Stay, Don't Go Away
Check out these 6 Austin hotels for a swanky summer staycation
Summer is in full swing, and you know what that means – time to staycation!
We've already rounded up some of the best Austin hotel pools for a summer day pass, but when you're needing max relaxation, here are some of the best Austin hotels for a more extended stay.
For the traveler who just wants peace, quiet and good food.
If you're eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin, head over to the Omni Barton Creek for authentic rest, relaxation, and a good meal or two at the Blind Salamander. When we say it's quiet out at the Omni Barton Creek, we're not kidding. With an incredible full-service spa, a gym that makes Lifetime look flimsy, multiple pools and restaurants, and a golf course, the Omni Barton Creek is the ideal getaway for solo travelers seeking solitude, couples wanting privacy, or foodies wanting to take a culinary tour of the hotel's seven, yes, seven, in-house restaurants.
For the traveler who wants a side of history with their hotel booking.
Did you even visit Austin if you didn't take a photo on the iconic Driskill Hotel staircase? Originally established by a rich cattle baron back in the 1800s (yes, his name was Colonel Driskill), the Driskill Hotel has become the historic hotel to stay at in downtown Austin. In addition to the decadent interior design. and iconic restaurants, the Driskill has also played host to a vast array of festivals like the Austin Film Festival and the ATX TV Festival. Do yourself a favor and order a Batini from the Driskill Bar when a festival is going on at the hotel — you might just spot a celebrity or two.
For the traveler seeking a bonafide Instagram-worthy experience without leaving their hotel.
Lavaca St is home to the Hotel ZaZa, a boutique hotel that has a variety of themed suites (from a log cabin room to a suite that looks like a rockstar designed it), the Za Spa, and in-house dining experiences like Group Therapy and the picturesque cabana bar. So put on your best Austin outfit, order yourself an Audrey Hepburn Timeless Rita from Group Therapy, and live your best Instagram-worthy life at the Hotel ZaZa.
For the traveler that wants to be close to all the action and have access to one of the best rooftop bars in town.
The Thompson Hotel Austin is centrally located in downtown Austin on San Jacinto Blvd, with all the luxury amenities that the Thompson brand is known for, in addition to the gem that is their rooftop bar — Wax Myrtle's. The view of the Austin skyline at Wax Myrtle's can be paired perfectly with one of the bar's many signature cocktails. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit because there will more than likely be a rooftop pool party happening at Wax's during your stay!
For the traveler wanting the best views (and also peace and quiet).
Rounding out our list is the The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, an elegant getaway with stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and Nido, a rooftop restaurant that has gone viral on social media. The Loren at Lady Bird Lake definitely has some of the best views in town, and while it's a bit further away from downtown Austin than the Thompson or the ZaZa, it's still relatively close by. The Loren at Lady Bird Lake also has the Milk + Honey spa, a pool and fitness center, and of course, a coffee shop.
For the traveler wanting to feel like a local celeb
The Fairmount Austin literally has a Gold experience for this very reason! Get the full VIP treatment at the Fairmount without having a single movie credit to your name. This hotel is a Forbes Travel Guide four-star property, with a heated swimming pool, seven bars and restaurants (Garrison for example, is a quintessential dining experience), and a spa.