Whether you're thinking of taking a quick vacation to Austin or you're a resident and just need a break from your own place, you'll probably be on the lookout for the coolest and hippest places in Austin to lay your head. We've gathered our favorite five spots---some old, some new...
Austin's Hippest Overnight Stays
Austin
Hotel San Jose You can't do a list of Austin's hippest hotels without including the Hotel San Jose. Located in the equally hip South Congress Avenue area of Austin (just south of downtown), the San Jose offers its guests modern amentities, a secluded rest spot and an ultra-cool decor. And even if you're not staying at the San Jose, a visit to their poolside bar is a great idea while in Austin.
Hotel St. Cecilia From the same minds who brought you the Hotel San Jose is one of Austin's newest additions to the hotel scene: the St Cecilia. Featuring sleek suites and bungalows, each space has its own distinct and hip look. And you may even spot a celebrity or two while you're here.
Kimber Modern We've covered Kimber Modern on Apartment Therapy before, and with good reason. The streamlined and minimalist interiors of the Kimber Modern guest rooms will appeal to the modern decor fan crowd, while others will love it simply for its proximity to the hips spots of Austin.
Austin Motel If you're looking for a more affordable stay in Austin but don't want to skimp on style, the historic Austin Motel is a great choice. In the same hip neighborhood as the Hotel San Jose, the Austin Motel excels in making kitschy decor (like out-of-this-world wallpaper accents and bright patterns) look chic.
Driskill Hotel If your idea of hip is something luxurious, than you need not look farther than the Driskill Hotel, located in the heart of Austin and featuring tons of history. Rooms and suites here are chock-full of sumptuous details and you'll be close to all of the hip nightlight, too.
Did we miss your favorite place to stay while you're in Austin? Let us know! Or share your favorite memories from any of these places during your own trip to Austin.
(Image: Flickr member [Sydney Cash], [Jon Wiley] and [tnpetty] licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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The Driskill is absolutely incredible! Extra points for being steps away from 6th Street, so no having to deal with cabs or parking. And make sure you get a room in the 19th century section, rather than the newer section (there are two parts, and both are fabulous, but the old part just has more history and character).
view longhornem's profile
What cool looking places...
...but red vinyl beanbag chairs on the pooldeck? Yuck!
view bepsf's profile
My partner and I stayed at the Kimber Modern last year, just days after they opened, for our anniversary. It was, without question, my favorite hotel stay ever. The room (the same one pictured above) was beautiful with a clarity of design that was simultaneously soothing and exciting. I still daydream about living there instead of just overnighting.
The bedding and linens were super fab. Towels and bathrobes so luxurious, we had to inquire about their origin. The common area is overhung with the comforting presence of long armed oaks and the dining area was equipped with a lovely breakfast of good cheese, crumpets, fruit, and more local, organic goodness. A very good self-serve espresso machine rounded off what was already a gorgeous kitchen.
Staying at the Kimber is a very different experience than staying at a regular hotel. It feels more as though you are staying at the spectacularly lovely modern residence of a very well heeled friend (with excellent taste) who just happens to be out of town. You are left alone (almost no staff contact), yet all of your needs are attended to. It's wonderful. Can't gush enough... obviously.
Only thing to consider... $$$. Our room was about $300 for one night, although I think they've come down a bit since then.
view RedShoes's profile
All of these places look very nice, although I was a bit turned off by the beanbags poolside...but that sign (is it neon?) is very striking. My favorite is the Austin Motel..that room is awesome in it's kitschiness!
view suzy8track's profile
Anyone know what those white poolside lounge chairs are in that first picture? I've seen these in a bunch of shelter magazines recently, but haven't found out what they are.
view nekobus's profile
When I first saw that neon sign for a second I misread it as FOUL.
Which when you think about it is a lot edgier. I think they should change it.
view Blandwagon's profile
Haha, I thought it said FOUL too, Blandwagon!
Anyway, I've been wanting to visit Austin for a long time, and knowing about these places makes the urge so much harder to resist!
view Erin Lang Norris/Yellow Canoe's profile