The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Austin
Although known for its laid-back style, Austin has much to offer by way of luxury and comfort. If you are willing to spend some extra cash during your visit, a stay at an exclusive hotel is always an option. Whether you want to reside near the city center along Sixth Street, within walking distance of Texas State Capitol, or right by Lady Bird Lake, read on for our recommendations of the top luxury hotels in Austin, all bookable with Culture Trip.
1. Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, for inspired spa treatments
Resort
A soothing medley of luxury and wellness awaits at this five-star hotel in Austin. With all the wellness activities we’ve come to expect at a luxury retreat – long, thought-provoking hikes, morning yoga sessions, guided meditation and Indian-inspired spa treatments – with a distinctly Texan twist. Find inner calm in rhythmic horseback riding and even horse painting (using your equine friend as a canvas), and appreciate the ecosystem at Cypress Creek Farm and honey bee apiaries. Rooms are a soothing palette inspired by nature, and most come with a balcony for a quiet moment overlooking the extensive grounds.
2. Hotel ZaZa Austin, for destination dining
Boutique Hotel
Staying at this luxury hotel in the center of Austin puts world-class restaurants, shopping and the entertainment epicenter of the city on your doorstep. Stepping inside, artwork-adorned walls and period furniture feel like the interior was selected by a gallery curator rather than an interior designer. Suites are lavish affairs, with wrought-iron balconies and richly designed living areas, and even the standard guest rooms each have a sense of luxe character. The Group Therapy restaurant is a destination in its own right, serving up a selection of healthy treats like poké bowls and superfood salads or indulgent Texan grub like beer-braised short ribs.
3. Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, for an art lover's paradise
Hotel
Steps from Lady Bird Lake, the Austin Proper Hotel, is within easy walking distance of the City Limits music venue and the boutique shops which show off the artistic side of the city. Each plush suite is designed by Kelly Wearstler and inspired by local artisans and craftspeople. If intricately detailed feature walls and curated furniture don’t catch your eye, the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows over the city certainly will. The Peacock signature restaurant enjoys a poolside location on the rooftop of the hotel, where a fine-dining medley of Israeli, African and Lebanese mezze is a far cry from the ubiquitous Tex-Mex.
5. The Driskill, for pure indulgence
Hotel
6. Hotel Ella, for a historic stay
Hotel
7. InterContinental Stephen F Austin, for Art Deco cool
Independent Hotel, Hotel
The InterContinental Stephen F Austin is known across the city for being the first high-rise hotel in Austin. Constructed in 1924 with an Art Deco style and early-20th-century interior design, the hotel is on Congress Avenue. A short walk away from the Texas State Capitol. On-site amenities include a range of hotel rooms, a pool reminiscent of a Turkish bathhouse, and a fancy ground-floor restaurant, the Roaring Fork.
8. Four Seasons Hotel Austin, for luxury and serenity
Hotel
9. JW Marriott Austin, for walking distance to the city sights
Chain Hotel
10. Fairmont Austin, for sheer scale
Hotel
When the Fairmont Austin opened in 2018, it was a big deal. This was partly due to its size – its 1,048 rooms made it the largest hotel in the city – but also because the Fairmont group is renowned for its classy, luxurious accommodations. The towering hotel sits at the southern tip of the Red River Cultural District, where most of the live music venues are located. As expected, the Fairmont offers guests a lavish stay, with its bar serving Cristal champagne by the glass.
Suzy Pope contributed additional reporting to this article.
Fancy discovering more stunning hotels in Austin? Check out our guide to the best hotels to book in Austin, Texas, bookable with Culture Trip.
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