13 Unique Places to Stay in Austin, Texas

If you’re planning a trip to Austin, Texas—you’re in for more than just brisket, bats, and Barton Springs Pool. Whether you’re visiting the University of Texas (like me, because my daughter is a proud Longhorn), looking for a summer vacation full of quirky adventures, or just chasing the great outdoors with a taco in one hand and a flat-screen TV remote in the other, Austin’s got your back.

And when it comes to where to stay? Well, Austin does hotels like it does everything else: weird, wild, and full of Willie Nelson energy. So buckle up, music lovers, because I’ve rounded up the most unique places to stay in Austin, TX—each one bursting with modern amenities, major personality, and just enough room service to remind you this is a getaway, not college move-in day.

1. Commodore Perry Estate

If Bridgerton met Texas Hill Country, it would be this Auberge Resorts Collection gem. Tucked away just a short drive from the chaos of Sixth Street, the Commodore Perry Estate offers a luxe, European-style estate vibe—complete with fine dining, curated art, and a seasonal outdoor pool that looks like it belongs in an Italian villa. Check current rates.

Perks: Gorgeous guest rooms, air-conditioned rooms, decadent brunch, dreamy gardens, and it’s Instagram gold.
Vibe: “I summer in Tuscany, but my boots are from Allen’s.”

2. Colton House Hotel

Located a short distance from the heart of downtown Austin, the Colton House Hotel is basically what would happen if Joanna Gaines and Willie Nelson co-designed a hotel. Think huge common areas, sleek interior design, a cute little coffee shop, and room layouts that are perfect for families, friend groups, or those who travel with emotional support succulents.

Bonus: There’s a fitness center with Peletons, outdoor swimming pool, and even an event space if you’re feeling extra. Plus, it’s close to many of the best restaurants in South Austin.
Don’t Miss: Sipping wine by the fire pit at happy hour. Check current rates.

3. Austin Motel

Looking for a boutique hotel that screams “I get vintage but I still demand free WiFi and air conditioning”? This is it. Right in the middle of Austin’s South Congress district, the Austin Motel is kitschy, colorful, and a literal icon. Plus, the neon sign is basically a rite of passage for selfies.

Walkable To: Food trucks, live music venues, and shops.
Vibe: 70s road trip meets cool-kid staycation. Check current rates at the Austin Motel.

4. Hotel Van Zandt

Smack in the heart of downtown Austin and steps from 6th Street and Lady Bird Lake, Hotel Van Zandt is your go-to for music lovers who also appreciate luxury hotel touches like a rooftop outdoor swimming pool, live music, and some of the best room service in town.

Good For: Bachelor/ette parties, date nights, pretending you’re on tour with your indie band.
Pro Tip: Ask about the happy hour at Geraldine’s (thank me later).

5. Heywood Hotel

This adorable boutique hotel has just seven designer guest rooms, each lovingly curated for a one-of-a-kind overnight stay. Located in East Austin near the bike trail, it’s close enough to the action without the “OMG it’s 2 a.m. and someone’s playing the bongos” energy of Sixth Street. Plus, it’s was chosen by the MICHELIN Guide 2024 as a One Key MICHELIN Hotel.

Vibe: Quiet, artsy, and deeply stylish.
Nearby: Clifton Art Alley and some of Austin’s best tacos. Check current rates.

6. Hotel Saint Cecilia

This place is basically the hotel version of a David Bowie vinyl. Tucked away in a quiet corner off South Congress Avenue, Hotel Saint Cecilia honors the patron saint of music with a moody, ultra-cool aesthetic. Think private parking, poolside lounging, and a whole lot of “I wear leather but also meditate” energy.

Why Stay Here: Private bungalows, velvet headboards, a library of vinyl.
Perfect For: Couples, music lovers, and people who know what mezcal is. Check current rates.

7. Lone Star Court

Heading to North Austin or just want to feel like you’re in an old-school Texas postcard? Check into Lone Star Court. This Wyndham hotel brings the fun with live music, tiny homes–style rooms, free bikes, and fire pits.

Nearby: The Domain (aka suburban shopping and dining heaven).
Great For: Families, dog owners, and anyone with a soft spot for neon signs and lawn chairs. Check current rates.

8. Carpenter Hotel

Located close to Zilker Park, the Carpenter Hotel is where the Austin cool crowd hangs out. There’s a killer coffee shop, local art in the rooms, and a seasonal outdoor pool that’s perfect after hitting the biking trails or dipping into Barton Springs Pool.

Highlights: Mid-century vibe, prime location, fitness center, and live music just steps away. Check current rates.

9. Fairmont Austin

Sometimes you want Austin weird, and sometimes you want 4-star sparkle. The Fairmont Austin Gold Experience brings both. With a central business district location, sweeping views of the Colorado River, and high-touch service (hello, dedicated front desk and concierge), it’s ideal for those who want to be pampered but still sneak out for tacos at midnight.

Fun Fact: The Austin Convention Center is just steps away, and yes, there’s a hot tub. Check current rates for the Fairmont Austin.

11. Moxy Austin

Welcome to Moxy Austin, where the front desk is also the bar. I’m not kidding. This place is perfectly quirky, complete with games in the lobby, air-conditioned rooms, and a vibe that screams, “I have a vinyl collection and zero chill.”

Bonus: It’s walking distance to UT aka directly across the street from campus, so you can visit your college kid and feel hip doing it. My daughter was in the girls dorm and it was by far the closest hotel to that dorm and the closest hotel to Moody Communication Center. Check current rates on Marriott.

12. JW Marriott Austin

This isn’t your average chain hotel. The JW Marriott Austin boasts a rooftop pool with prime city views, fine dining options, a swanky fitness center, and the kind of sleek comfort that says “I’m here on business, but I might be convinced to day-drink.” I like it so much I’ve stayed here once with friends and once with the kids. Check current rates on Marriott.

Hot Tip: The nachos at the pool are gigantic and perfect for sharing.

13. The Otis Hotel – UT Adjacent, and Proud of It

Located across from the University of Texas, this luxury hotel blends academia and elegance with a rooftop pool, stylish guest rooms, and art that feels way cooler than anything I ever turned in for extra credit. JK, I never did any art at all but this is my favorite hotel in Austin so far. I highly appreciated the Nespresso and rooftop poo,l while Eden loved being able to check out an album in the lobby for us to play on the record player in our room. Plus, it’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, which means they’re fancy-fancy. Check rates at the Otis Hotel on Marriott.

Whether you’re in town to visit the University of Texas, chase outdoor activities, hit 6th Street, or just live your best hotel-hopping life (like me), Austin’s got something for every kind of traveler. Bonus points if your hotel has a rooftop bar, a waffle iron shaped like Texas, or an actual Willie Nelson sighting.

Let me know your favorite unique place to stay in Austin—or better yet, give me your recs, because my daughter has three more years at UT and I’m not done hotel hopping yet. Hook ’em!