Boutique Hotels in Austin

Travelers wanting a unique hotel experience should check out one of Austin’s many exciting boutique hotel options; whether looking for nightlife at the bars on the historic craftman-lined Rainey Street, an infinity pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake, hidden bungalows draped in vibes and oak trees or a happening music scene on South Congress - there's a boutique hotel for every type of jet-setter.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Named after the patron saint of music and poetry, the Hotel Saint Cecilia, a 5 -star, 20-room boutique hotel located in the Travis Heights neighborhood, is a highly sought after stay for any music-loving traveler. This Bunkhouse hotel property is a homage to all things uniquely Austin. A mix of bohemian luxury flows throughout the super private and secluded manicured grounds often occupied by celebrities and even bands, such as the Foo Fighters, who recorded an album during their stay in this converted Victorian mansion. Each of the rooms- comprised of five suites, six poolside bungalows, six lush garden suites and three studios is well appointed with spa product minibar, local organic treats, custom kimono bathrobes and feature Rega turntables and Genova sounds systems and you are invited to borrow from the hotel's expansive collection library of vinyl records. The moody retro lounge is the main public space with a terrace above highlighting capital views and lush grounds covered in large live oak trees only accessible to hotel guests is a welcome retreat coupled with the Instagrammable hotel pool with its iconic "SOUL" neon. Truly, a luxurious rock and roll-leaning artistic vibe flows throughout the stay, and unique amenities at the Hotel Saint Cecilia include free bike rentals, complimentary wi-fi and a concierge program that offers guitar loans in partnership with Gibson. With every detail meticulously curated for guests, this hidden boutique behind the neon sign is the jewel of the city.

Hotel San Jose

Located in the heart of South Congress or SoCo, Hotel San Jose, is a hidden gem of seclusion steps away from the lively action of one of the busiest dining and shopping districts in Austin. First built in 1936 as a motor court, the Bunkhouse property has been transformed into a refined warm minimalist landscape overlooking a lush garden courtyard and hedge-draped entrance. Cactus lined corridors welcome travelers to one of the 40 distinctly designed rooms, each with a mix of warm neutral tones and woody accents. A playful curated minibar, Malin and Goetz bath products, Sferra linen and complimentary Wi-Fi are just some of the amenities guest will find; but the stand-out at Hotel San Jose is the Polaroid Cameras and typewriters available for guest to borrow and document some of their memories. The property offers both a refreshing pool and laid-back lounge in the courtyard and as for the surroundings, Hotel San Jose is located directly across from the legendary Continental Club, backyard oasis White Tiger and posh-shaded patio seafood and oyster spot Perla's. Stop by the often photographed and Instagram-loved "I love you so much" mural on the corner for your Austin highlight reel. Truly a haven right amid SoCo.

Hotel Van Zandt

Named for Austin singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt, a country music legend, this hotel fits right into the Live Music Capital of the World. The musical details are everywhere on the property, from an art installation of birds made of vinyl to the sounds of the lobby and elevators. Situated on vibrant Rainey Street, a historic district of remodeled artisan homes featuring lively bars and restaurants, as well as a food truck park where some of the best of Austin's renowned foodie options can be found. With 316 rooms, all with views of downtown's famous Lady Bird Lake and a stunning roof-top terrace with a buzz worthy pool deck, this hotel still manages to have an intimate boutique vibe. The communal space and lobby design is a mix of exposed brick industrial architecture mixed with sultry velvet, natural woods, mid-century modern adornments and even a corner dedicated to a selection of vinyl records to play. The acclaimed in house restaurant, featuring succulent Texas BBQ and craft beer serving bar features live music by local musicians every night of the week. Each room includes luxurious bedding, free wi-fi, a curated mini bar- with tasty BBQ peanuts and bespoke whiskey offerings, bluetooth speakers and even a yoga mat to grab some zen after a night of exploring Rainey's hippest hipster joints.

Austin Proper Hotel

Luxury meets laid back indie-sultry sophistication at the recently opened Kelly Wearstler-designed Austin Proper Hotel. Upon entering through the majestic large black front doors, the interior envelopes lounge vibes with raw wood treatments, buttery leather seating and textured embroidered armchairs combined with an architecturally modern natural wood stair case enshrined with organic ceramics. Sitting on prime real estate on the banks of Lady Bird Lake the years in concept of a luxe retreat in the heart of the city unfolds as one of the first forays into the Proper hotels outside California. Guests can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows, with some rooms offering balconies and rooms filled with warm textured accents and marble detailing in the wet spaces. Amenities include full size soaking tubs, Aesop bath products and tech-wise, the hotel offers Bluetooth speakers, included wi-fi, Apple TV and touchscreen switches that quickly control the window shades and dimmable lights. Onsite the dining and bar amenities are plenty, a varied collection of worldly offerings, an award winning restaurant Peacocks Mediterranean Grill has some of Austin's only mix of Israeli, Greek and North African Cuisine, while the pool side restaurant La Piscina showcases Oaxacan fare and a raw bar, and light bites and pastries from the Mockingbird Coffee Shop. The highlight of the mix is Goldie’s Sunken Bar, exclusive to guests and residents, provides an intimate atmosphere and serves creative cocktails, and one of the most stunning renditions of a margarita in the capital city. The Austin Proper is a welcome gem to the growing Austin landscape and truly a boutique hotel that is unsurpassed in service from check in to check out.

The LINE Hotel - Austin

Located on the shore of town lake where downtown meets the Congress Street bridge, The LINE hotel draws inspiration from it's origins as a 1960's jazz club with a focus on luxe entertainment and amenities. From local music artists showcased in the lobby, pop-up art installations and a DJ spinning on the pool deck overlooking the waterway, the vibes radiate Austin from every angle of this retro-modern boutique hotel surrounded in natural beauty. Guest room views of both downtown and the capital to Town Lake and the appropriately named Congress "bat bridge"- in which nightly swarms of brown bats leave their roost to hunt, offering a spectacle unique to Austin and those that gather to watch the show. Onsite rooftop restaurant, Top Chef Alum Kristen Kish's Arlo offers unique dishes in a dreamy setting overlooking the expanse of Austin's natural downtown lake. Downstairs sits an inviting fireplace-adorned lobby where you can grab a cocktail at P6 or head over to Veracruz, all natural for some of the best breakfast tacos Austin has to offer. The pool deck showcases a saltwater infinity pool, several lounges and cabanas. Amenities in the rooms are highly appointed with unique local finds in the minibar selection, luxury linens, comfortable bedding and large floor-to-ceiling views. Located on the side of the line is an ever-changing mural for photo ops and access to the city's water way trail system.

Austin is without a doubt the capital of live music and with a food scene just as adventurous, there is something for every traveler. Austin food mainstays such as the famous line to Franklins BBQ, the everchanging menu at personal favorite Odd Duck, the revolutionary fusion at Uchiko, best tasting margaritas at lively El Alma happy hours and new comers to the scene at the city's many food truck parks are worth a trip.

Live music venues abound from the infamous bars of 6th Street in downtown to the crowd favorites lining South Congress and East Austin- never a hard find in the city that keeps a beat on the pulse of singers and songwriters.

With over 300 days of sunshine, Austin is not only a foodie and music lovers paradise but also offers access to the natural beauty of the Lone Star State. Check out Lady Bird Lake for a bike ride around downtowns waterway or take an ice plunging dip in the natural Barton Springs. For sports fans the University of Texas Longhorns show up Saturdays to fill Daryl K. Royal stadium to root on the Burnt Orange and White.

Home of the Texas Capital, many museums and historical markers dot the surrounding downtown area in tribute to the Lone Star State.

The city's often miscued moniker "Keep Austin Weird" finds its origins in keeping the city unique and always an exciting city to uncover.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Austin. In need of further inspiration? Check out Nicole Canal’s guide, Hotel San Jose - Austin, TX.