You’ll find roughly half of our hotels in Austin in the city’s most popular neighborhoods: South Congress, or “SoCo,” and bustling Downtown Austin. But in a city as rapidly expanding as this one, you can’t limit your search to just two areas. You'll find exceptional hotels throughout the city limits—with East Austin, in particular, emerging as a contender for standout accommodations. Those visiting a friend or catching a game at the University of Texas have two excellent options on this list as well.
Here, The MICHELIN Guide’s favorite hotels: beyond South Congress and downtown.
The excellent, couch-filled coffee shop of the Carpenter is a cozy, youthful neighborhood hub—and the hotel feels much the same. On the edge of Zilker Park, the site of the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October, the setting is lush and suburban, and in walking distance of iconic sites like Barton Springs and Terry Black’s BBQ. The accommodations mix the building’s industrial bones with contemporary light design for one of the quirkiest Austin hotels outside South Congress.
Neighborhood: East Austin
Among our most affordable selections in Austin, the East Austin hotel, set on East Sixth Street, draws those looking for the abundant nightlife and concert venues (including the White Horse and Parish Austin) the neighborhood’s known for. A ground-floor pool and a rooftop bar and restaurant keep the scene lively. Another perk: some of the mid-century, Scandinavian-inspired rooms come with private balconies or patios.
Neighborhood: East Austin
The kind of well-polished, mid-size luxury boutique more typically found downtown than here in East Austin. Rebuilt in the last five years, concrete floors give the hotel an industrial vibe warmed by modern fixtures and furnishings, not to mention plenty of comfortable amenities. This is a hotel that takes after its neighborhood, drawing a youthful crowd—it has three restaurants and bars, a great outdoor terrace at Lefty’s, and a rotation of programming that includes a DJ or live band every Saturday night. They’re also an official venue for South by Southwest.
Neighborhood: East Austin
If you miss the sign on the front lawn, you may easily miss the Heywood. This discreet property is perfect for travelers seeking a quiet option in the usually bustling East Austin. The seven sun-splashed rooms are modern and homey, with cushy beds and warm wood decor. You’ll find skylights in all but one. While this One MICHELIN Key hotel doesn’t feature onsite food or beverage options, the friendly concierge is happy to offer insider recommendations.
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
If you don't know Austin, you might take one look at the Commodore Perry Estate and assume it’s far from the city limits. In fact, Hyde Park, while residential, is squarely in Austin proper. The Commodore Perry Estate, however, feels as far from it as it looks. Our Inspectors’ highest-rated hotel in Austin lives up to the hype, a members’ club that welcomes hotel guests to its exclusive grounds and gorgeously restored historic mansion. Also see: Lutie’s, the hotel’s on-site restaurant.
Neighborhood: Campus District
One of two MICHELIN selections in the West Campus neighborhood, the Otis is just a block from the University of Texas. This is a luxury boutique that scratches the itch for travelers in search of something grown-up and luxurious, much like the Arrive Austin or the hotels of downtown, but it’s a hotel too with three bars, the only rooftop in the campus area, a burger bar, and record players in every room (and a 1,000-record vinyl library guests are more than welcome to peruse).
Neighborhood: Campus District
The Moxy is a perfect option for anyone visiting the University of Texas. More affordable than The Otis, The Moxy’s neon signs and outdoor board games might appeal more to visiting students and travelers on a budget. Rooms are comfortable, quirky, and decidedly Texas: think word-search shower curtains, southwestern-inspired comforters, and leather accents. Check in at the bar and grab a cold beer, then head right to the giant Jenga set in the backyard.
Hero image: Commodore Perry Estate
