The boutique hotels in Austin’s bustling, quirky, honky-tonk South Congress neighborhood do exactly what the city motto begs: they keep Austin weird. In this case, weird stands not necessarily for the bizarre, but for unabashed personality. Some of these hotels have red, puffy car-vinyl bed frames or trees growing through their upper decks. Others are less ecstatic with their design choices. None are the least bit replicable.
Many of these properties owe their charm to the Bunkhouse Group, the Austin-based hotel brand widely credited with kickstarting the boutique hotel revolution here in the 1990s. Their influence is unmistakable, but in recent years, new arrivals have broadened the landscape, each offering a distinct take on Austin’s creative, independent spirit.
The hotels below aren’t just essential because they’re in Austin’s most must-visit neighborhood—although that’s certainly part of their appeal. Each one, in its own way, is a little tribute to the spirit of the city.
Austin Motel
South CongressIt’s the kind of affordable, personality-drenched location that ropes in repeat travelers like a cowboy at the rodeo. It’s not fancy, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously—the Austin Motel is just fun. In the courtyard, you’ll find drag shows, live music, shuffleboard, and what is perhaps the best hotel pool of all the hotel pools in South Congress.
Hotel San Jose
South CongressRestored from an old motel like the Austin Motel above, design is now a sophisticated, Texas-meets-Japan minimalism. An institution since 1999, today the new secret garden and patio means a thriving scene all its own. During South by Southwest, the hotel hosts a supplementary festival—South by San Jose—in the parking lot shared with the iconic Jo’s Coffee.
Hotel Magdalena
South CongressYou’re greeted at reception by a little Willie Nelson doll complete with his trusty side-kick, a doobie. Magdalena replaces what was once a large hotel and an apartment complex owned by Nelson with a concept meant to mimic the funky design touches of a ‘70s Texas lakehouse. But for us it’s the large outdoor lawn, secluded on a deck above the busy neighborhood, that defines the sun-drenched space.
Frame Hotel - Treehouse
South CongressThis is the hotel for which a host of travel cliches—an oasis of calm, a hidden gem, a secluded treasure—were invented. Rooms are set on a second-floor wooden deck through which grows a live oak tree. An intimate place that’s meant to feel like staying at your coolest friend’s house, it’s so cozy and homey that guests sometimes make their beds upon check-out.
Soho House Austin
South CongressOf all the chic brands moving to Austin in recent years, we’d be hard-pressed to think of a better fit for the city than Soho House. Their typical sleek, boho design feels right at home here, a match for the kind of creative class that travels to Austin for both work and leisure. Hotel guests become members of the private club for the duration of their stay, enjoying the exclusive spaces and countless onsite activities.
Saint Cecilia
South CongressA private estate that’s nonetheless right in South Congress, this is the fanciest hotel on this list, but it’s more a bohemian luxury than anything too white glove—ie, there are record players in every room, and the grandest suites have specific writing spaces for traveling creatives. The Foo Fighters recorded an album here when they headlined Austin City Limits. They named it, “Saint Cecilia” (for the hotel, or for the patron saint of music? you decide).
Hero image: The iconic neon sign at Hotel Saint Cecilia
