Bunkhouse Austin Hotel Inspection

The Carpenter Hotel

The Carpenter is located near Zilker park and Barton Springs, and fits right in to that area. While all of these properties have an Austin vibe, this one appeals to the outdoorsy nature of the city. This is a great location to stay at for ACL, or if you you are looking to walk on the trails and enjoy Lady Bird Lake. That being said, it is still close enough to South Congress and downtown, so you aren't sacrificing much with its location. There are tons of restaurants in the area, so no need to venture too far from the hotel. They have a very "of place" coffee shop in the lobby area, where many Austin locals like to get some work done.

Austin Motel

Austin Motel is located on South Congress, which is the most popular place to be when visiting Austin. This property is unlike any of the other Bunkhouse properties in Austin, and a very fun vibe. Austin Motel is probably the most iconic hotel in Austin, being the most Instagrammable in the entire city. Everyone wants to be at the Austin Motel pool in the summer. Located right in the heart of all the action, you don't get a better Austin experience than this. The rooms are fun with bright colors and unique wall paper to go along with the trademark bunkhouse robes. This property is for your clients who want to have great Instagram pictures, be located in the middle of everything and experience the uniqueness that Austin has to offer. 

Hotel San Jose

Hotel San Jose is located right next to Austin Motel, but it feels much more secluded, protected by a wall from the hectic South Congress. Unlike Austin Motel, San Jose has a much more laid back vibe and feels better suited for someone who wants to be in the middle of all the action, but can get away from the craziness. They have a great outdoor area to hang out, drink a cocktail and enjoy the Austin weather. This property as a much more outdoors vibe than Austin Motel, with tons of greenery throughout the grounds and multiple places to sit and hang out. The rooms here are simple, with great colors. Nicer than the Carpenter rooms, but not as eccentric as the Austin Motel.

Hotel Magdalena

Magdalena is the newest Bunkhouse property in Austin and it might just be my favorite. It is located just one street off South Congress, so you are right where you want to be, but with some peace and quiet. This hotel has a great sense of place in Austin, tying in the outdoorsy nature with a fun design. The pool is an ode to the iconic Barton Springs (shaped just like it). This property is bigger all the other South Congress properties and would be great for groups. All but 17 rooms are equipped with an outdoor space to soak in the Austin sun. The rooms are colorful, spacious and great for many different types of travelers. I'd recommend this hotel to business travelers and vacationers alike. Magdalena has a new vinyl listening room called Equipment Room, that is a must go for anyone visiting Austin.

Last but certainly not least...

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Saint is the luxury option of the bunkhouse properties and competes with Commodore Perry as the best place to stay in Austin on the high end. Saint Cecilia is located just behind Magdalena, so it is right next to South Congress, but still very secluded. This is a private hotel, so only guests have access to the property. This makes Saint a great place to put clients that are looking for some privacy. With only 20 rooms, your experience here is very different than any of the other Bunkhouse options. The rooms here are all different themed and have an amazing vibe. I personally thought the "Rockstar suite" was the coolest option. All of the rooms are very spacious with comfortable sitting areas and great snack/bar areas, every room has a cheese board and cheese stocked. One thing to note with Saint Cecilia is, they are closing the entire property May 14 for renovations until July 10. On July 10 they will partially re-open, with the lobby building closed until September.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Texas. In need of further inspiration? Check out Jordan Nocerino’s guide, Luxury Getaway To Austin, Texas.