Poolside at The LINE, a boutique downtown Austin hotel with skyline views.

20 Best Hotels near Downtown Austin

Planning a trip to Austin and feeling torn on where to stay? With rooftop pools, boutique hotels and neighborhoods that each have their own pulse, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by options.

Craving late nights on Rainey or quiet mornings by the lake? Downtown has it all. You just need to find your spot.

This guide rounds up the best hotels across the city, from lively patios to peaceful corners.

We’re covering the best hotels by neighborhood:

Rainey Street District
2nd Street District
Seaholm District
Red River District
South Congress

Find the one that fits your rhythm, whether you’re here for the music, the meetings or just a good time in Austin.

Best Hotels in the Rainey Street District

Known for skyline views and craft-cocktail patios, Rainey Street pairs nightlife with neighborhood charm.

1. Hotel Van Zandt

Pool of Hotel Van Zandt, a boutique hotel in downtown Austin near Rainey Street. — Photo courtesy of Hotel Van Zandt.

Address: 605 Davis St

Price: $$

Highlights: Nestled in the heart of Rainey Street, Hotel Van Zandt celebrates Austin’s creative soul. Expect live music, craft cocktails and a blend of modern luxury with Southern warmth. The hotel’s restaurant, Geraldine’s is known for its skyline views, inventive menu and nightly tunes that capture the rhythm of Rainey. A boutique stay that’s as Austin as it gets.

2. Natiivo Austin

Exterior of Natiivo, one of the best hotels in downtown Austin for extended stays. — Photo courtesy of Natiivo Austin.

Address: 48 East Ave

Price: $$$

Highlights: A stylish hybrid of condo and hotel, Natiivo offers flexibility with flair. Guests enjoy full kitchens, skyline views and resort-style amenities. Ideal for longer stays or guests who prefer a home base with hotel perks.

3. Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

The Cambria Hotel’s bar in downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown.

Address: 68 East Ave

Price: $$

Highlights: Sleek, social and steps from Rainey Street, Cambria Hotel combines modern design with local flavor. The rooftop bar offers skyline views, while coworking nooks and casual dining make it easy to mix business with play. A smart pick for both work and weekend visitors.

4. The Fairmont

The Fairmont Hotel at sunset, one of downtown Austin’s most iconic luxury hotels. — Photo courtesy of The Fairmont.

Address: 101 Red River St

Price: $$$

Highlights: A true Austin landmark, The Fairmont brings five-star service to the heart of downtown. Think skyline pool, full-service spa and fine dining, all just minutes from the city’s best live music and nightlife. Perfect for guests who want classic luxury and effortless access to the city.

5. Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown

Homewood Suites, one of the best hotels in downtown Austin with spacious, extended-stay suites. — Photo courtesy of Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown.

Address: 78 East Ave

Price: $$

Highlights: Spacious and family-friendly, Homewood Suites offers apartment-style living near Lady Bird Lake. Full kitchens, free breakfast and generous space make it an easy pick for longer stays or visiting families.

6. Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin Downtown

Rooftop terrace at Fairfield Inn & Suites, one of the best value hotels in downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin Downtown.

Address: 76 East Ave

Price: $

Highlights: A reliable favorite for budget-conscious guests, Fairfield Inn delivers comfort and convenience without the frills. Walk to Rainey Street, grab a complimentary breakfast and explore downtown without breaking stride or budget.

Best Hotels in the 2nd Street District

Downtown’s most walkable area – full of restaurants, shops and event venues.

1. The LINE Austin

Address: 111 E Cesar Chavez St

Price: $$$

Highlights: With views over Lady Bird Lake and a creative, cultural edge, The LINE blends design and discovery. Locals love Alfred, the hotel’s signature coffee shop that fuels early risers and late-night creatives alike. Dine lakeside at Arlo Grey, helmed by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish, or explore the rotating art installations that make every visit feel fresh.

2. tommie Austin

Tommie Austin hotel’s pool, a stylish newcomer among the best hotels in downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of tommie Austin.

Address: 506 San Jacinto Blvd

Price: $$

Highlights: Designed for the modern traveler, tommie Austin is playful, minimalist and walkable to everything. A lively rooftop bar and on-site café bring the buzz, while compact, thoughtfully designed rooms keep things simple and stylish.

3. Hotel Zaza

Exterior view of Hotel ZaZa, a luxury hotel in downtown Austin with bold design. — Photo courtesy of Hotel Zaza.

Address: 400 Lavaca St

Price: $$$

Highlights: Bold, eclectic and unmistakably Austin. Hotel Zaza Austin mixes luxury with personality. Think rooftop pool parties, moody lounges and creative suites that tell their own story.

4. W Austin

Interior of hotel room at W Austin, one of the best hotels in downtown Austin for luxury stays. — Photo courtesy of W Austin.

Address: 200 Lavaca St

Price: $$$$

Highlights: Sleek, modern and right in the center of the 2nd Street District, W Austin delivers high-end energy with Austin flair. Guests can lounge at the rooftop pool, enjoy live music at ACL Live next door or unwind at the AWAY Spa between nights out downtown.

Best Hotels in the Seaholm District

A modern, lakefront pocket west of downtown that mixes architecture, trails and upscale comfort.

1. Austin Proper Hotel

Interior of room at Austin Proper Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of Austin Proper Hotel.

Address: 600 W 2nd St

Price: $$$$

Highlights: Blending refined design with Austin’s creative edge, Austin Proper offers a luxurious stay in the heart of the 2nd Street District. Expect art-filled interiors, a rooftop pool overlooking Shoal Creek and world-class dining from award-winning chefs.

2. The Loren at Lady Bird Lake

The Loren at Lady Bird Lake hotel’s skyline views. — Photo courtesy of The Loren at Lady Bird Lake.

Address: 1211 W Riverside Dr

Price: $$$$

Highlights: Sophisticated and serene, The Loren overlooks Lady Bird Lake just west of downtown. Guests can enjoy fine dining at Nido, relax at the Milk + Honey Spa or take in skyline views from the rooftop pool.

3. Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown

Verbena at Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown, a stylish hotel in downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown.

Address: 604 W 6th St

Price: $$$

Highlights: Located near the Seaholm District and 6th Street’s nightlife, Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown combines artistic style with local flavor. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails at Verbena, unwind by the rooftop pool and explore Austin’s best restaurants just steps away.

Best Hotels in the Red River District

Where Austin’s live-music heritage comes alive with late-night stages and laid-back bars.

1. Aloft Austin

Aloft Hotel on Congress Avenue, one of the best hotels in downtown Austin for walkability. — Photo courtesy of Aloft Austin.

Address: 109 E 7th St, Austin

Price: $$$

Highlights: Bright, social and centrally located, Aloft Austin Downtown feels like the heart of the action. Grab a drink at Upstairs at Caroline, check out a live show or wind down in a tech-friendly, loft-style room designed for connection and comfort.

2. Hyatt House Austin Downtown

Hotel room at Hyatt House Austin Downtown, a modern hotel in downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of Hyatt House Austin Downtown.

Address: 901 Neches St

Price: $$

Highlights: Convenient and comfortable, Hyatt House Austin/Downtown is a great option for extended stays near Red River’s music scene. Spacious rooms with kitchenettes, free breakfast and walkable access to bars and venues make it ideal for both short and long visits.

3. Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown’s lobby, a hotel in downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown.

Address: 500 N Interstate Hwy 35

Price: $$

Highlights: Overlooking downtown and the Red River District, Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown offers easy access to Austin’s entertainment core. Guests can walk to Sixth Street or enjoy city views from the rooftop restaurant and bar.

Best Hotels on South Congress

South of the river, SoCo blends boutique shopping, dining and Austin’s creative soul.

1. Hotel Saint Cecilia

Poolside at Hotel Saint Cecilia, a South Congress hotel near downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of Hotel Saint Cecilia.

Address: 112 Academy Dr

Price: $$$

Highlights: Tucked behind SoCo’s buzz, Hotel Saint Cecilia channels rock ’n’ roll nostalgia and modern luxury. Expect lush gardens, vintage vinyl and private poolside cabanas for a stay that feels effortlessly iconic.

2. Austin Motel

Iconic neon Austin Motel sign on South Congress, a hotel near downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of Austin Motel.

Address: 1220 S Congress Ave

Price: $$

Highlights: A local landmark since the 1930s, Austin Motel keeps Austin’s spirit alive with playful design and mid-century charm. Its retro neon and lively courtyard pool make it a favorite for travelers seeking that true SoCo vibe.

3. South Congress Hotel

Rooftop pool at South Congress Hotel near downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of South Congress Hotel.

Address: 1603 S Congress Ave

Price: $$$

Highlights: South Congress Hotel blends boutique sophistication with neighborhood energy. Dine at Café No Sé, browse local shops or unwind by the rooftop pool. It’s SoCo living with a creative edge.

4. Hotel Magdalena

Hotel Magdalena’s colorful bathroom interior on Music Lane, near downtown Austin. — Photo courtesy of Hotel Magdalena.

Address: 1101 Music Ln

Price: $$$

Highlights: Surrounded by oak trees and inspired by Austin’s lake life, Hotel Magdalena offers a calm, sunlit retreat just off South Congress. With a poolside bar and breezy design, it captures Austin’s slower, soulful side.

Now that you’ve seen Downtown Austin’s top hotels by neighborhood, you’ve got a clearer picture of where to stay. Whether you’re after walkability, skyline views, or boutique charm, there’s a district and a hotel that fits your trip.

Not sure which district suits you best? Check out Which Downtown Austin Neighborhood Is Right for You? to explore your options further.

Thinking about calling Rainey home? Contact our leasing team to learn more about life at Paseo and experience the energy of downtown living every day.

Eddie Dubon

Eddie is a leasing professional at Paseo with years of industry experience who’s called Austin home since age four. A former college and semi-pro baseball player, he now spends his days off exploring Austin’s greenbelts with his girlfriend and their Shih Tzu, Teddy. At work, Eddie’s focus is simple: delivering great service and building real connections with future residents.

October 10, 2025

Downtown Austin Lifestyle

Four people cross a city street at a crosswalk with the iconic Austin Motel sign and downtown skyline in view, while parking in Austin remains a bustling challenge on this sunny day.