Austin’s called the “Live Music Capital of the World” for good reason. South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL) are the city’s major music festivals, drawing global crowds in March and October, respectively. But live music is in Austin's DNA, and it's available year-round in legendary venues and intimate clubs featuring a medley of country, blues, and rock.
The following Inspector-selected hotels pay tribute to Austin’s vibrant music scene. Whether offering exclusive perks for clubgoers, hosting their own storied venues, or showcasing robust record collections for guest perusal, these are the Austin spots tied inextricably to the music scene.
Thompson
DowntownJust across the street from the Thompson is one of Austin’s most iconic blues venues: Antone’s Nightclub. Through a special partnership, guests can inquire with the hotel concierge to secure complimentary entry, a $100 bar tab, and/or a VIP table held just for hotel guests (based on availability). Another perk from the concierge: complimentary tickets to a live music crawl through the city. That, and suites have their own record players.
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Fairmont Austin Gold Experience
DowntownThe Fairmont Gold is the upscale private hotel within the largest hotel in Austin. This massive building, with its seemingly endless dining and entertainment options, makes it a wonderful spot for families. The hotel can facilitate a tour of the Gold Rush Vinyl factory—a hit, we think, for music fans of any age. Learn how they make records (literally), listen to hundreds of vinyls, and take home a press of your own. Expect pop-up shows and special dining options during SXSW.
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Austin Proper
DowntownThis sultry downtown hotel boasts the Quill Room, a second-floor cocktail bar and music lounge conceived by acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler. Live bands perform on Thursdays, while DJs take over on Fridays and Saturdays.
ARRIVE Austin
East AustinThis East Austin luxury boutique hotel offers the kind of luxury you’d find downtown—but don’t let that fool you. Arrive is all about the East Austin vibe, ideal for travelers looking to enjoy the thriving bar and music scenes. Hotel spaces host DJs and live bands, and during SXSW, the onsite Lefty’s Brick Bar becomes an official venue for the festival.
South Congress Hotel
South CongressAnother hotel that’s a live music venue in its own right, be sure to check out South Congress Hotel if you’re in Austin on the first Thursday of the month. Honoring a long-time tradition that saw South Congress businesses stay open late that day each month, the hotel continues in that celebratory vein—hosting local live acts, DJs, special activations, and drink specials throughout the hotel spaces.
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The Otis
Campus DistrictWhile many guests at The Otis are visiting the nearby University of Texas, this luxe hotel doesn’t feel like a dorm in the least. Except in one respect: rooms feature record players and guests can browse the hotel’s extensive library of 1,000-plus vinyl records. There’s even a Vinyl Ambassador on hand to help you peruse the selection.
The Carpenter
ZilkerYou won’t find a hotel closer to the Austin City Limits Music Festival than the Carpenter. Each year during the festival, the hotel creates a few special offerings for guests. In the past, they’ve had a Reverse Happy Hour with food and drink specials post-show, grab-and-go specials at the Carpenter Coffee Bar, and even a food truck by the hotel for pre and post-show meals.
Hotel San Jose
South CongressA sister hotel to the Carpenter, Hotel San Jose and its iconic neighbor, Jo’s Coffee, host their own (free) festival each year around the same time as South by Southwest. Called South by San Jose (SXSJ), a host of local and national bands perform in the hotel and coffee shop’s shared parking lot.
Soho House Austin
South CongressSoho House has a number of music series that pop up for their members and hotel guests, among them acoustic shows by local artists, high-energy dance parties, and sunset rooftop concerts. But the Soho House Austin is a particularly excellent choice during SXSW when they typically invite a host of high-profile musicians to perform or host afterparties—a fitting experience for a global brand built on exclusivity.
Book Soho House Austin with The MICHELIN Guide →
Saint Cecilia
South CongressHoused in a 19th-century Victorian home, Saint Cecilia’s rooms have record players and guests are welcome to borrow from the hotel’s vinyl collection. But besides the proximity of this private hotel to the many venues in South Congress, we’re including Saint Cecilia on this list for its tendency to host artists passing through Austin. The Foo Fighters recorded an album here and aptly named it Saint Cecilia. For what it’s worth, she’s also the patron saint of music and poetry.
Hero image: A record collection at the Carpenter Hotel
