Flight
Please note: Austin Airport has two terminals that are not connected - 20 min drive between the two: Barbara Jordan Terminal, which is the main terminal, and the South Terminal, which is used by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines only
Hotel
The vibe: Bauhaus chic Top amenities: Private terraces, Hemp Code skincare from Italy, fresh flowers by your bed, poolside and in-room food and drink service via text or call from the café and restaurant Location: South Lamar Best for: Luxury leisure for nature lovers Breezy, open-air hallways lined with terra-cotta brick lead guests to their rooms at Carpenter Hotel. Perched between pecan trees, the historic 93-room hotel pays homage to its 1948 roots as the Carpenters Local 1266 Union Hall with intentional details throughout the property, including carpenter’s notes on some walls. The rooms feature nature photography by Jackie Lee Young as well as lake blue tiling reminiscent of Texas watering holes. Grab a glass of complimentary bubbly from the pecan-wood front desk or bar at the acclaimed on-property restaurant Carpenters Hall and mosey over to the pool for a dip. When you’re done, draw closed the blackout sliding door between your room’s floor to ceiling windows and the private terrace for an afternoon nap. In the morning, wake up and refresh at the all day coffee bar concept in the vinyl music–filled lobby, which was built in the original building where the meeting hall once stood.
Hotel
The vibe: Homage to Austin's music scenes Top amenities: Sangre de Fruta bath products; designated built-in desk space; poolside bar and vinyl bar; complimentary bike, Peloton, and yoga mat rentals Location: South Congress Best for: A premium sensory experience Inhale the scent of incense and natural stone upon entry to the 89-room Hotel Magdalena. Located on Music Lane on property previously owned in the ’70s by Willie Nelson, the area has hosted many musicians who have created, played, and practiced on site. The rich history of the city's music scenes is baked into the hotel’s restaurant—Summer House on Music Lane—named after one of the original restaurants on the premises from the ’60s. The architecture of the entire property encompasses the rich natural beauty and lakeside culture of Austin, with a pool in the shape of Barton Springs along with breezy open-air exterior walkways. Each room features its own musically vibrant Scott Newton print (no repeats), custom brightly colored monochrome Spanish tiles, walnut wood built-in beds, and inlay desks. In March 2023, the hotel opened a new vinyl bar, Equipment Room, which serves up a premium sound experience, a menu of A-side and B-side craft cocktails, and funky snacks.
Hotel
The vibe: Modern, classic, and spacious Top amenities: Yoga studio and fitness room with Peloton bikes, filtered tap water in sinks and showers, kids’ play areas, event and meeting spaces, on-site food truck Location: South Congress Best for: A long or short term stay infused with southern hospitality Featuring 80 spacious suites with amenities including modern kitchenettes and living areas that evoke everyday comfort, the one-, two-, and three-bedroom studios at Colton House offer a home-away-from-home for guests looking for a sophisticated short- or long-term stay. The on-site coffee and craft cocktail bar Simona’s makes it seamless to switch from business meeting to catch-up session with your best friend (warning: the refreshing Last Dance with Mary Jane CBD cocktail contains a low level of THC, making it extra relaxing). Double up in balloon chairs built for two and enjoy the sunset view from the upstairs parlor seating, or sit back under string lights in the courtyard by the pool. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll enjoy the family-friendly play area filled with toys and games. The crown jewel of the hotel is the stunning penthouse event space with a panoramic city view, made for gatherings of all kinds from corporate events to engagement, wedding, and graduation parties. With a black mirror in the bathroom, textured wallpaper inspired by crown molding, and a secret room behind a bookcase, the penthouse celebration space may be the cherry on top of a special trip.
Hotel
The vibe: Intimate, indie guest house Top amenities: Luxury tubs and showers, white noise machines, rooms with skylights, private patio and balcony room options, free bicycles Location: East Austin Best for: Eastside style and a local feel Walk onto the porch of the green renovated 1920 Craftsman bungalow in eclectic East Austin and take a pause on the swinging egg chairs. An easygoing, friendly feel is apparent upon entry to the seven-room guest house. With light beaming in from the lobby skylight upon entry, the cozy yet open space provides a place where the bright and free spirit of Austin can be embraced. A Marfa-meets-Palm-Springs patio serves as the centerpiece for second floor guest rooms, which open up onto the tranquil courtyard space. Every room features original longleaf pine hardwood floors and local art, while also offering something unique in style and mood. Room three boasts a shower skylight, room five has a fireplace, and room seven has a private balcony that overlooks the courtyard. This East Austin hotel choice should be at the top of your list.