Top-rated hotels in Austin

Austin blends live music, barbecue, the University of Texas and the Texas State Capitol with a subtropical climate that makes it a year-round destination. Outdoor enthusiasts head to the Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail and Zilker Park, while food lovers seek out barbecue and Tex-Mex. Downtown holds many of the city's largest hotels, and the neighbourhoods around it each keep a distinct character.

Most hotels on this shortlist sit in or beside Downtown Austin, with addresses on San Jacinto Blvd, Brazos Street, Lavaca Street, East 5Th Street and East 11Th Street, all within 0.3 to 0.9 km of the centre. Others sit further out: on Rio Grande Street and University Avenue near the university, on South Congress Avenue south of the river, on East 6Th Street in East Austin, at the Domain in North Austin, and on Garwood Street. The mix suits couples, families, business travellers and short breaks alike.

Getting there and around

Austin is served by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, located about 5 miles southeast of downtown, with domestic and international flights and ground transport including taxis, rideshares and public buses. Amtrak's Texas Eagle stops at the Austin station. By car, Interstate 35 runs north-south through the city, connecting to Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio. Getting around is easiest by car, but the CapMetro bus network and MetroRail commuter line serve many areas, and biking is popular with protected lanes and the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake.

When to go

Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the ideal times to visit Austin, when temperatures are mild and outdoor events are plentiful. Spring brings wildflowers and South by Southwest, while autumn offers comfortable conditions for exploring. Summers are hot and humid, with highs often exceeding 90°F, and winters are generally mild but can have occasional cold snaps. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed, though May and September tend to be wetter.