Austin’s Best Staycation Ideas and Weekend Getaways
Escape the routine with the best staycation spots in Austin! From luxury resorts to cozy retreats, find the perfect weekend getaway—no long travel required.
Archer Hotel is north Austin’s most anticipated new hotel, bringing a luxe boutique hotel experience and sincere Southern hospitality to The Domain! With a nod to its Texas heritage, the eight-story boutique hotel mixes Texas limestone and wildflowers with the eclectic, creative soul of Austin. Discover 171 luxe guest rooms and suites, the acclaimed Second Bar + Kitchen with celebrated chef David Bull, and a covered patio. Shop locally loved brands and national favorites, and experience how energetic and iconic Austin restaurants, bars, and spas are.
Proper began as a feeling, not as an idea. The feeling was something akin to empathy, an acute awareness that despite the current proliferation of “boutique” and “lifestyle” hotels and residences, there were precious few properties designed for and around today’s global creative nomad. Proper hotels and residences share a common belief in uncommon luxury, convenience of location, and world-class amenities. Anything less just wouldn’t be proper.
Reviews state the photos don’t do this unique stay justice! Dream big in this gorgeously updated manor brimming with color and character. Chandeliers abound in the cherry red dining room and down a long hallway, with elegant marble busts and velvet vintage seating tastefully juxtaposed with modern art, fixtures, and flourishes. From here, the vibrant bustle of Austin is at your doorstep. It’s easy to dash out on foot for coffee, barbecue, food truck fare, or to hear a local band.
Reimagined by internationally renowned designer Ken Fulk, this private retreat brings a new level of contemporary glamour and whimsical soul to Austin. A modern interpretation of a residential estate from yesteryear, these picturesque grounds offer a welcoming 10-acre setting in the heart of the city. Now open, it's the beginning of something special!
The ATX Dome has 23’ high ceilings, 3 beds + Couch, 1.5 luxury baths, a hot tub, an outdoor shower, full wrap-around porch w/ patio lights, full kitchen w/ everything you need to cook, an amazing stereo, a view to die for (seriously one of the best views of the city you can find) - book your stay here and you'll treasure the experience for the rest of your life! The owners have traveled all over and know the struggles of navigating a new place for the first time and trying to find an Airbnb late at night after a long day of travel. They provide a very easy self-check-in that includes pictures and videos so you won't feel like are in the middle of a scavenger hunt, and are available for any questions but they aim to answer all questions before you ask them so you can spend your time enjoying Austin!
The East Austin Hotel is a locally owned, operated, and loved boutique hotel in the heart of the bustling East Austin neighborhood just five blocks from downtown, a 15-minute walk to the Austin Convention Center, one mile from the Texas Capitol, and less than two miles from the University of Texas. Lay your head to rest in our chic but approachable accommodations inspired by mid-century modern Danish designs. With 75 rooms ranging from luxe to less, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy breakfast all day and night in global diner Sixth and Waller, sip international libations in rooftop bar The Upside, and feel transported to the tropics at Pool Bar!
Enjoy this clean, modern cottage nestled in a cozy but convenient Central East Austin neighborhood. Inspired by Japanese teahouses, this backyard cottage provides easy access to SXSW venues, ACL Fest, downtown, great restaurants, and public transportation while offering a peaceful retreat for resting and recharging. The Beehive is an easy bike, scooter or Lyft ride to downtown and UT. And there are great tacos, sandwiches, BBQ, and coffee within walking distance. The train and bus lines are all handy. If you want to see a great photo spread on the Beehive, search for the magazine Tribeza and "downsizing". They did a nice article on the place and you can see more pics.
A towering icon within a vibrant Central Business District, Fairmont Austin, is uniquely located amid the lush greenery of Palm Park and Waller Creek and directly connected to the Austin Convention Center! The newly opened 37-story luxury hotel features 1,048 richly appointed guest rooms and suites with picturesque vistas of Lady Bird Lake, a dramatic cityscape, and the State Capitol. Guests indulge in exquisite dining, a pampering spa, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities. Fairmont Austin engages guests with the city’s famed music scene, as well as the area’s celebrated cuisine and diverse artistic lifestyle!
The Heywood Hotel embodies the intangible elements that define Austin; creativity, easy-going, thoughtful, and cool. Located smack dab in the middle of the hip East Austin neighborhood and surrounded by local restaurants, lounges, and shops, their modern boutique hotel is an easy walk to downtown, Rainey Street, Sixth Street, the Convention Center, and Lady Bird Lake! The Heywood Hotel is so cool that The New York Times wrote an outstanding review and said, “A stay at this comfortable, stylish hotel feels like a visit to a good friend’s house — a friend with good taste, that is.”
Located in downtown Austin and within walking distance to the University of Texas campus, Hotel Ella is a stylish boutique hotel housed in the historic Goodall Wooten House, one of Austin’s original landmark estates! Constructed in 1900, the Greek Revival-style mansion underwent an extensive renovation, and now offers the perfect balance between modernity and rich history rooted in the fabric of the neighborhood and the university. With 47 guest rooms, a cabana-lined pool, and a wrap-around veranda overlooking their front lawn, Hotel Ella features beautifully designed outdoor and indoor spaces perfectly suited for your vacation, wedding, corporate event and more!
Created in honor of the patron saint of music and poetry, Hotel Saint Cecilia takes inspiration from the great era of the late 1960’s, and early 1970’s when a revolution of rock and roll and beat poetry overran the hallowed halls of an established convention! Hotel Saint Cecilia offers five different suites, six poolside bungalows, and three studios that embody an equal love for the elegance of old-world luxury. The secluded property and lush grounds are open only to hotel guests, thereby offering a unique sense of privacy situated steps away from the heart of South Austin!
Concrete floors and minimalist interiors afford impeccable cleanliness and a sense of calm. Handmade furniture. Custom sheets and kimono bathrobes. Malin + Goetz bath amenities. A minibar curated to address a variety of thirst and snack needs. Built-in 1936 as an “ultramodern” motor court, Hotel San José has been transformed into a 40-room urban bungalow-style hotel tucked behind stucco walls and set amidst lush garden courtyards! Their rooms and amenities are designed to establish a backdrop for a life of adventure and inspiration, without the clutter of everyday existence. The Hotel San José is located on South Congress Avenue, a few blocks from downtown and Lady Bird Johnson Lake in the heart of one of Austin’s favorite neighborhoods!
Tucked away in the scenic hills of West Austin, Hotel Viata offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from the city’s vibrant downtown. This boutique-style resort blends Italian-inspired elegance with Texas charm, creating an ideal setting for a luxurious staycation. Guests can unwind in beautifully designed rooms with private balconies overlooking the rolling hills or relax by the stunning outdoor pool and hot tub. The on-site Spa Viata provides indulgent treatments perfect for a rejuvenating getaway, while Laurel Restaurant serves up delicious Italian cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're looking to relax with a spa day, enjoy fine dining, or explore Austin’s natural beauty, Hotel Viata delivers a serene and sophisticated escape.
Combining the luxurious ambiance of a theatrical resort with the comfort and style of a boutique hotel, Hotel ZaZa invites travelers to a unique sensory experience. Striking the perfect balance between refinement and relaxation, Hotel ZaZa's extraordinary design meets complete functionality for business and leisure travelers alike. Elegant accommodations and sophisticated amenities provide consistently inspiring stays.
Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin
Originally built in 1924 as the city’s first high-rise hotel, the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin’s rich history, and luxurious accommodations offer a truly unique experience of Texas hospitality. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Austin next door to The Paramount Theatre, it’s the perfect hotel to travel back in time at. Known to Austinites as the Stephen F, their historical Art Deco façade has been a famous landmark for more than 90 years. While staying at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, make sure to unwind after a busy day in their health club or on the terrace at our Stephen F’s bar!
Kimber Modern pays attention to each and every minute detail by creating an exceptional architectural work of art, tailored toward the independent urban traveler, who wants high-tech luxury but in an intimate setting! The hotel boasts a common area with computers and printers, plus a courtyard tucked under a canopy of old Texas Live Oaks. At Kimber Modern, you’ll have all the comfort of the finest hotel with the intimacy of bed and breakfast. Define your own experience through their invisible service concept where everything you could want or need has been provided effortlessly at your fingertips. Release yourself from the usual constraints and notions of the average hotel and spend the night here!
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt is a refined riff on Austin’s world-famous music scene and your front-row seat to all the action! A perfect base whether you crash hard or chill out and a leader among Austin hotels with signature happenings and exclusive hideouts geared for music tastemakers. U.S. News & World Report named Hotel Van Zandt “2018 Best Hotels in Austin” and was ranked “Top 10 Hotels in Austin” by USA Today! You can bet there’s a shot of creativity and a hot streak of independence roped in that only boutique hotels like Kimpton can muster. This hotel is distinguished, laid back and designed from the ground up to be an all-access pass to an authentic Austin experience!"
Relax and enjoy the tranquility of Lakeside Reflections at the Lakeway Resort and Spa. Perched above the shimmering waters of Lake Travis, their Texas Hill Country Resort provides a variety of sports and recreational amenities for the entire family! They also feature a full-service spa, three large swimming pools, a whirlpool, a swim-up bar and a slide area that’s terrific for kids. Enjoy cocktails with a view at our rustic lower lobby bar, savor creative Southern cuisine at our restaurant with outside seating featuring panoramic lake views and set sail for a day on the lake from the marina or tee off from a championship golf course. Escape to their beautiful lakeside resort and discover majestic Austin accommodations in a rustic setting that will inspire your senses and stir your soul!
Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, Lake Austin Spa Resort invites you to escape the hustle and bustle of life and head to their secluded retreat on the shores of Lake Austin! Embrace relaxation while enjoying all-inclusive packages complete with elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, unlimited indoor and outdoor fitness activities, and discovery programs! Whether you’re deserving of some quality pampering time, looking to reconnect with nature or desiring a guilt-free getaway, let your journey begin Lake Austin Spa Resort! They’ve also gone through recent renovations!
At Lone Star Court, you’ll enjoy a perfect pairing of modern convenience and traditional comfort in a unique blend of the past and present. Located in The Domain, Lone Star Court is a true piece of Americana, with attractive room decor and relaxing outdoor courtyards. They offer contemporary lodging in a traditionally Texan environment, with retro-inspired accommodations, live music, outdoor fire pits, and a dipping pool reflective of country swimming holes! If you’re nostalgic for the bygone days when travel was a true adventure, then set your sights on away at Lone Star Court!
Kick back on a plush day bed at this deluxe, contemporary retreat in coveted Travis Heights. Take a cooling afternoon dip in the heated saltwater pool surrounded by tropical plants, designer outdoor furniture and mature landscaping. The Retreat is just four blocks to vibrant South Congress shopping and restaurants. Experience design delights in a tranquil resort setting.
In keeping with the spirit of Austin, Texas, Miraval Austin Resort & Spa (who recently partnered with Hyatt) does things a little differently. More than a spa resort, health retreat, or luxury hotel, they’re a unique kind of well-being space that puts purpose and people at our core, serving as a catalyst for changing lives and celebrating individuality. At Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, the sky feels bigger, the trees tell stories, and the quiet imparts an inspired perspective!
This remodeled home has the best SoCo location ever! You are just 20 feet away from the most iconic street in Austin: South Congress. The house blends the vintage vibe of South Congress with the convenience of new appliances and features. It is an unparalleled vacation home in a dream location. And of course can’t forget to mention Petrie, the coolest and happiest Pig on the block right in your backyard. The space is designed to be comfortable, stylish, and practical for short stays or long stays. It has everything you need: plush king beds, comfy couches, smart TVs, brand new retro appliances, 2 parking spots (small cars, 1 large), and a fantastic backyard with a fire pit. Both bedrooms have a perfect view of the pig, Petrie’s home. He is quite entertaining and enjoys showing off!
Sage Hill Inn & Spa sits atop a hill on 88 acres above Onion Creek, with sweeping views of the Hill Country to the West! The location offers beautiful views of the Hill Country, the ideal setting for a romantic Texas getaway. The sunsets are spectacular, and because the night sky is unimpaired by city lights, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the stars. Our bed and breakfast land is rich with wildlife, including deer, blackbuck antelope, wild turkey, foxes, raccoons, and abundant birdlife. The Sage Hill Inn & Spa is in an ideal location near Austin, right in the middle of the Hill Country Wine region, a few minutes from the Salt Lick BBQ, yet only fifteen minutes from the San Marcos Outlet Malls. You’ll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle but be able to drive there in no time!
South Congress Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the South Congress neighborhood in Austin, Texas. The hip hotel offers many different restaurants, bars, cafés, and hotel rooms with views of River City, Travis Heights, and Bouldin Creek! These rooms offer peaceful views of the hotel’s interior courtyard and greenscape, where you’ll also find coffee shop gem Mañana, Austin’s historic Travis Heights neighborhood, and are quiet retreats, complete with bespoke Matteo bed linens, a locally sourced minibar, and a large walk-in shower that features a rainfall showerhead and C.O. Bigelow bath & body products!
Carpenter Hotel is in an old union hall in a grove of pecan trees at the edge of Zilker Park, near pretty much everything. At Carpenter Hotel, there’s good food, good drinks, good coffee and a pool for hot, lazy days!
On the corner of 6th and Brazos streets, in the heart of downtown Austin, stands a historic landmark of Texas hospitality: The Driskill. Built in 1886, The Driskill is a historic hotel steeped in character and an old-fashioned sense of hospitality. For more than a century, this iconic hotel has hosted restful nights, inspired gatherings, momentous occasions, and more. With 189 well-appointed guestrooms with 19th-century architectural details, three top-notch food and beverage outlets, storied spaces, and matchless service, The Driskill is ready to welcome you to be a part of Texas history!
At the crossroads where Town Lake meets downtown, the LINE draws influence from both the surrounding natural beauty and the creative energy that fuels the city. The convergence of the lush landscape and the vibrancy of the Capitol, historic theaters, music culture, and contemporary art is reflective of the spirit of Austin itself; green at heart and full of life. Summer in the city: the LINE Austin is where locals and travelers alike meet over arts, culture, and dining experiences. They’re booking now for staycations, vacations, and everything in between!
The Otis Hotel believes that life should be an adventure in elevated living by offering easygoing luxury. Boutique guest rooms feature nods to Austin’s history as The Live Music Capital of the World as well as the neighboring university with in-room vinyl record players and vintage schoolroom touches. Indulge in a collection of inspired cuisine including a modern upscale neighborhood restaurant, a street-side walk-up burger window, an open-air wine and tapas lounge, and the only rooftop pool and lounge near campus. The Otis delivers a learned heritage of sophisticated hospitality in one of the country’s most exciting cities!
Enjoy The Silo House At Laughing Llama farm, secluded and private, conveniently located within 25-30 minutes to everything Waco, Temple & Belton have to offer. The Silo House is a renovated grain bin moved from a family farm 50 miles away to its current location, The Laughing Llama Farm in Troy. The Silo House makes up 672 square feet of renovated modern artistic eclectic charm. Sit in the rocking chairs on the front porch or by the fire near the chiminea in the outdoor sitting area, grill steaks on the outdoor charcoal grill, and watch the sun set over this little piece of Heaven. Bring your own rods and lures and fish in the pond or spend the morning watching the llamas and the sheep graze while enjoying your coffee. This working farm is the perfect, slow going getaway!
The backdoor of the Casita Roja leads to a quarter-acre outdoor courtyard that includes a 3-tiered waterfall, pond & fire pit surrounded by Live Oak trees and lush bamboo. The "treehouse" cabin is a little oasis overlooking a 3-tiered waterfall and pond. There's also small fire pit and room to spread out. Relax in the heart of Austin, but feel like you are in nature with the aesthetic of "Keep Austin Weird” mixed with Boho Terlingua/Marfa Cool: Artistic, bohemian & eclectic. It’s "Frida Kahlo meets Willie Nelson". This awesome space is located in one of the very scenic neighborhoods in Austin, and they are continuously decorating so pics may be a little different from what you get!
This vintage airstream located in the owner’s backyard garden is your own private oasis. Full bed, hardwood floors, clawfoot bathtub, high-speed internet, and a 1/2 acre lot right outside your door--complete with a rooster, chickens, cat, and two pigs. This fantastic backyard garden oasis has been completely remodeled. Hardwood floors, AC unit, heater, full size bed. Fully equipped bathroom with claw foot bathtub and pedestal sink. Small refrigerator and microwave for your convenience, and don’t forget the free Wi-Fi! Enjoy a private entrance onto our beautiful 1/2 acre lot. Ping pong table, enormous outdoor dining space and mercantile for shopping on the property. Take in the fresh air while sitting in the Adirondack Chairs right outside your door or spend the day reveling in all that Austin has to offer.
Setting the stage for contemporary luxury, W Austin amplifies the city’s eclectic energy, headlining the vibrant 2nd Street District in the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and pulsating with its spirit of independence and creativity! Local eats at Trace restaurant, socializing in the Living Room, getting into rock star shape at FIT, detoxing in AWAY Spa, and soaking it in at a WET pool party, all while making it easy to be green! Settle in and indulge in the comforts of the W’s 251 rooms-perfectly positioned windows with postcard views of Lady Bird Lake or the downtown skyline!
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