The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Austin [2023]

Austin is famous for being the state capital of Texas and for its art and music scene. This quirky metropolis is full of nature escapes and plays host to numerous world-famous events, like SXSW, the ACL Festival, and the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.

There is much to discover in Austin and plenty of boutique hotels to enjoy for the duration.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Austin

Archer Hotel

Price: From $329

Shaped by the trendy North Austin atmosphere, the Archer Hotel can be found next to the trendiest spots in town, The Domain, and Rock Rose. This allows guests easy access to the best fine dining and shopping opportunities in town.

Blending Hill Country charm with plenty of creativity, the Archer represents Austin’s soul. The building is made from elegant local limestone, and each space is filled with elegant details.

The stylish guest rooms and suites have an arrival gift to greet guests, a flat-screen HDTV with premium channels, a laptop safe, plush bedding with an ultra-comfortable mattress, soft linens, a down duvet, and a fully stocked minibar.

Daily turndown treats are provided, and suites benefit from evening turnover. Frette bathrobes, charming slippers, and premium designer toiletries from Malin + Goetz are included in this fully pampering experience.

Hot Tip: Learn about the best things to do in Austin, including free activities, outdoor fun, kid-friendly ideas, and museums.

Carpenter Hotel

Price: From $239

Located in South Austin, the Carpenter Hotel is a light-filled open-air boutique option. It can be found right next to Zilker Park in a serene pecan grove. The hotel offers great walking access to Lady Bird Lake, as well as downtown Austin, Barton Springs, Peter Pan Mini-Golf, and ZACH Theater.

The pool at the Carpenter Hotel features a lawn and a private pavilion. There is an all-day café, as well as the Carpenter Hall. The on-site restaurant also offers in-room or poolside dining. Each room has a private terrace, curated minibar, king or queen bed, cerulean tile accents in the bathroom, and local and organic bath products.

Guests have access to complimentary drinking water and can also purchase pastries and hot drinks at the Carpenter Coffee Bar.

The Driskill

Price: From $199

The Driskill is one of Austin’s top landmarks. It offers guests access to an amazing historic location, first built in 1886 by cattle baron Colonel Jesse Driskill. Staying at the hotel is like walking back in time to an elegant and refined era, enhanced by modern amenities.

The Driskill is known for the incredible service it offers and the beautifully-appointed rooms. There are marble floors, fine woodwork accents, a stained-glass dome, and an extensive art collection adorning every space.

Accommodation options include guest rooms and suites, from the cozy Petite Queen to the sprawling presidential suites. In-room details include a pillow-top mattress with plush bedding, custom marble, and Art Deco tiling. Some rooms add a sitting area with a work desk and a chair ideal for the most comfortable lounging.

Hot Tip: Check out our full review of The Driskill- The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

East Austin Hotel

Price: From $125

Found in one of Austin’s most vibrant areas, the East Austin Hotel is a short walk away from downtown and the Austin Convention Center. It also offers easy access to the Texas Capitol and the University of Texas. European style abounds at the East Austin Hotel, with Scandinavian design accents and a wealth of room types that suit all tastes and budgets.

There is a retro-style courtyard pool, a global diner, a rooftop bar, and a poolside bar. This locally-owned hotel offers an authentic experience and numerous comforts.

Each room has a soft Casper mattress and pillows, cozy linens from Gilchrist & Soames, local custom furnishings with vintage flair, a Keurig coffee maker, and a flat-screen LG TV, along with a mini-fridge. Guests can also enjoy custom robes and caftans and Red Flower bath products with a custom scent.

Heywood Hotel

Price: From $207

The Heywood Hotel offers a charming and unique lodging experience in Austin. This award-winning boutique hotel is full of excellent design and cozy details. The 5 courtyard rooms have private exterior entrances, bathrooms, and individual ventilation.

This ultra-safe system means each room is a sumptuous retreat with a highly comfortable bed, local art pieces, handcrafted furnishings, and beautiful textiles. There is a coffee and tea service available on the property, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and parking and access to a free bike service.

Some of the rooms include a decorative fireplace, cathedral ceiling, and a luxury tub. Accommodation options come in king or queen bed sizes, and all of the rooms have reclaimed longleaf pine hardwood floors that add to the stylish experience. For groups traveling together, the whole property can be booked.

Hotel Ella

Price: From $230

Found in the historic Goodall Wooten mansion near downtown Austin and a short walk away from the University of Texas, Hotel Ella dates back to 1900. This Greek Revival-style location was restored in 2013 to provide even more luxury to guests.

Full of historic elegance and modern comforts, Hotel Ella has a beautiful wraparound veranda that’s perfect for lounging. The outdoor pool has convenient cabanas, and an extensive collection of Texas Modernist artwork adorns every space in this charming boutique hotel.

Each guest room and suite at Hotel Ella has custom furnishings, microfiber bathrobes, a minibar, an LED TV, and deluxe toiletries.

There are king and queen accommodation options, as well as pool view and poolside choices, along with Ella’s Parlor Suite and the Mansion Petite Suite. Those looking for as much opulence and space as possible should check out the suites.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Price: From $478

Named after the Catholic patron saint of poetry and music, Hotel Saint Cecilia is a beautiful urban retreat. The gorgeous grounds are reserved for guests, and the heated lap pool is open at all times. Poolside drinks and light dining are available, along with a covered terrace offering stunning views over the city.

Accommodation options include suites, poolside bungalows, and studio guest rooms. Each of them has Old World elegance and opulent details.

Each room has custom-designed kimono bathrobes, a fully-stocked spa product minibar with curated offerings from Haoma, a handcrafted organic bed by Swedish experts Hästens, a Geneva sound system, and a Rega turntable.

The hotel offers a lending library of exquisite vintage records, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and bicycles. Along with records, guests can also borrow from the extensive collection of rock biographies and poetry anthologies.

Hotel San José

Price: From $90

Found next to all the best shopping the trendy South Congress district has to offer, Hotel San José is a charming and chic location. Featuring a verdant garden courtyard, the hotel offers an intimate retreat right in the vibrant heart of Austin.

There is an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site bar serving the iconic micheladas. Some of the rooms offer serene views over the courtyard. All of them are elegant, with plenty of stylish details like accent walls and wooden furnishings.

Guests are treated to premium amenities like Sferra linens, custom kimono-style bathrobes, a curated minibar, and Malin + Goetz bath products.

As an extra touch, Hotel San José offers creative guests access to Polaroid cameras and typewriters that are great for making unique social media posts that will pop on the timeline.

Kimber Modern Hotel

Price: From $389

Located in the trendy South Congress neighborhood of Austin, the Kimber Modern provides an urban retreat in a vibrant area. With a beautiful courtyard full of oaks for extra serenity, everything at the Kimber Modern is designed for comfort and relaxation.

The magnificent modern architecture has stylish, clean lines and uses light to amplify the effect of each space. Each room at this boutique hotel has an individual custom design full of sophistication and groundbreaking technology.

Guests at the Kimber Modern have great access to downtown Austin and can delight in the stunning design of the common area.

Each room and suite at the Kimber Modern has a reading chair and writing desk, a flat-screen TV with cable, a fridge, and Sferra linens. The bathroom features a spacious shower, Egyptian cotton towels, and deluxe bath amenities from Malin + Goetz.

Lone Star Court

Price: From $229

Located right next to the amazing shopping and dining opportunities at Austin’s The Domain, Lone Star Court is a great place to unwind. Known for its charm and its relaxed atmosphere, this boutique hotel is also steps away from Rock Rose and the Q2 Stadium.

Full of Americana accents, the Lone Star Court experience includes access to the sprawling 4 acres of beautifully-maintained courtyards. Plenty of lawn games are available on the grounds, as well as fire pits. There is an outdoor swimming hole, and guests can also use the complimentary bikes on offer to explore the area.

Guests seeking to immerse themselves in the Austin atmosphere can do so right on the premises, with live music being played every weekend. The trendy retro-style rooms with modern comforts all feature unique decor.

South Congress Hotel

Price: From $324

The South Congress Hotel offers an Austin microcosm in one of the trendiest locations in town. With great views over the neighborhood, the South Congress has 3 restaurants, a rooftop pool, a lobby bar and lounge, and even 2 retail shops.

All of these businesses, including the hotel, have local ownership, which is what contributes to the authentic experience.

The guest rooms and suites at the South Congress Hotel are full of luxurious details like an Ursa Major bath, along with designer bath products, and custom-designed robes. Rooms also feature Matteo linens, an Apple TV, and a fully-stocked minibar with plenty of local indulgent treats.

For guests seeking a more spacious and exclusive experience, suites add 700 square feet, a private balcony, and pool views. Guests have 24/7 access to the on-site fitness center and its 2 Peloton bikes. Tesla owners can enjoy the benefit of having access to a Supercharger right at the hotel.

The Wayback

Price: From $265

The Wayback offers an amazing Texas Hill Country retreat that is only 15 minutes away from downtown Austin. This beautiful hotel is surrounded by hills and abundant nature, an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

All accommodation options at the Wayback are private cottages found under the scenic oaks on the property. All of them have a casual luxury design, with organic textiles, vintage accents, and plenty of comforts.

The popular Wayback Café serves fresh seasonal meals that blend Southern cuisine with contemporary twists. There is a patio along with a lawn that is perfect for lounging or for dining outside.

Each cottage has a Fara coffeemaker with Fara coffee, a full-length mirror, steamer, mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a TV with access to Sling channels. Some of the cottages have stunning views over the hills.

Final Thoughts

Travelers who visit Austin will find many parks and lakes to enjoy. They can also immerse themselves in the constant live music. The genres of country, rock, and blues are well-represented in Austin, but there is something to suit everyone.