There are definitely many factors to consider when researching the best places to stay in Austin. I mean, Austin is a city that continually tops the list of places to visit, thanks to the city’s reinvention of itself in recent years.
More and more, you see unique coffee shops, restaurants, and boutique stores opening up all around Austin as the city embraces its renewed gentrification. These businesses help to give each of Austin’s neighborhoods their own unique vibe and feel.
With this in mind, we have done our best to narrow Austin down into five areas that will help you to know exactly where to stay in Austin based upon your needs.
Austin is one of our favorite cities to visit. Surrounded by bustling nightlife, great food, and plenty of free things to do in Austin means that it checks all of the boxes. We especially love to visit Austin during Christmas to enjoy all of the fabulous lights.
Really, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a girl’s weekend or a romantic getaway, Austin has something for you. I mean, Austin is so close to so many of our Texas small towns that you can easily take a day trip to visit Wimberley to see the blue hole, or head to Fredericksburg to tour some fabulous wineries.
Really, Austin has it all!
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Best Places to Stay in Austin, Texas
Downtown is One of the Best Places to Stay in Austin for First-Timers
Downtown Austin is the heart of the city. We love staying in downtown Austin because you can easily walk to museums, restaurants, and bars.
Downtown is bursting with history, charm, and a unique atmosphere. No matter what time of day it is, you are bound to hear live music coming from somewhere in downtown Austin.
History lovers will enjoy visiting the State Capital building and seeing the Paramount Theatre.
When night hits, head to the popular Rainey Street. Lined with colorful houses–turned-bars, Rainey Street thrives on outdoor patios made especially for drinking.
Start your night out at Bangers, an Austin eatery specializing in beer and bratwurst. We enjoy sitting in their Biergarten sipping a craft beer and noshing on a delicious bratwurst before heading off to one of the bars on Rainey.
Downtown is definitely one of the best places to stay in Austin for first-time visitors.
Best Hotels in Austin-Downtown
Fairmont Downtown
If you love being spoiled while traveling, then the Fairmont Downtown Austin is for you. Not only does the staff make you feel like royalty, but the fabulous pool and the luxurious rooms will make you never want to leave.
Super close to Rainey Street, the Fairmont is one of the best places to stay in Austin in my opinion.
Hilton Garden Inn
For travelers looking for a nice hotel at a reasonable price, then consider the Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown. This hotel contains 254 rooms, and an outdoor pool, a great workout area, and a delicious on-site restaurant.
Not only that, but the Hilton Garden Inn is in a great location to several of Austin’s attractions including Sixth and Rainey Street.
The W
The W Hotel in downtown Austin is located right in the heart of downtown. Boasting modern rooms and spacious suites, the W might just be the perfect place to stay in Austin.
The W also has a tequila bar and a record room packed with vinyl.
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One of the Best Places to Stay in Austin for Food and Music Lovers is East Austin
Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, but still close enough to everything is the less refined neighborhood of East Austin.
One of the facts about Texas we love is that Austin is the music capital of the U.S. If you want to explore Austin’s music and food scene, then East Austin is one of the best places to stay in Austin for you.
Here visitors will find everything from speak-easy style bars to amazing taco truck, all within walking distance.
Less touristy than Sixth Street, East Austin is where locals go to hang out. It is in this funky area that you will find some of Austin’s best happy hours, gardens, and patios to pass your time away in Austin.
Best Hotels in Austin-East Austin
Hotel Eleven
Located rightfully so, on Eleventh Street, Hotel Eleven boasts spacious rooms and a great casual vibe. Guests can enjoy the great rooftop lounge and the hotel’s casual café.
On a late-night home, grad food from the food truck park that is located right across the street!
Guild East 6th Street
Guild East 6th Street is a bright and cheery modern property located in East Austin. Just a short walk from some of Austin’s top tourist attractions, Guild East 6th Street houses an outdoor terrace, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
Heywood Hotel
Heywood Hotel is a boutique hotel located in East Austin just off East Cesar Chavez Street. Guests staying at the Heywood Hotel enjoy uniquely decorated rooms in an area that is easily within walking distance of your desired attractions.
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South Congress is one of the Best Places to Stay in Austin for Young Travellers
South Congress, ‘SoCo’ to the locals, is a funky neighborhood with a true artsy feel, making it one of the best places to stay in Austin for young travelers. South Congress is for people who desire to meet people, eat, make connections, and absorb some of the trendy cultures that is Austin.
Visitors love snapping photos of all of the murals and graffiti that is scattered around the South Congress neighborhood, including the “I Love You So Much” mural.
Best Hotels in Austin-South Congress
South Congress Hotel
South Congress Hotel prides itself on catering to its customers. This luxury hotel will spoil you with its posh rooms that contain everything you need from comfy bathrobes to luxurious toiletries.
Allow the staff to cater to you while you lounge around the gorgeous pool soaking up some Texas sun before you wander out to explore the great South Congress neighborhood.
SoCo Hideaway
SoCo Hideaway is a two-bedroom holiday home is perfect for a couple or for families visiting SoCo. Visitors love the keypad entry, safe property, and spacious digs in this hip neighborhood.
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Red River District is One of The Best Places to Stay in Austin for Nightlife
The Red River District consists of about 3 blocks that are jammed packed with nightclubs, bars, and diners. This thriving community prides itself on its lively music scene.
It is here that you will find everything from rock to cabaret. During the day, you are close to downtown Austin and Zilker Park, so there is plenty to keep you busy during daylight hours as well.
Best Hotels in Austin-Red River District
Hotel Indigo
This colorful, modern hotel makes guests feel right at home from the moment they walk in the door. Located a short walk from the Texas State Capital building, guests will find cozy rooms, a fun cocktail bar, a fitness center, a rooftop pool, and a great breakfast.
Guild Red River
The Guild Red River is an apartment hotel located 5 minutes away from all of the fun on 6th street. Guests here love the hotel’s hip vibe as well as the living/dining room rooms, kitchens, and washer/dryers.
There is an outdoor pool with a sundeck, a lounge, a gym, and a picnic area complete with BBQ grills! What more do you need?
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Zilker is One of the Best Places to Stay in Austin for Families
Notated as one of the best neighborhoods in Austin, Zilker’s abundance of outdoor activities makes it one of the best places to stay in Austin for families.
The main attraction in this area is Zilker Park, an urban oasis that covers more than 350-acres. Zilker makes it easy to hike, bike, kayak, or just enjoy a lazy day outside.
Don’t worry though, there is more to Zilker than just a great park. Zilker is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Zilker is also close enough to other major Austin attractions that you can easily visit anywhere you would like.
Best Hotels in Austin-Zilker
Guild Lamar Union
The Guild Lamar Union is an ultra-modern property that will provide you with the idea location for exploring Austin. Close to Zilker Park and the local attractions, this apartment-style hotel is fitted with everything you need, including a pool and free wifi.
The Carpenter Hotel
The Carpenter Hotel is a short walk to Zilker Park and the train station. Guests find themselves surrounded by hip bars and restaurants when staying at The Carpenter. Their bright rooms feature minifridges, balconies, and sitting areas.
The property boasts a pool, restaurant, and a furnished terrace and garden along with free parking and free wifi.
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Final Thought on the Best Places to Stay in Austin
Austin is just an overall cool city! The hip, trendy culture exudes out of every ounce of Austin.
Whether you choose to immerse yourself in awesome music, fun nightlife, amazing food, or great outdoor activities, Austin has something for you!
Suggested Tours in Austin:
Don’t forget to check out some of our other Texas:
30 Fun Things to do in Fredericksburg TX 
101 Ideas for Date Night in Dallas 
55 Ideas for Date Night in Fort Worth 
Romantic Getaways in Texas 
Fun Things to do in the Highland Lakes of Texas 
Romantic Weekend in Downtown McKinney 
Covered Wagon Camping: Unique Places to Stay in Texas 
12 Great Places to See Bluebonnets in Texas
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About the Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. While she is a professional educator by day, her passion for travel has her jet-setting all over the world during her free time.
Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blog, That Texas Couple. Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.
kmf
Wednesday 5th of August 2020
It’s been too long since I visited Austin. We were planning a girls trip there before the pandemic so pinning this for later when we are able to travel.
thattexascouple
Thursday 6th of August 2020
That sounds fun!! Thanks for reading and for pinning our post for future reference!
Kelly
Monday 18th of May 2020
This is great! I love how you've broken down the different areas and who each area would best be suited for. I've never thought of visiting Austin as im not much of a big city girl (although I love all the restaurants offered), but I love how Austin is a short drive to the smaller towns making it the perfect location to stay.
thattexascouple
Tuesday 19th of May 2020
You are so right, Kelly. Austin is actually a fun city to use as a 'home base' to explore the other small towns around it.