24 Hours in Austin: A Birthday Getaway at the Iconic Austin Motel with a Site Inspection

Austin Motel

Check-in time! Walking into the lobby/shop is such a great way to really know how the vibe of the hotel will be. It’s lively and charming, which stands out, but really blends in with the spirit of South Congress Avenue. You can tell this place has a history and I loved that aspect. They kept the character of a 1938 motel but now embellished with an exciting atmosphere for all who stay or wander into these outlaw-ish grounds.

The amenities here are similar to most hotels, they just look cool offering it. One of the big things they offer is one complimentary parking spot, which is important in this area. They also offer complimentary Wi-Fi, a 1,100-square-foot swimming pool, pet-friendly rooms (with a small fee) and a bodega with snacks and drinks.

They have great perks if you are staying for more than two nights, such as a $25 food and beverage credit, upgrade if available and late check-out. Before I had my stay at the motel, I let them know it was my birthday and they graciously had a birthday note, a sticker and two $25 beverage credits to use at the bodega by the pool displayed in my room upon arrival. This really put the cherry on top for my stay. Also, the staff here is so friendly and helpful. When I told them about our plans for the evening, they suggested places and what to do as I did not make any reservations for dinner in advance.

All in all, I would definitely stay here again and for a longer stay. I recommend it to all my friends and clients. This place is best suited for couples and small groups, but families are welcome as well. If you’re looking for a spirited escape with a controlled budget, this really hits all the points for a great stay.

24-Hour Happenings

After a bit of an early check-in at Austin Motel, we spent the next few hours poolside. Using our beverage credits, we kept hydrated and also purchased some much-needed sunscreen at the motel store. Our next stop was dinner and, unfortunately, with no reservation on South Congress — which is not best practice, especially on a Saturday night — we opted for Home Slice Pizza. Learn from me!

Anyways, we started our search at Aba Austin, a Mediterranean restaurant with an amazing atmosphere and even better food, or so I’m told. We went early to ask for a table, with much confidence, and were then told that we would have a two-hour wait. After waiting an hour, we did a walk around to see what other wait times were like.

You can’t go wrong on South Congress. Perla’s, June’s and Vespaio were all great options that we have enjoyed before, but we ended up at Home Slice. Pizza hit the spot and it was accompanied by live music that just so happened to pop up on the street corner right as we got our food.

Now drinks! Again, so many options. This is what I managed to reserve instead of dinner. We visited the Austin Proper Hotel for cocktails at their sunken bar called Goldie's. This hotel is not only an amazing place to stay but also an amazing spot for food and drinks. They have a rooftop bar and pool, a Mediterranean grill, a refined but cozy lounge and, of course, the sunken bar.

Goldie's was all I expected and more. The menu choices were wide-ranging and remarkable, and we were given a complimentary bourbon-inspired caramel popcorn snack. I also believe my hunt for the best Pisco sour is over. I don’t think a Peruvian cocktail made by a Peruvian bartender can be beat.

Goldie's (left), Red Headed Stepchild (Right)

The last bar was The Red Headed Stepchild, which is a bit of a hidden bar, and you need the current password to get in past the bouncer, but no worries! With no code, you can just step right over to their sister bar on a rooftop called El Cockfight. Both have great drinks and really eclectic atmospheres. We couldn’t have had a better place to end the night.

Sleep was blissful and in the morning we dropped off our keys in the Austin Motel lobby, which had free coffee, but we headed down the street for a morning treat.

We got to Hotel Magdalena’s Summer House on Music Lane for breakfast/brunch, which starts at 7 am every day. Their eggs in purgatory was incredible and their coffee was essential for our drive back home.

I couldn’t recommend this place more. South Congress in Austin, Texas, has it all. Astounding places to stay, places to eat and things to do. Whether its a week or 24 hours, fun is to be had in this city.

The Austin Motel also offers pool passes! Prices depend on the day such as a weekday or weekend, but you can enjoy hot sunny days in Austin poolside just as a guest can.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Austin. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sara Wilcox’s guide, Miraval Austin Overview.