Choosing
where to stay in Austin is about choosing which version of the city you want to wake up in. Every neighbourhood offers a distinct perspective on Austin life, making your "home base" the most important part of your itinerary.
To help you navigate the options, we’ve analyzed our data to identify the top 20
hotels our readers are booking. These properties represent the best in local hospitality—balancing high-end amenities with the specific personality of their surrounding districts. Whether you are looking for a resort-style rooftop downtown or a quiet, community-focused stay in a local neighbourhood, these are the properties currently leading the way for travellers.
Downtown Icons
These hotels are more than just a place to sleep, they are the city's premier social destinations. These hotels are designed to be self-contained, offering world-class spas, awarded-chef restaurants and the most impressive rooftop pool decks in Texas. If you want high-energy vibes and luxury amenities without ever leaving the building, these are your top contenders.
Austin Marriott Downtown: This sleek addition to the skyline is a 2025 click-leader, loved for Zanzibar—its lush, tropical-themed rooftop oasis—and its prime location for exploring downtown on foot.
Fairmont Austin: Travelers love the 7th-floor resort-style pool (the largest in the city) and the house bikes available for cruising the nearby trails.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin: The gold standard for lakeside luxury. Leisure guests enjoy the saltwater pool (chilled to 83 degrees in the summer), retro boat cruises on the lake, and the famous back lawn complete with hammocks and yard games.
Hilton Austin: A classic anchor for city explorers. Travelers flock here for the heated rooftop pool and the "Austin Taco Project," a playful on-site restaurant featuring craft tacos and Topgolf Swing Suites.
JW Marriott Austin: Known for its stunning floor-to-ceiling skyline views, this hotel is a vacation favourite for its "Spa by JW" and the Edge Rooftop + Bar, which serves up craft cocktails overlooking the Texas State Capitol.
Boutique & Unique Hotels
For travellers who believe the hotel should be as much of a destination as the city itself, these properties offer a deep dive into Austin’s creative DNA. This category features the stays for those seeking character over scale—from haunted historic hallways to the neon-lit courtyards of South Congress.
Austin Motel: Famous for its neon sign and kidney-bean shaped pool, this retro motor court remains one of the most Instagrammed stays on our list.
Commodore Perry Estate: For those seeking a secluded, European-manor vibe. It’s a 10-acre estate in Central Austin that feels a world away from the bustle of downtown.
The Driskill Hotel: Austin’s oldest hotel and a perennial top-clicker. It’s the gold standard for Texas history and architectural beauty.
Hotel San Jose: The original boutique pioneer. It’s a lush, quiet sanctuary hidden behind high walls on the busiest street in town. Insider tip: stop by their courtyard for a frosty glass of frosé on a warm day.
Hotel Van Zandt: The Rainey Street favourite. It’s all about music here, from the vinyl collection in the lobby to the daily live showcases at Geraldine’s.
South Congress Hotel: The "living room" of SoCo. Its minimalist design and bustling lobby make it a hub for locals and tourists alike.
Neighbourhood Hangouts
These properties are the leaders for those who want to step out of their room and immediately feel the pulse of an Austin neighbourhood. Whether they offer apartment-style suites, space for the family to spread out, or put you right in front of the action, these hotels allow you to settle in and live like a local.
Colton House Hotel: These suite-based rooms feel like a luxury apartment on South Congress, complete with kitchenettes and local art.
East Austin Hotel: Representing the creative East Side, this hotel is a favourite for those who want to be near the best food trucks and local craft breweries.
Hyatt Regency Austin: The quintessential Lady Bird Lake stay. It remains a fan favourite for its immediate access to the hike-and-bike trail and stunning skyline views across the water.
The North Austin Hubs: The Domain & Arboretum
Austin’s "second downtown" has become a powerhouse for travellers who want world-class shopping and dining without the downtown commute. Staying in North Austin does not mean sacrificing style; these favorites offer high-end design and vibrant social scenes, serving as the perfect headquarters for Q2 Stadium fans and the growing tech corridor.
Archer Hotel Austin: The premier luxury stay within The Domain Northside. It’s "Texas-chic" at its finest and a consistent top-performer for shopping getaways.
Renaissance Austin Hotel: A North Austin staple overlooking the Arboretum, known for its iconic atrium and proximity to the city's best hill-country-view dining.
Lone Star Court: A "retro-ranch" motor court that proves North Austin has just as much personality as downtown.
Embassy Suites Arboretum: The go-to for families and groups who need the extra space of an all-suite hotel with easy highway access.
Posted by: Visit Austin
Posted on: 12/01/2026