We list the best hotels in Austin as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Austin: Courtyard Austin by Marriott
Best boutique hotel in Austin: Hotel San Jose
Best luxury hotel in Austin: The Driskill Hotel
Best eco-friendly hotel in Austin: Heywood Hotel
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The capital of Texas, Austin, is situated in the south of the United States. It is one of the largest sates in the U.S. This is also an excellent tourist place. The people of Austin are very friendly. The state is developing rapidly. The accommodation prices are quite high in Austin, but in some areas, you can find cheaper options. When it comes to the best area for enjoying a better-staying experience, Downtown is the best option. However, there are more such areas which you can choose to stay in. If you are visiting Austin for the first time, then here is the list of some best areas where you can stay.
Five neighborhoods to stay in Austin
6th Street District
The area comes under the Downtown Austin. However, it has some unique characteristics which make this a perfect place stay. Here you can enjoy great nightlife as it is the hub of live music. The 6th street district is famous as a major entertainment district in Austin, Texas. So, if you are visiting Austin to enjoy its impressive nightlife, then you can stay in 6th Street District.
Downtown Austin
It is referred to as the heart of Austin. The reason is it is the commercial and financial center of the state. The area houses a lot of luxurious hotels and offers best-staying facilities to business travelers. Here you will find some major landmarks of Austin, like Rainey Street, Congress Avenue, and 6th Street.
East Austin
This is one of the fastest-growing areas in Austin. This is the area located east of Interstate 35. The area has everything that you need to live comfortably. You will find Mexican food trucks, luxurious restaurants, fashion stores, and more. The nightlife of the area is also amazing. There is no doubt that we will enjoy a fantastic staying experience in this area. The best thing about the place is you can easily find accommodation at a much affordable price.
Near the University of Texas
The University of Texas is situated in the north of Downton Austin. This is a central area and houses a lot of commercial and residential buildings. Besides, it is the home of different tourist attractions such as the Bullock Texas State me Museum, Texas State Capitol Building, the Blanton Museum of Art and more. Here, you will find all types of accommodations, starting from luxurious hotels to cheap lodges. If you are planning to visit Austin, then you can book a hotel located in this quiet and peaceful area.
South Congress Avenue
Are you looking for a best and happening place in Austin? If yes, then SoCo - South Congress Avenue can be the best option for you. SoCo is a cultural and commercial district of Texas and houses a lot of music and art place, shops, restaurants, and hotels. It divides two neighborhoods, i.e., Bouldin Creek and South Austin. For alternative travelers, this is the best place to stay.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Austin.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Austin, then try Courtyard Austin by Marriott. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Austin.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Austin, you should check out Hotel San Jose. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Austin, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Austin, then go for The Driskill Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Austin, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking to start your day with some great breakfast, try the Kimber Modern Hotel. Reviews for their breakfast have been excellent.
The average prices for a 3-star hotel in Austin are $160 per night. For a 4-star hotel you can expect to pay around $250 per night and if you're looking for a luxury 5-star hotel in Austin, then you probably have to pay around $330 per night.
Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure. Cruise around Austin in style on a fat-tire electric minibike. These easy-to-ride bikes sit two people and travel at a top speed of 20mph. Price: $82.
Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour with Hotel Pickup. Discover the wineries and rolling hills of Texas Hill Country on a full-day tour with hotel pickup from Downtown Austin or San Antonio. Explore the famous LBJ Ranch, stroll around historic Fredericksburg, and experience the magic and music of Luckenbach. Price: $109.
Austin in a Nutshell Bike Tour. Get outfitted with your bike and helmet, then set out with your guide to see the best of Austin. Price: $65.
More things to do in Austin
The city of Austin, Texas is often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and for good reason. There are dozens of live music venues scattered across the city, showcasing a diverse range of musical talent. In addition to its musical offerings, Austin also offers plenty of opportunities for those that love hiking, cycling and camping. Read on to learn more about this eclectic, livable city.
Austin, TX is known for its lively music scene. Home to dozens of live music venues and festivals, Austin is one of the best cities in the world for live music. The city’s famous Auditorium Shores hosts both internationally-known acts and up-and-coming indie talent throughout the year.
Many visitors come to Austin for the music, but stay to experience all that the city has to offer. Austin has been ranked among America’s top cities in several categories including quality of life, most livable US city, and most educated American city.
Austinites love their outdoor activities and are always looking for new places to hike. The city boasts a number of incredible hiking trails that offer everything from stunning vistas to peaceful solitude in the woods. One of the most popular hikes is Enchanted Rock, a pink granite dome with some amazing views. There’s also Mount Bonnell–hikers can enjoy an amazing view at the top while listening to a symphony of rushing waterfalls.
Austin is an award-winning culinary destination with a diverse array of restaurants and cuisines. Foodies will find plenty of choices, including Tex-Mex, Thai, Vietnamese and Ethiopian cuisine. For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there are many excellent farm-to-table options in the nearby Hill Country region.
No discussion of Austin’s food scene would be complete without the mention of Franklin Barbecue. This place has garnered quite a reputation for its brisket; it’s been named the “best BBQ in Texas” by Texas Monthly magazine not once but twice. If barbecue isn’t your thing, don’t worry; there are plenty of other delicious options in town.
There are a number of popular attractions for visitors to enjoy during their stay. The most famous (and maybe most touristy) is the bat bridge at sunset on Congress Avenue Bridge which offers views that can’t be matched anywhere else in the world. Another favorite spot for visitors is Zilker Botanical Gardens which features beautiful gardens as well as a children’s garden with interactive exhibits and places for kids to play amid all kinds of flowers and plants. From musical venues to gardens, this city has something for everyone!
Austin’s hotel scene is full of edgy properties that offer a great deal of character and charm to guests. If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, then you’ll find plenty of options. There are also many unique boutique hotels in the city, which offers guests a chance to stay in spaces that are modern but with a vintage feel. The new Hotel Van Zandt is a prime example of this.
The city of Austin is also home to some tasty food scenes, like Rainey Street, which features an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. There’s no shortage of places to eat here – so make sure you leave enough time for exploring the culinary offerings!
As the Capital of the South, Austin has a reputation for being one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Texas. Great food, live music and outdoor activities are just a few of the things that make Austin such a great place to visit. Here is a day guide to help you explore some of the best things Austin has to offer:
07:00 AM – Arrive in Austin
08:00 AM – Hike along Shoal Creek Trail
09:00 AM – Eat breakfast at Magnolia Café
10:00 AM – Visit Zilker Park for a picnic
11:00 AM – Get lunch from Threadgill’s or La Barbecue
12:00 PM – Take a tour of LBJ Library
01:00 PM – Tour Elisabet Ney Museum or UT Tower Observation Deck
02:30 PM – Take your dog to Town Lake Animal Center
04:30 PM – Watch an Austin City Limits show
Austin is home to a diverse and exceptionally delicious breakfast scene. You’ll find no shortage of coffee shops, diners and taco joints that boast unique takes on the morning meal.
One of our favorite breakfast destinations is Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon, a family-owned establishment that specializes in Mexican food. Though the restaurant serves up some excellent egg dishes for breakfast, we recommend heading there for lunch or dinner instead. But if you’re looking for something hearty, you can’t go wrong with their famous chicken skillet.
For those seeking an upscale experience, try out Violet Crown Social House, located in trendy East Austin. Known for its tasty Mediterranean-inspired eats, they offer a beautifully prepared take on eggs benedict and a variety of brunch dishes on the weekends.
Lunch in Austin is the perfect time to try some of its signature dishes. During this time, you can find a wide variety of food trucks that offer everything from tacos to tamales. Some notable lunch spots include Torchy’s Tacos, where you can get a variety of tacos as well as queso and other Tex-Mex favorites; Pinthouse Pizza, which offers pizzas with housemade dough and specialty pies like the “Jalapeno Cream Dream”; and Hopdoddy Burger Bar, which offers 100% Angus Beef Burgers and rotating daily specials for those looking for something lighter.
Austin has a vibrant food scene. There’s something for every budget, from quick and cheap to upscale and pricey.
1) For the best Mexican food in town, head to Torchy’s Tacos. They offer a variety of dishes ranging from tacos to breakfast tacos and chips & queso that are unbeatable.
2) The infamous Franklin BBQ is perfect for those who like their barbecue with a side of history. It’s been around since 2009 and is known for its brisket and ribs.
3) If you’re craving Asian cuisine, try Uncle Billy’s Pancake House which specializes in Chinese pancakes.
4) For the best carne asada burrito in town, check out El Primo Taco Truck on Airport Blvd near IH-35 in South Austin.
5) For all things Italian, go to La Condesa where you can enjoy live music with your pasta or pizza on Friday nights.
Austin is home to a diverse range of nightlife and outings, making it an excellent destination for those looking for a social experience.
During the day, there are plenty of outdoor activities to explore. But at night, the city’s restaurant scene comes alive with both new and established restaurants on offer.
Austin’s live music scene is one of its most popular offerings. With more than 50 venues that showcase live music every night, it’s easy to find your favorite type of live music in Austin. There are also plenty of opportunities for networking with locals at various bars and lounges around town.
Austin is also home to an eclectic food scene. The city has a wide variety of restaurants that serve traditional American cuisine as well as other dishes from around the world like Vietnamese and Lebanese cuisine. There are plenty of local breweries in Austin as well, which means you can enjoy cold beer just about any time you want!
We also recommend you read our guide about where to stay in Austin, it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.
If you like our hotel recommendations for Austin, then you should also check out the recommended hotels in Dallas and the best hotels in Houston.