Best Hotels in Austin, Texas, According to iBestTravel Readers

Austin, Texas, the “Live Music Capital of the World,” is famous for its vibrant music scene, boasting over 250 music venues and hosting iconic festivals such as SXSW and Austin City Limits. Moreover, beyond its lively nightlife, visitors can enjoy delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, charming parks like Lady Bird Lake, and a plethora of cultural experiences through local art and history museums. Therefore, travelers will find a diverse array of accommodations, from unique budget hotels to prestigious luxury stays, catering to all preferences.

How Voting Works

Each year, as part of the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites readers to share their insights on global travel experiences, focusing on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Notably, nearly 165,000 iBestTravel readers completed the 2024 survey, reflecting a significant increase of about 25 percent from pre-pandemic voting levels. In total, over 685,000 votes were counted across more than 8,500 unique properties.

Hotels are categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges based on their attributes and location. They are evaluated on several key criteria:

• Rooms/Facilities
• Location
• Service
• Food
• Value

Respondents rate each characteristic as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor, with the final scores computed as averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

When choosing their favorite places to stay in Austin, iBestTravel readers reveal a clear preference—four out of the top five properties are Bunkhouse hotels. These establishments combine a funky, retro-inspired ambiance with modern amenities, creating a unique and comfortable environment perfect for experiencing the spirit of Austin. One reader described Hotel Saint Cecilia (ranked No. 3) as “very romantic” with staff members who “treat you like royalty.” Interestingly, the only non-Bunkhouse hotel on this year’s list, the Austin Proper Hotel, was last year’s top choice.

The Winner

Hotel Magdalena

Situated just off the energetic South Congress Avenue, Hotel Magdalena serves as an excellent home base for exploring Austin. This hotel features 89 guest rooms, each equipped with brightly tiled bathrooms, while guests can enjoy a sunken swimming pool and all-day dining at Summer House on Music Lane. Reviewers have praised its “beautiful greenery,” “great staff,” and “exquisite restaurant menu.” Additionally, sibling properties Hotel San José and Hotel Saint Cecilia, which ranked second and third respectively, lie within walking distance, as do many of Austin’s finest bars, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

The Full List

1. Hotel Magdalena

Reader Score: 96.19

2. Hotel San José

Reader Score: 96.00

3. Hotel Saint Cecilia

Reader Score: 94.60

4. Carpenter Hotel

Reader Score: 93.71

5. Austin Proper Hotel & Residences

Reader Score: 91.23