4 Best Hotels in Austin, Texas

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Almost all of the major hotel chains can be found in Austin downtown, and like most cities, they all vary in their quality of service and price. Perhaps the most historic hotel is the Driskill. More upscale hotels downtown include the Four Seasons, and W. As of this writing, plans for a Fairmont Austin are underway. Boutique hotels have surged in Austin as well. Among the most popular are the San Jose Hotel, Hotel Saint Cecilia, and Heywood.

There are plenty of properties citywide that average no more than 15 miles from city center. Almost all of them are conveniently located near shopping and restaurants.

If you're looking for quality pampering time, several resort spas are less than an hour away from town.

Festivals, conventions and university events can pack the city during the peak months, or during legislative sessions (held in odd-numbered years) so planning ahead is recommended. If you're staying downtown, the likelihood that you'll need a car is slim.

THE BEST HOTEL IN AUSTIN

Lake Austin Spa Resort

5
Overall Editor Rating
$$$$ | 1705 S. Quinlan Park Rd., Austin, TX, 78732, USA
Fodor's Choice

FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW

Lake Austin Spa Resort is a chance to go off the grid without venturing too far from the city (it’s just a 30-minute drive from downtown). There are 40 boutique cottages and bungalows nestled in this Texas Hill Country resort, and guests stay on an all-inclusive basis with nutritious dining and wellness experiences part of the package. Treatments and personal training sessions are available for an additional fee.

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Pros

  • A beautiful lakeside retreat with a real focus on rest and restoration
  • Healthy, nutritious dining without compromising on taste
  • The massive list of complimentary activities will keep you busy

Cons

  • It’s geared more to locals, as you don’t really get to experience Austin itself here
  • The hefty price tag per person per night is equivalent to a long-haul trip to Bali
  • Day passes mean the spa can get busy
1705 S. Quinlan Park Rd., Austin, TX, 78732, USA
512-372–7300
Hotel Details
40 rooms
All-Inclusive

Quick Facts

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Travaasa

$$$$ | 13500 Farm to Market Road 2769, Austin, TX, 78726, USA Fodor's Choice

On a hilltop ridge amidst the Balcones Canyonlands nature preserve, just 30 minutes from Austin, Travaasa delivers a refreshing spin on a luxury resort, inspired by its Hill Country setting. Daily itineraries of “adventures” engage guests with their surroundings, from Zen garden meditations and ropes courses to horseback riding and campfire stargazing. Do everything—or simply disconnect at the infinity pool and recently renovated organic spa, which debuted additional lounge areas and private steam rooms in 2014. As of this writing, a Watsu pool for specialized aquatic therapies is under construction. The Preserve Kitchen & Bar offers seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine in a romantic setting. Rooms are arranged in varying sizes, some with charming treeline views. The adults-only property is ideal for romantic getaways and executive retreats alike. À la carte and all-inclusive packages available.

Pros

  • Natural, organic products used throughout the property
  • Infectiously energetic staff
  • Most daily activities included in rate

Cons

  • Dinner service can be slow
13500 Farm to Market Road 2769, Austin, TX, 78726, USA
512-258--7243
Hotel Details
74 rooms
All-Inclusive

Quick Facts

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Lakeway Resort and Spa

$$$ | 101 Lakeway Dr., Austin, TX, 78734, USA

This lakeside resort getaway, nestled right on the shores of Lake Travis (about a 45-minute drive from downtown) is particularly well-suited for families with enough space to accommodate adults-only and kids-play areas. The luxury property is centered on water in every way, with lake views from every angle, three pools, a swim-up bar, Jacuzzis, waterslides, boat rentals, and a terrific spa that features water-centric signature treatments like the Texas River Rock massage. Rooms are spacious and some have patios overlooking the lake.

Pros

  • Great for families, with luxuries for all ages
  • Fun activity options like sailing and fishing
  • Amazing lake views from the pool

Cons

  • Mixed reviews about staff and service
  • Far from downtown and airport
  • There is an adults-only oasis area, but not all areas lend themselves to privacy
101 Lakeway Dr., Austin, TX, 78734, USA
512-261–6600
Hotel Details
168 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

$$ | 8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin, TX, 78735, USA

Families, group travelers, golf aficionados, and business professionals flock to this resort just a short drive west of Austin to disconnect and unwind on 4,000 pristine acres of rolling Hill Country terrain. Among the top resort amenities are four championship golf courses, two pools, 11 tennis courts, a full spa with salon services, and a huge fitness center. Omni acquired the property in recent years, with ongoing plans to update the outdated guestrooms and interiors. Standard rooms are spacious, with one king- or two queen-size beds, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Many have panoramic Hill Country views.

Pros

  • World-class services at the Mokara Spa
  • Gorgeous Hill Country setting and views
  • Exceptional golf courses

Cons

  • Expensive with all of the inclusive resort fees
  • Some guest rooms and public spaces need an update
  • At least a 30-minute a drive from downtown and central Austin
8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin, TX, 78735, USA
512-329–4000
Hotel Details
285 rooms, 18 suites
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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