It’s not all weird in Austin. In the city center, popular with both business and leisure travelers and surrounded by some of Austin’s most iconic sites, some travelers want something a little more like a traditional luxury hotel than the quirky standouts in other parts of the city. But although these hotels look like, well, hotels, they’re hardly without their own personality. These are luxury boutiques through and through—stylish, meticulously designed, and committed to extraordinary service.
ZaZa, for example, has a floor of concept suites designed to look like woodsy cabins or backstage concerts. The Line has headboards meant to evoke the feel of the Colorado River. These aren’t just typical big-box chain hotels where everything follows a standard mold. But if you’re looking for a certain level of traditional luxury, these are your spots.
Thompson Austin
DowntownThe sparkling cerulean rooftop pool and The Royale Room, a stylish martini bar, draw guests and locals alike—not to mention the popular onsite restaurants like the Arriba Abajo cantina and the Fifth Street Diner. With the Residential Studio Suite complete with kitchen, washer, and dryer, it’s a great choice for longer stays. One very special perks is the VIP table reserved for hotel guests at the iconic Blues venue Antone’s just across the street.
Fairmont Austin Gold Experience
DowntownThe biggest hotel in Austin is more like a city—but that’s the Fairmont. The Fairmont Gold is just one floor. Guests at Gold skip the line at the first floor lobby and ascend to floor 35, itself a plusher, quieter ecosystem. The beauty is that you still have access to the seriously expansive dining, drinking, spa, and entertainment options of the Fairmont. For a meal that matches the luxury of the Gold, book a table at the Garrison on the first floor, among the best restaurants in Austin when you’re in the mood for something hearty but elegant—like Wagyu ribeye and hasselback potatoes.
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Austin Proper Hotel
DowntownJust steps from Lady Bird Lake, Austin Proper Hotel is a fantastic option for travelers seeking grand hotel amenities—a modern fitness center, wellness classes, plenty of dining options, and a spa with a full treatment menu—and a prime location in the heart of downtown Austin. The Proper hotels are known for their boldly elegant design—here, it feels particularly sumptuous. The second floor features live music and the rooftop pool is an urban oasis.
The Line
DowntownWith floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of Lady Bird Lake, the rooms are one of many selling points of The Line in downtown Austin. From Arlo Grey, the restaurant led by award-winning chef Kristen Kish, to Tex-Mex cuisine at the sister restaurant of Veracruz Fonda & Bar (there will be queso) and more, travelers don’t have to leave the property for an authentic taste of Austin. The Texas-influenced design (headboards evoke the Colorado River; chandeliers the country fireflies) is inspired—elegant and creative without feeling ostentatious. Thursday is tarot reading in the lobby; expect an intermittent DJ at the pool.
Hotel ZaZa Austin
DowntownThe meeting spaces at ZaZa are a big draw for the tech crowd, but this downtown luxury hotel offers so much more. Alongside two restaurants and a zen spa, the hotel has room options catering to every taste. The airy King rooms with balconies and marble soaking tubs are perfect for travelers in search of supreme comfort. ZaZa doesn’t skimp on design either. The concept suites are screaming with personality—like the “Backstage Pass” suites, decked out in animal prints, leather, velvet, and plenty of heavy metal memorabilia.
Hero image: The Austin Proper
