Austin’s hotel scene is as vibrant as its renowned music culture, striking a balance between modern luxury and southern charm. The Texas capital offers a range from intimate boutique hotels to grand luxury chains. Many of the accommodations provide views of either downtown Austin or the iconic Lady Bird Lake, and just as diverse as the lodging are the accompanying dining options. Whether or not you’re visiting for the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, these selected hotels showcase the best of Austin’s hospitality scene. Notably, some locations even hold prestigious Michelin keys, ranking among the finest in the United States. Here’s a selection of eight hotels that are worth a stay in Austin:
**Austin Proper Hotel**
This urban, contemporary hotel in downtown Austin exudes artistic flair throughout its 238 accommodations, spread over 12 categories, including rooms and suites. The fifth-floor deck and swimming pool offer coveted sunset views, while its four dining options, including the Mediterranean-inspired The Peacock, make it a culinary hotspot. The hotel is part of the Proper Hotels group, with a Michelin key to its name.
– Location: 600 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas
**The Driskill Hotel**
Standing since 1886, The Driskill is an icon of grandeur and history, being the oldest operating hotel in Austin and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With 189 rooms, including 14 spacious suites, its historical artifacts and artwork create a timeless ambiance. Notable guests have included President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife Lady Bird.
– Location: 604 Brazos Street, Austin, Texas
**Four Seasons Hotel Austin**
Nestled on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, this luxurious hotel offers 286 accommodations, including 41 suites. With a contemporary Texas restaurant, Ciclo, along with a bar, outdoor pool, spa, and a unique guitar concierge service, it’s a beacon of quality in downtown Austin.
– Location: 98 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, Texas
**Hotel ZaZa**
Near the Capitol, Hotel ZaZa features over 150 eclectic accommodations, ranging from bohemian to modernist. Its seventh-floor pool offers city views, while the on-site spa and dining venues like Group Therapy and ZaSpa add to its allure. The hotel holds a Michelin key accolade.
– Location: 400 Lavaca Street, Austin, Texas
**ARRIVE Austin**
Located in East Austin, ARRIVE offers 83 rooms within a contemporary design that includes industrial finishes. Its rooftop terrace provides great vistas, and dining options include Kalimotxo (Basque-inspired) and Lefty’s Brick Bar (Cajun cuisine).
– Location: 1813 E 6th Street, Austin, Texas
**Fairmont Austin**
This towering hotel in the heart of Austin boasts 1,048 rooms across 37 floors, with six dining options including a rooftop bar and pool. The Fairmont features the exclusive Gold Experience floors with private check-in and premium facilities, also holding a Michelin key.
– Location: 101 Red River Street, Austin, Texas
**The LINE Austin**
Opened in 2018, The LINE is located by Lady Bird Lake with 428 rooms, including 108 suites, offering sleek modernism mixed with industrial textures. Notable is the infinite-edge pool and Arlo Grey, a restaurant blending French, Italian, and American comfort food.
– Location: 111 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas
**Hotel Ella**
This boutique hotel occupies a historic Greek Revival mansion once home to Ella Wooten, wife of a university co-founder. Offering 47 accommodations, it includes a restaurant, Goodall’s Kitchen, and The Parlor bar for refined cocktails and gourmet bites.
– Location: 1900 Rio Grande, Austin, Texas
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