Credit: Hayden Walker
Amid an endless number of events, festivals, concerts and conferences being hosted in Austin on a weekly basis, the city is seeing a record number of tourists visiting the area, making the hotel industry busier than ever.
Thanks to major events and festivals, like SXSW, Austin Food + Wine Festival and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, a vibrant culinary scene, and a creative community, Austin has become a beacon of travel. The downtown area has seen massive growth in tourism, subsequently placing a large demand for upscale and luxury lodging. Austin’s hotels are consistently booked, making them the perfect spots to rest your head during your visit.
As the demand for luxury hotels continues to grow, we’ve selected our favorite spots for 10 best hotels in downtown Austin, offering outstanding hospitality with some of the most comforting amenities, features and service.
Jump Ahead To
JW Marriott Austin is a premier luxury hotel situated on Congress Avenue and 2nd Street, providing easy access to the city’s top visitor destinations. Popular spots like the Austin Convention Center, the State Capitol, and downtown dining and entertainment destinations are all within walking distance. The hotel is also home to OP Italian, an authentic Italian restaurant with a comfortable and casual setting, Corner Restaurant, a casual bar and grill, to the mouth-watering burgers at Burger Bar. Guests may also enjoy social hours at the Lobby Bar and Rooftop Pool Bar. ($275 to $500/night)
FEATURING: 5 Bars & Restaurants – SPA & Fitness Center – Rooftop Pool & Bar – Conference Spaces – 1,012 Upscale Guest Rooms and Suites.
The Fairmont Austin Hotel is one of city’s towering icons uniquely located between Palm Park and Waller Creek, providing easy access to multiple downtown destinations. The 37-story luxury hotel boasts picturesque views of Lady Bird Lake as well as a breathtaking view of the city skyline and the State Capitol. Guests may services at five bars and restaurants, a pampering spa, stunning views of downtown, a beautiful pool deck on the 7th floor and state-of-the-art conference facilities. ($275 to $500/night)
FEATURING: 5 Bars and Restaurants – SPA & Fitness Center – Luxurious Rooftop Pool & Bar – Conference Spaces – Upscale Guest Rooms and Suites.
The 428-room hotel brings all corners of Austin’s styling together in a chic vibe that’s both modern and classic. The minimalistic decor allows the hotel to stay true to Line‘s design ethos where visitors and locals can experience authentic and local roots with exciting art collaborations that pay homage to the building’s original construction date in the 1960s. Dining is lead by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish, at Arlo Grey restaurant, where fine dining-meets-comfort food, an LA-based coffee bar and Dean’s One Trick Pony cafe, offering classic burgers, chicken tenders and board games. Enjoy happy hour with beautiful views of town lake at the rooftop lounge, P6, a cocktail bar specializes in craft cocktails and Mediterranean shared plates.
FEATURING: 3 Bars and Restaurants – SPA & Fitness Center – Luxurious Pool – Conference Spaces – Luxury Guest Rooms and Suites.
Austin Proper Hotel & Residences is now open in the center of Austin’s vibrant downtown. The hotel’s 244 rooms and suites, designed by Kelly Wearstler, offer a refined yet comfortable respite for those seeking staycations or extended stays at the Austin property. The fifth-floor pool, which overlooks the cityscape of Austin, fitness center and lobby area are all currently open to guests. McGuire Moorman’s ground floor Mediterranean restaurant, The Peacock, is now open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all-day service, either in the restaurant’s main dining room or outdoor patio, with in-room dining also available. The hotel’s poolside restaurant, La Piscina, will also open for weekend service for rooftop cocktails, snacks, dinner and more. Guests receive 30% off when booking directly through the hotel through summer, and reservations are changeable or fully refundable.
The Four Seasons Hotel continues its brand of luxury in Austin. The hotel sits on the north shore of Austin’s Town Lake and just short walk from the Austin Convention Center. Despite being one of the oldest hotels in the downtown area, the Four Seasons Hotel Austin continues to be considered among the most luxurious in the city thanks to its sumptuous atmosphere and extremely professional service staff. ($325 – $500/night)
FEATURING: 3 Bars and Restaurants – SPA & Fitness Center – Luxurious Pool – Conference Spaces – Luxury Guest Rooms and Suites.
The W is one of the most hip and modern hotels in Austin, usually attracting some of the highest-profile visitors to visit the city. It features 251 rooms, each with picture-perfect views of the skyline. The Living Room bar downstairs is a prime spot for DJ sets up in the Records Room and takes use of the space’s 8,000 vinyl records.
FEATURING: 3 Bars and Restaurants – SPA & Fitness Center – Rooftop Pool – Conference Spaces – Luxury Guest Rooms and Suites.
Since 1886, this classic Downtown hotel sits at the heart of Austin, with only a 12-minute walk to the Texas State Capitol and the Austin Convention Center. Each room maintains its luxurious 19th-century architectural design, along with flat-screen TVs, work desks, seating areas, minibars and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms include unique also include balconies. Onsite dining options include a the 1886 Cafe and Bakery offering regional comfort food and housemade classic pastries, an upscale grill restaurant famous for hosting past Texas Governors and Presidents, and a comfortable, large bar space best known for happy hour late night entertaining. Rumor has it that the hotel is also haunted!
FEATURING: 3 Bars and Restaurants – Conference Spaces – Luxury Guest Rooms and Suites.
A 14-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol, this chic urban hotel is 1.4 miles from the University of Texas at Austin and 2.3 miles from Barton Springs Pool. The star attraction is the luxurious Azul rooftop pool and bar, located on the 20th floor, offering a lively atmosphere with the finest views of the city. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, as well as desks and coffeemakers and Wi-Fi for a fee. Upgraded rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with city views, and free Wi-Fi, living room suites and designer toiletries. Stella San Jac restaurant offers an upscale Southern-style menu with open-air dining and a lively bar area serving inventive cocktails and bar snacks. s include a heated rooftop pool, a 24-hour gym and a business center. Dogs are welcome.
FEATURING: 3 Bars and Restaurants – SPA & Fitness Center – Rooftop Pool – Conference Spaces – Luxury Guest Rooms and Suites.
The Hyatt Regency is set in a modern high-rise on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, and a short walk to the Congress Avenue Bridge. Rooms feature a contemporary design that includes Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Upgraded rooms offer access to a shared patio overlooking the lake. Suites add living rooms, along with views of the lake or downtown Austin. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor pool and a sundeck. There’s a polished eatery offering hand-crafted cocktails, sushi and locally inspired dishes, along with open-air dining on a terrace with fire pits and live local music.
FEATURING: 3 Bars and Restaurants – Fitness Center – Pool – Conference Spaces – Upscale Guest Rooms and Suites.
Across the road from the Austin Convention Center, the Hilton is just one block away from 6th street’s lively music and entertainment venues. Contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms offer access to the Executive lounge with free Wi-Fi, free breakfast and evening appetizers. Guests may dine at Cannon and Bell Restaurant and Austin Taco Project, a funky taco eatery with a terrace. Other amenities include a luxe spa and a gym, plus a rooftop pool and hot tub with city views. There’s also a business center and 80,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space.
The Aloft Hotel is a modern, hip destination right in the heart of downtown and just a 9-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol building. The rooms boast trendy and colorful accents with smart TVs and minifridges, rainfall showers, and seating areas. Upgraded rooms and suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows and/or city views. Enjoy dining in the Caroline restaurant, the casual coffee shop, and Caroline + Upstairs rooftop bar.
FEATURING: 4 Bars and Restaurants – Fitness Center – Conference Spaces – Upscale Guest Rooms and Suites.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…