🇺🇸 Austin Hotel Guide & Recommendations

Having stayed in Austin for a while, I’m here to break down how to choose hotels + which ones are worth it (and which to avoid!). Austin’s main hotel areas: Downtown, The Domain, and South Congress Ave. 🌆 Staying in Downtown Pros: Compact, options from budget to 5-star, close to great restaurants 🍽️, safe for city walks, and within walking distance to attractions like bat-watching bridges and nightlife streets 🦇🍻. Cons: Most hotels charge for valet parking 🚗💸, and some areas (e.g., near Fairmont) have visible homelessness. ❤️ Recommendation: The Loren Hotel Austin – My personal favorite! A design hotel with the best skyline views 🌃, modern style, close to Terry Black’s BBQ, just across the bridge from DT, no homeless nearby, rooftop pool 🏊‍♀️, Malin+Goetz toiletries, and I even had a crab omelet at their restaurant 🦀🍳. 🛍️ Staying in The Domain Pros: Austin’s shopping hub 🛒, free parking at hotels 🅿️, very driving-friendly. Cons: Feels overly modern with less authentic vibe, about 15 mins from DT. ❤️ Recommendations: Lone Star Court – Texas cowboy-themed hotel! 🤠🎸 Feels like stepping into a movie—retro design, bonfire nights, live music, and even food trucks on site. Archer Hotel Austin – Right in the heart of The Domain, great for shopping and eating 🛍️🍴. Basic design, but some rooms have a pool with a giant Texas star + TV 🏊📺, and overlook the greenbelt. Also uses Malin+Goetz products. 🚫 Skip: Westin Domain – Boring 😴. Except for the comfy beds, it’s very business-oriented. Not recommended for tourists. 🏛️ Staying in South Congress Ave Hippie, trendy vibe with unique shops (Hermès, Sézane) and Insta-famous restaurants 🥑👗. Cons: More crowded and noisy compared to Domain/Downtown—it has its own scene. ❤️ Recommendation: South Congress Hotel – Never stayed, but popped in for a drink ☕️. The decor is absolutely gorgeous! 🌿🤳 Let me know if you’ve stayed anywhere else in Austin – would love to hear your thoughts! 💬 #Austin #AustinHotels #TravelAustin #HotelRecommendations