Hotels in Austin

Best time to visit Austin

Austin enjoys sunshine for over 300 days a year, but the brutally hot Texan summer sees elevated levels of humidity and temperatures soaring to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or more. The best time to visit Austin is when most of the festivals and events take place between September – November and March – May. While average temperatures are milder around 75 degrees Fahrenheit during these months, accommodation rates are relatively higher. From December – February, the temperatures hover around 60 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that events are an integral part of Austin culture and winter months may be relatively quiet on that front.

Getting around Austin

Use the extensive network of local buses operated by Capital Metro Transit with fares starting at $1.25 USD for a single ride and $2.50 for a Day Pass. You also have the option of the light rail which operates Monday – Saturday going from Downtown Austin to the northwest suburb of Leander. Taxis and ride share options such as Uber and Lyft are the more expensive alternatives to get around in Austin. While traveling by taxi or renting a car is an option, do note that Austin is notorious for its traffic snarls and lack of adequate parking spaces, especially in the downtown area. You can also explore Austin’s bike-share program called Austin B-Cycle. An ‘Explorer’ pass costs $12.00 USD for unlimited trips of up to 60 minutes per ride within a 24-hour period.

Best places to stay in Austin

Are you planning to visit the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’? With over 200 live music venues, Austin undoubtedly lives up to its self-proclaimed title. Whether you are visiting for the live music or the lively college football scene or one of the festivals and events that Austin hosts, the city’s loosely defined neighborhoods offer plenty of accommodation options for your trip.

Downtown

Downtown Austin is a lively area with a host of activities and entertainment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Sixth Street Entertainment District in this neighborhood features a multitude of clubs, bars and music venues. Stay at the JW Marriott Austin or Hyatt Place Austin Downtown for modern amenities and a convenient central location. Or enjoy the beautiful Romanesque-style architecture of the oldest hotel in Austin, The Driskill.

South Austin

Separated from North Austin by the Colorado River, South Austin is a trendy and historically diverse neighborhood with a bunch of quirky cafés, folk art shops, and couture boutiques. Check out the South Congress Hotel near the Governor’s Mansion or The Fairview hotel on Newning Avenue. You can also choose trendy, boutique accommodation complete with vintage posters, antique pop-art furniture, and a rock n’ roll spirit at Hotel Saint Cecilia in the South Congress District.

West Austin

West Austin boasts of many historical homes and award-winning dining establishments especially along the water front. Located in a landmark Austin estate, you have Hotel Ella, which is a short walk from the Darrell K Royal (DKR) Texas Memorial Stadium. Or enjoy boutique accommodation at the Brava House Bed and Breakfast set in a Victorian home in the heart of Old West Austin.

East Austin

This neighborhood is full of art galleries, renovated strip malls and warehouses, a multitude of restaurants, bars and cafés, and an old-fashioned drive-in theater. Check out Hotel Eleven just a short walk from all the culinary delights and entertainment that this area offers. You also have the stylish and comfortable Heywood Hotel in the heart of the hip East Austin neighborhood.

Cheap hotels in Austin

There are plenty of budget accommodations all over the city. Try the Firehouse Hostel and Lounge which is the oldest standing firehouse in the city and is in the heart of Downtown Austin. Or consider the eclectic Drifter Jack’s Hostel near the University of Texas and The Drag area known for its thrift shops and restaurants. You also have the quirky 60’s-style Austin Motel in South Austin.

Austin is all about its variety of live music, a youthful vibe, a plethora of restaurants and bars, and a host of year-round festivals and events. There is plenty to see and do in this vibrant, youthful Texan capital city.

• Go hiking, jogging, biking, or enjoy a picnic at the Zilker Park in South Austin. Don’t forget to check out the botanical garden and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden in the park.
• Lounge by the lawn or float around and cool off at the Barton Springs pool/ creek in Zilker Park.
• Explore several activities such as camping, boating, scuba diving, kayaking or paddle boarding at the Lake Travis, Lake Austin or Lady Bird Lake.
• Head out for a bunch of outdoor activities along the 12 miles of gorgeous trails in the Balton Creek Greenbelt.
• Visit the distinguished Texas State Capitol building which is a National Historic Landmark in Downtown Austin.
• Learn about the US political history and lineage at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
• Wander about the historic campus of the University of Texas and check out the imposing tower at the center.
• Enjoy some country music and dancing at the hugely popular The White Horse bar or enjoy a drink and meal at the multitude of bars and restaurants on Rainey Street.
• Soak in the live music at a wide range of venues all over the city, especially on Sixth Street in the downtown area.
• Walk down South Congress District (SoCo) to explore the wide range of boutiques and vintage stores in this area.
• Don’t miss out on sampling some delicacies offered by the Austin food trucks. Your stay in Austin is incomplete without tasting a breakfast taco served at several venues across the city.
• Attend one of the year-round festivals or events hosted by Austin, including the Austin City Limits Music Festival, SXSW, Austin Film Festival, Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival, and the Fun Fun Fun Fest.