The Kimber Modern
source: kimbermodern.com
The Kimber Modern is arguably not only one of Austin’s coolest boutique hotels, but one of the city’s coolest hotels in general.
Located just a block from bars and nightlife, this boutique hotel features a primarily white, minimal and sleek design style with some exciting pops of color. The bathrooms include all-glass showers and two suites are available, with private decks.
In the common seating area you’ll find egg chairs and hammocks, coffee is free all day, as is parking. There’s also a communal kitchen where you can grab a self-serve breakfast.
Heywood Hotel
source: heywoodhotel.com
Located about a mile from Lady Bird Lake and less than two miles from the Long Center for the Performing Arts, this intimate hotel features only seven rooms, each of which are individually designed. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and private patios. There’s also free coffee and bike rentals available.
The Austin Motel
source: flickr
The Austin Motel is historic, having been constructed in 1938 and it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for something that feels quirky and retro. It’s also set in a great South Congress location. Each of the single and double rooms at The Austin Motel has its own distinctive design style along with a private bathroom.
The kidney-shaped swimming pool is a great amenity hard to come by in a city location, and it’s also a real throwback to the 1950s.
Hotel San Jose
source: instagram
This hip hotel is located in a former motor from the 1930s and it’s in the heart of the South Congress neighborhood so you’re just steps from bars, entertainment and the live music scene Austin is so known for.
The rooms include sleek concrete floors, ethnically-inspired prints on the linens and furnishings which are handmade. Rooms also include minibars and TVs, and the bigger available rooms include patio seating areas. If you opt for a suite at Hotel San Jose you’ll have an outdoor porch or garden deck.
The courtyard bar is a great spot to hang out. You’ll find light bites and live music as well as a wading pool. You can also get breakfast in the courtyard.
The Driskill
source: animalfair.com
The Driskill dates all the way back to the late 1800s. It’s located within about a 12-minute walk to the Austin state capitol and if you love history you’ll really enjoy the stunning architecture on display at this hotel.
The guestrooms include flat-screen TVs and minibars, and each of the suites has a living and dining area as well as its own theme.
There’s a café and bakery serving traditional Southern fare and also an elevated grill eatery. You’ll enjoy small details that make this hotel feel personalized including cookies and milk for kids and goodies for pets including beds, bowls, treats and toys.
Hotel Ella
source: hotelella.com
The Hotel Ella is located in a historic mansion, with details like Carrara marble bathrooms and beautiful, ornate furnishings.
Behind the main mansion is a 38-room annex, which surrounds the pool and sculpture garden.
There’s a columned veranda beckoning from the front of Hotel Ella, and the onsite restaurant, Goodall’s, is one of the most popular and buzzy in Austin.