site restaurant. 

The Hilton Garden Inn is also in an excellent location for several of Austin’s attractions, including Sixth Street and Rainey Street.

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The W

The W Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas, is in the heart of downtown. 

The W might be the perfect place to stay in Austin, Texas, boasting modern rooms and spacious suites.

You will find the W attached to the iconic Moody Theatre.

A great place to visit if you are a fan of the Austin City Limits Live!

This hotel has you right in the middle of the action, as many attractions are within walking distance. T

he homey feel will make you never want to leave! 

The W also has a tequila bar and a record room packed with vinyl, which you can check out during your stay in Austin.

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The Driskill Hotel

You can’t make a list of downtown hotels and not mention The Driskill Hotel.

Built in 1886, this iconic Austin Hotel will transport you back in time.

The historic brick exterior welcomes you into the gorgeous lobby area.

Visitors enjoy well-appointed and recently renovated bright rooms that each pays tribute to the hotel’s history.

Of course, you can also enjoy the many hotel amenities.

One of our favorite traditions is participating in The Driskill’s afternoon tea service.

While visiting, don’t miss a slice of the famous 1886 chocolate cake when visiting the hotel’s 1886 Bakery and Cafe.

The Driskill is a delightful piece of history that will spoil you during your stay in Austin!

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East Austin is The Best Neighborhood for Food and Live Music Lovers

Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown but still close enough to everything is the less refined neighborhood of East Austin.

One of the facts about Texas we love is that Austin is the music capital of the U.S. 

If you want to stay in Austin close to the live music and food scene, East Austin, TX, is a great choice. 

In East Austin, visitors will find everything from speakeasy-style bars to amazing food trucks, all within walking distance.

Less touristy than Sixth Street, East Austin is where locals go to hang out. 

In this funky area, you will find some of Austin’s best happy hours, gardens, and patios to pass your time away in Austin.

If you are into these things, this is one of the areas to stay in if you want to explore.

For an incredible patio in the East Austin area, visit The Vortez.

This funky bar has great cocktails, an eclectic atmosphere, and a great outdoor area.

East Austin is also home to loads of unique shops.

Here, you can find vintage clothing and bookstores, fun handmade jewelry, and furniture.

East Austin is one of the best neighborhoods to be immersed in Austin’s history and culture.

Best Hotels in Austin-East Austin

Hotel Eleven

Located rightfully on Eleventh Street in East Austin, Hotel Eleven boasts spacious rooms and a great casual vibe. 

Guests can enjoy the great rooftop lounge and the hotel’s casual café. 

We love that so much of the hotel (like the woodwork, the hand-crafted metalwork, and more) was all crafted by local Austin artists.

At a late-night home, grab food from the food trucks across the street!

A great place to check out during your stay in Austin.

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Guild East 6th Street

Guild East is the place to stay if you want a bright and cheery modern property in East Austin. 

Located near some of Austin, TX’s top tourist attractions, Guild East 6th Street houses an outdoor terrace, fitness center, and pool.

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Heywood Hotel

Heywood Hotel is a boutique in East Austin just off East Cesar Chavez Street. 

Guests staying at the Heywood Hotel enjoy uniquely decorated rooms in an area easily within walking distance of their desired attractions.

The Heywood looks more like someone’s home than a hotel; honestly, that is what so many people love about it.

If you stay here, you will be surrounded by comfortable furnishings, fabulous bedding, and excellent mini-bar amenities.

They have a great mini-bar offering, and the items are reasonably priced, with the most expensive item being $5.

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South Congress is Perfect for Young Travellers

South Congress, or ‘SoCo’ to the locals, is a funky neighborhood centered around South Congress Avenue in South Austin.

This area has a fun, artsy feel, making it a popular destination for young travelers. 

South Congress is one of the best neighborhoods for people who desire to meet people, eat, make connections, and absorb some of the trendy culture that is Austin.

Visitors love snapping photos of the murals and street art scattered around the South Congress neighborhood, including the “I Love You So Much” mural.

Shopping the specialty stores on South Congress Avenue also draws visitors to the South Austin area.

You will also find some fantastic food in the South Congress area.

A must-visit spot is Home Slice Pizza. Home Slice has been an icon in this neighborhood for years.

Trust me when I tell you their pizza is worth waiting in line for.

Another fun food establishment in this area is the Big Top Candy Shop. Here, you will find loads of carnival-style sweets you can’t live without!

SoCo is also a great area to stay in if you want to rub elbows with the locals from Austin.

Best Hotels in Austin, TX- South Congress

South Congress Hotel

South Congress Hotel prides itself on catering to its customers. 

This luxury hotel will spoil you with posh rooms containing everything you need, from comfy bathrobes to luxurious toiletries. 

Don’t let all of that fool you, though; this hotel is not a stuffy place.

It is just the opposite. It is a hip, modern, and sleek feeling.

That can be attributed to mid-century modern furniture and the minimalist style you will find throughout the decor here.

Combine that with the hotel’s amenities, and you might never want to leave.

A sunroom, a clothing boutique, and six restaurants and bars are on site.

Allow the staff to cater to you while you lounge around the gorgeous pool, soaking up some Texas sun before you wander out to explore the great South Congress neighborhood during your stay in Austin.

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SoCo Hideaway

SoCo Hideaway is a two-bedroom holiday home perfect for couples or families visiting SoCo. 

Visitors love the keypad entry, safe property, and spacious digs in this hip neighborhood.

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Red River District is Perfect For Austin Nightlife Lovers

It is a well-known fact that many people spend time in Austin for nightlife!

The Red River District has about 3 blocks packed with nightclubs, bars, and diners. 

This thriving community prides itself on its lively music scene, making it one of the awesome areas to stay in Austin, TX.

It is here that you will find everything from rock to cabaret. 

During the day, you are close to downtown Austin, TX, and Zilker Park, so there is plenty to keep you busy during daylight hours.

Of course, you will need to eat while staying here, so don’t miss Stubb’s Bar-B-Q.

Stubb’s has a melt-in-your-mouth barbecue and an outdoor stage showcasing great live music.

For excellent Southern comfort food, you have to go to Moonshine. Moonshine serves unique Southern dishes that pair perfectly with its extensive cocktail menu.

Other local favorites in the Red River District include Barbarella. People especially love Barbarella’s theme nights and multiple dance floors.

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Best Hotels in Austin-Red River District

Hotel Indigo

This colorful, modern hotel makes guests feel at home when they walk in. 

Located a short walk from the State Capitol building, this hotel offers cozy rooms, a fun cocktail bar, a fitness center, a rooftop pool, and a great breakfast.

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Guild Red River

The Guild Red River is an apartment hotel 5 minutes from all the fun on 6th Street. 

Guests love the hotel’s hip vibe, the living/dining room, the kitchens, and the washers/dryers. 

There is an outdoor pool with a sundeck, a lounge, a gym, and a picnic area complete with BBQ grills!  What more do you need?

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Zilker is Great for Families

Noted as one of the best neighborhoods in Austin, Zilker’s abundance of outdoor activities makes it an excellent place for families in Austin.

The main attraction in this area is Zilker Park, an urban oasis that covers more than 350 acres. 

Zilker makes hiking, cycling, kayaking, or enjoying a lazy day outside easy.

Tucked inside Zilker Park is the Zilker Botanical Garden.

Encompassing more than 26 acres, the botanical garden has a rose garden and many native Texas plant species.

You will also find the Japanese Garden, which houses Japanese maple trees, a tearoom, and more!

Don’t worry, though; there is more to Zilker than just a great park. 

Zilker is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. 

One of our favorite spots in Zilker is Chuy’s. Chuy’s is the place to go for delicious Tex-Mex and cold margaritas.

Be warned, though, that their portions are HUGE!

Zilker is also close enough to other major Austin tourist attractions that you can easily visit anywhere you would like, making this one of the fabulous areas to stay in Austin, Texas.

Best Hotels in Austin-Zilker

Guild Lamar Union

The Guild Lamar Union is an ultra-modern property that will provide you with the ideal location for exploring Austin. 

Close to Zilker Park and the local attractions, this apartment-style hotel has everything you need, including a pool and free Wi-Fi, making it a great place to stay!

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The Carpenter Hotel

The Carpenter Hotel is a short walk from Zilker Park and the train station. 

Guests are surrounded by hip bars and restaurants when staying at The Carpenter. 

Their bright rooms feature minifridges, balconies, and sitting areas. 

The property boasts a pool, restaurant, furnished terrace and garden, free parking, and free wifi.

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Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Austin

Austin is just a cool city overall. Its hip, trendy culture is evident in every ounce of it. 

Whether you want to immerse yourself in awesome music, fun nightlife, and fantastic food, or just get to know Austin, it has something for you!

Choosing one of the areas to stay in Austin is half of the battle, as each neighborhood is unique and brings its personality to the city.

No matter where you stay, venture into Austin’s neighborhoods to get an authentic feel for the city!

You will notice that throughout the city, there is a distinct hip vibe that seems to permeate everything.

This is one of the many reasons so many people are attracted to Austin.

No matter what you choose, always remember to ‘Keep Austin Weird’!

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