Hotels With Balcony Austin
For those seeking a more immersive experience, hotels with balconies provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s charm from a private vantage point. In this article, we will explore the best hotels in Austin that feature balconies, allowing you to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere and create lasting memories. If you’re interested in exploring other options, you might want to check out hotels along the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre
- 255
- 2 Person
- 1701 Lavaca St, Austin
- 9.2
I recently stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University / Capitol and was thoroughly impressed. The hotel’s prime location, just steps away from the University of Texas and Sixth Street, made it easy to explore the city. The rooms were clean, spacious, and well-appointed with comfortable beds and modern amenities. The complimentary breakfast was delicious and provided a great start to each day.
The hotel staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, always going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. I particularly appreciated the convenience of the on-site amenities, such as the swimming pool and fitness center. Overall, I highly recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites Austin @ The University / Capitol for anyone looking for a comfortable and affordable hotel in the heart of Austin.
We stayed at this hotel last week and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience from the moment we arrived. When we first checked in, we were told our room was ready, but when we went upstairs and opened the door, it was clear the room hadn’t been cleaned at all—there were still signs of the previous guests. We were then given a different room, which was located right next to a loud air conditioning unit or utility box. The noise was constant and extremely loud every time the AC turned on and off, making it impossible for all four of us to get any sleep that night.
The next morning, we went to the front desk to ask for help moving to a different hotel. They told us that because we had booked through Hotels.com, we would need to contact them directly. After being on hold with Hotels.com for over an hour, I saw that the customer service representative at the front desk actually received a call from them—but she denied it and claimed they hadn’t been able to reach each other. It felt like they were working together to avoid helping us or issuing a refund.
We ended up switching rooms again, for the third time, and were told this one would be quieter, farther from the AC system—but it was just as loud. Again, no sleep.
When we asked for room service, they didn’t change the bed sheets or pillowcases. I had to take the pillowcases off myself and leave them on the floor just to make sure they would get changed the next day.
The beds were uncomfortable, the pillows were old, and we all woke up with sore necks.
The only positive part of our stay was the breakfast. It was very clean, had great food options, and the staff working the buffet were kind, helpful, and professional. They were the only highlight of our stay.
Overall, I would not recommend this hotel. The noise issues, poor cleanliness, and lack of honest customer service made it a very frustrating experience.
She greeted us with her broad beautiful smile and vivacious energy. She gave us great recommendations and checked on us as we returned from our adventures. You truly have a start with Swea!
Some people questioned my location choice as the area used to be very seedy, but it's going through some nice changes, and I felt perfectly comfortable both day and night.
Check in with a smile, my room was very nice and a slight view of their wonderful pool area.
Breakfast was excellent and the whole lobby area was very clean.
I really liked this place and hope to return someday!
Check-in should be handled in the order guests arrive, with fairness and professionalism. If this is how the service starts, I can only hope the rest of my stay improves. Management should ensure that all guests are treated with equal respect.
It is also a train ride away from the convention center.
Placemakr Downtown Hotels With Balcony Austin
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Parking available
- Fitness centre
- 180
- 2 Person
- 710 E 3rd St, Austin
- 9.2
Location: This smoke-free aparthotel offers a convenient location with an outdoor pool and easy access to the city.
Amenities: Enjoy the convenience of self-parking and a 24-hour front desk. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas, and take advantage of express check-in and check-out.
Apartments: Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, and microwave. For added convenience, a dishwasher and free tea bags/instant coffee are provided. Enjoy entertainment on the Smart TV with digital channels and Netflix. Housekeeping is available upon request.
Access Methods: Access the property with ease through the staffed front desk or with a smart lock.
Pets: Pets are allowed for an additional fee of USD 100 per pet, per stay. Service animals are welcome at no charge. A maximum of two pets are allowed, and restrictions may apply. For more information, please contact the property using the number provided on your booking confirmation.
Children and Extra Beds: Children are welcome at Austin Sky Apartments. Please note that rollaway/extra beds and cribs (infant beds) are not available.
We had a wonderful stay at Placemakr in downtown Austin! The location was absolutely perfect—close to everything we wanted to do. The space was very clean, modern, and had a welcoming vibe. What really stood out, though, was the staff. They were incredibly warm, friendly, and helpful throughout our stay. Highly recommend!
The staff were consistently friendly and helpful, and the check-in and check-out process was incredibly smooth thanks to the private code entry system. Having onsite parking available, while costing $35 per day, was a definite plus for those driving into the city. I also found the hotel to be reasonably priced for its prime downtown location.
While the room itself was on the smaller side, it was well-equipped with enough amenities for a comfortable stay. The unexpected bonus of having a washer and dryer unit in the room was a fantastic and much-appreciated feature.
The only significant drawback I encountered was the very low water pressure in the shower. This made showering a noticeably longer process than usual.
Despite the issue with the water pressure, I would still highly recommend staying at this hotel for its fantastic location, friendly service, convenient parking, reasonable price, and thoughtful in-room amenities. It's a great option for anyone looking to experience the heart of downtown Austin.
The rooms were clean, spacious, and beautifully decorated, with all the amenities you could need. The location was also perfect, putting me right in the heart of Austin's vibrant scene.
The only minor downside was the pool. It looked absolutely gorgeous, but unfortunately, the water was a bit too cold for me to really enjoy it. I was hoping to relax poolside, but it was just a bit too chilly for a comfortable swim.
Despite the pool temperature, I would highly recommend the Placemkr. The exceptional staff, stylish accommodations, and prime location made for an unforgettable stay. I'd definitely return!
The location was nice - center of the market and less than half a mile from the River Walk. We didn’t know this until our last night stay (our fault) but additional towels /sheets were in the lobby dresser drawers! The staff was super nice and available via call or text for any questions or concerns.
My only major issue was the hot water would not get hot, it was more of a warm temperature which we just dealt with.
Be mindful , Parking is not free nor complimentary. The garage around the corner charges 8.99 the first night and 12.99 each night after.
Overall , our experience was good. I would recommend and would come back again.
Renee' M.
Science Teacher
2/21/25
The rooms are much larger than a standard hotel room, and they come equipped with a standard, full kitchen, not the small fridge and microwave most hotel rooms have.
The less expensive rooms have a balcony with a courtyard view. The more expensive rooms have an exterior view of downtown.
The room was really nice, but the most impressive and luxury feature of the place were the common spaces on the 4th and ground floors. A completely covered and furnished terrace with a small outdoor kitchen on one corner of the building. And down the hallway on the other corner of the building is an indoor clubhouse with a large TV room, a pool table with a corner window view, a large indoor kitchen, a glass wall business meeting room, and it's own completely outdoor, uncovered terrace as well. These public spaces would make a great place for a small to medium get together.
Overall, the place really delivered, especially compared to a standard hotel room.
Austin Condo Hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre
- 120
- 2 Person
- 48 East Ave, Austin, TX
- 9.2
Location: The Skyview Condos offer a luxurious and convenient stay with an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and a rooftop terrace.
Amenities: Enjoy the convenience of free Wi-Fi in public areas, as well as valet parking, spa services, and concierge services.
Condos: Each condo features a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, and microwave. Relax in comfort with a pillowtop bed and premium bedding, and enjoy the convenience of a washer/dryer and a dining area. Change of towels is available upon request.
Access Methods: Access the property through the staffed front desk.
Pets: Pets are not allowed at The Skyview Condos, except for service animals, which are welcome at no charge.
Children and Extra Beds: Children are welcome at The Skyview Condos. Cribs (infant beds) are available for rent at USD 25.00 per night.
The location and the views are terrific.
A very quiet, modern and peaceful place which is also within walking distance of the beautiful lady bird lake where you can take long relaxing walks.
The pool at the top is gorgeous and the fitness room is spectacular, clean practical and accessible.
We highly recommend this place.
Note: They charged $158.60 in tax on a room that cost $107.10, for a total of $271.06. This was marked as "tax", not "tax & fees". That is illegal. Even in Texas you are not allowed to charge whatever you want for tax. I asked for an update, and their explanation actually led to discovering more illegal activities (like charging the Austin hotel tax at 4x the actual fee)
Nice room over all though and great to have a kitchen for the price I booked ($210/nt) Good location but plenty of other options on that same block.
So yeah not "bad" but definitely not "best." I booked another hotel for my return business trip at the end of the month
Room with a great view. The coffee bar/bar was an extra bonus . Would totally stay here again and recommend it .
When we left, we accidentally left a few things behind. They promptly texted and even offered to meet me with my belongings. Who does that?
When I had a question, they were at my door to help in under 2 minutes.
Penthouse experience at a 6th floor price tag - we won’t ever stay anywhere else.
Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Parking
- Fitness centre
- 330
- 2 Person
- 604 W 6th St, Austin
- 9.0
I recently stayed at the Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown and had a fantastic experience. The hotel’s prime location near Sixth Street made it easy to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions. The rooms were modern, clean, and comfortable, with all the necessary amenities. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, always going out of their way to assist with any requests.
I particularly enjoyed the hotel’s outdoor pool and rooftop terrace, which provided stunning views of the city. The coffee shop/cafe was a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious beverage. Overall, I highly recommend the Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown for anyone looking for a stylish and convenient stay in the heart of Austin.
The valet attendants were also fantastic, courteous and efficient, and my vehicle was retrieved quickly each time.
The room itself was modern, cozy, and thoughtfully designed. I especially appreciated the stylish décor and the high-quality shower amenities that made winding down at the end of the day extra relaxing.
Overall, a fantastic stay! I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in Austin.
Pros: Location and proximity to the Capitol.
Cons:
- Very poor water pressure on the 6th floor. No joke, only one of the shower head settings even worked the pressure was so low. Be prepared to take a long shower.
- Noise. Granted it is 6th street, so take this with a grain of salt. When you arrive to your room, you are greeted with a pair of earplugs on the nightstand! This is a bad sign. The room is mostly concrete and hard surfaces. Sound just bounces around and if you are a light sleeper, plan on falling asleep around 2AM. There are blackout curtains in the room, but there is also an uncovered window behind the clothes hanging area, so light is going to come in regardless.
- Uncomfortable bed and pillows. The bed was unreasonably stiff and the pillows were not very good.
- Humidity in the room. There was a surprisingly high level of humidify in the room. The furniture had bubbles and water stains. Now I understand why. We filled the ice bucket, and by the next morning, the puddle of condensation around it filled the bottom of the tray it was in. Any glassware that had ice in it, had a puddle under it within seconds.
- Parking is valet only. The rate is $54 per day. You can valet for less as a guest at the Waldorf Astoria in Vegas! No joke, it was $45 at the Waldorf just last week.
What really stood out, though, was the service. Every staff member I encountered was warm and professional, but a special shoutout to Olivia at the bar—she’s a total pro and made our experience extra memorable. Friendly, attentive, and makes a killer cocktail. Highly recommend staying here if you’re looking for style, fun, and top-tier hospitality!
I was greeted with some champagne once I arrived. The rooms are clean and spacious, and the bed was very comfortable.
Bartender Sam was welcoming and friendly.
The restaurant has a great burger, but I would skip the pasta as it is very bland.
I would definitely stay here again next time I'm in Austin.
Additionally, I encountered difficulties with the staff's availability during late-night hours. Between 1 AM and 3 AM, I found it hard to reach anyone to discuss the possibility of switching rooms due to the noise. I also requested non-down pillows in my room, but unfortunately, all the pillows provided were down, and my request for alternatives was not accommodated.
On the morning of my second day, I tried to reach out to a supervisor to share my feedback—not seeking a discount or anything, just hoping for a conversation. However, I have not received any follow-up via phone or email.
Overall, while I appreciate the hotel's ambiance, I believe there are areas that need improvement, particularly regarding noise management and customer service. I would recommend considering other accommodations in the area
Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Pet Friendly
- Fitness centre
- 782
- 3 Person
- 600 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX
- 9.0
The hotel’s prime location near Sixth Street and the Paramount Theater made it easy to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions. The rooms were beautifully appointed with high-quality furnishings and comfortable bedding.
The onsite spa was a highlight of my stay, offering a variety of relaxing treatments that left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The hotel’s restaurants served delicious food, and I particularly enjoyed the Mediterranean cuisine. The swimming pool and outdoor entertainment area were perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Overall, I highly recommend the Austin Proper Hotel for anyone seeking a truly luxurious and unforgettable experience in Austin.
But it seems times have changed. Under new management, locals are no longer welcome unless they're renting a room.
As someone who’s found inspiration here many times before, I was asked to leave. Perhaps they'll revisit this policy one day. Until then, it’s no longer a haven for locals, casual business meetings, or muses; just a hotel for guests.
Upon arrival at Austin Proper Hotel, the doorman repeatedly refused to let us in, insisting the spa was closed—even after I showed him my confirmed reservation. I have never been spoken to so rudely or disregarded as a paying guest. Thankfully, a female staff member saw the interaction, intervened, and escorted us inside.
Once at Verbena Spa, the experience was completely different—outstanding service, unmatched hospitality, and a truly relaxing atmosphere. Julie and Jasmine were both excellent and made the visit worthwhile. However, the treatment at the entrance left a lasting negative impression. Because of this, we’ve removed The Proper from our list of recommended hotels for our upcoming wedding. Disappointing service at the door, but the spa itself is fantastic.
Raz was our server and he was absolutely amazing! He had great recommendations.
I dined in the hotel lobby bar. Rooftop restaurant is 10/10 if looking for dinner and drinks. Great for friends, couples, or groups!
From the moment we arrived at Austin Proper, we were treated to an experience beyond anything we could have imagined. What was originally planned as a simple getaway quickly became one of the most memorable moments of our lives, thanks to the impeccable service and thoughtful touches from the hotel team.
As Platinum Fine Hotel & Resorts guests, we were greeted with a warm welcome, a complimentary room upgrade, and a personal visit from a manager bearing fresh fruit and a handwritten note—such a thoughtful touch! The reception team went above and beyond, working with my fiancé to secure a reservation at the hotel’s cocktail bar, where we were seated on the romantically lit patio, creating the perfect intimate atmosphere. The beautifully crafted menu, paired with the stunning decor of the hotel, made every moment feel like something out of a dream. It set the stage for the night he asked me to be his forever—a moment I will cherish for a lifetime.
Our room was absolutely stunning—impeccably clean, modern yet cozy, and stocked with complimentary Bloom beverages and sparkling water drink mixes. I always do a barefoot walk test in hotels, and Austin Proper passed with flying colors—spotless floors and an unparalleled level of cleanliness.
The attention to detail, the genuine care, and the seamless way the entire staff played a role in this special moment made our stay truly unforgettable. This hotel is an absolute gem, and we can’t wait to return and relive the magic all over again!
The Carpenter Hotels With Balcony Austin
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre
- 326
- 4 Person
- 400 Josephine St, Austin
- 9.4
The hotel’s location near Zilker Park provided a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The rooms were clean and comfortable, with furnished balconies offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.
I particularly enjoyed the poolside bar and the delicious food at Carpenters Hall. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, always going out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay. Overall, I highly recommend The Carpenter Hotel for anyone looking for a tranquil and enjoyable getaway in Austin.
Just be aware there’s an “amenity fee” on top of whatever you’ve already paid for your stay. It’s $25 and they add tax to it, so $27.06. This wasn’t explained or forewarned, which is a bit odd, but it doesn’t put me off from staying the next time I’m in Austin.
That said, there were a few rough edges. The breakfast service was disorganized—I didn’t realize the table cards were required to order, and when I scanned the wrong one, the server was unexpectedly rude about it. For a $23 breakfast, I also had to grab my own napkin and silverware, and there wasn’t even salt or pepper on the table. The coffee shop barista also seemed irritated when I didn’t know the exact name of the drink I wanted. And when I asked for a luggage cart, I was told to find it myself—which I never did, so I ended up carrying everything on my own.
Also: definitely book parking in advance. The lot is extremely tight, especially on holiday weekends. Even with a reservation, parking was a challenge.
Still, I genuinely enjoyed my stay and would absolutely return. The good far outweighs the bad, and with just a bit more attention to hospitality, the Carpenter Hotel could go from great to truly exceptional.
The staff at Carpenter were great as well, anything we needed was supplied quickly. The hotel is a cool building with concrete floors and ceilings in the rooms. We stayed in the Large King and the decor was very nice.
We will be back another time for sure! Cheers 😊
Hotel Magdalena
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bar
- Fitness centre
- 350
- 2 Person
- 1101 Music Lane, Austin
- 8.8
I recently stayed at Hotel Magdalena and had a fantastic experience. The hotel’s location near South Congress Avenue made it easy to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife and shopping scene. The rooms were modern, clean, and comfortable, with all the necessary amenities. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, always going out of their way to assist with any requests.
I particularly enjoyed the hotel’s outdoor pool and the delicious food at the onsite restaurant. The free bicycle rentals were a great way to explore the city at your own pace. Overall, I highly recommend Hotel Magdalena for anyone looking for a stylish and convenient stay in Austin.
The valet to the manager walking the grounds till the wee hours of the night making sure things were in order! We stayed for a staycation one night and it was amazing. You are literally in your own world with the trees and amazing ambience. The housekeeping staff did a great job making sure everything was in perfect order! We also had a drink at the bar and the wait staff/bartenders were awesome! The front desk guy was so helpful and just has a zen calm personality that was overflowing throughout the staff! This was a splurge for us but we will definitely be saving our coins to stay again!!!
Boutique style and so cozy!
Plus the location is perfectly close to iconic downtown Austin and all the iconic stores. I can’t wait to return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable Austin, TX stay!
Showers were luke warm at best and even after a request it wasn’t any warmer. This wouldn’t usually be an issue to me, but the showers are open wet rooms in the bath, at least ours was, so it felt very cold. Bedside tables didn’t have working outlets or an outlet at all. The (king size) bed had one fitted sheet and one duvet (no flat sheet), which barely reached the corners of the bed, like it was made for a full sized bed.
Little detail things, but they make a stay comfy. I wouldn’t recommend a stay here. Food and bar is lovely, stick to that.
Hotel ZaZa Austin
- Parking available
- Spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre
- 600
- 2 Person
- 400 Lavaca St, Austin
- 9.6
The hotel’s prime location near Sixth Street and the Austin Convention Center made it easy to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife and business district. The rooms were beautifully appointed with high-quality furnishings and comfortable bedding.
The onsite spa was a highlight of my stay, offering a variety of relaxing treatments that left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The hotel’s restaurant, Group Therapy, served delicious food and offered a variety of dining options. The swimming pool and outdoor entertainment area were perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Overall, I highly recommend Hotel ZaZa Austin for anyone seeking a truly luxurious and unforgettable experience in Austin.
Whether it was remembering our drink preferences, checking in to make sure we had everything we needed, or just bringing great energy to the pool area, Remy went above and beyond. It’s rare to find someone who makes hospitality feel so personal and effortless.
Would come back 10/10
The good part:
The food at the hotel is decent, and they offer a free shuttle service that can take you to nearby places within a three-mile radius.
However, my experience here was frustrating and disappointing.
I stayed for three nights and had an issue with one male staff member who acted more like a pushy car salesman than a hospitality professional.
This hotel is right next to a construction site. At night, workers use heavy machinery to load trash into dumpsters, making constant, loud beeping noises. I was woken up at 1 AM and 5 AM, and the noise was unbearable in the quiet of the night.
I brought this up to the front desk at 7 AM, and they offered to switch my room. I asked if I needed to move my belongings before leaving for work, but they reassured me that I could do it later when I returned. Trusting their word, I packed all my things and went about my day.
When I came back in the evening, the male staff member at the front desk—who I hadn’t spoken to earlier—refused to swap my room. Even after I explained the morning conversation again and again, he blamed me for not moving earlier and was rude and dismissive. It was clear he had no intention of honoring what his colleague had promised.
After a frustrating back-and-forth, he finally agreed to the room change—but by then, the damage was done.
Their dishonesty and terrible customer service showed that they only care about keeping guests locked in, not about providing a good experience.
I initially planned to give this hotel a 4-star review, but after being lied to and disrespected, I can barely give it a 2-star rating.
Save yourself the trouble and stay somewhere else—this hotel does not deserve your money.
ZaZa Austin Downtown is our go-to hotel whenever we visit Austin. The service is outstanding, and the staff is always attentive to every detail. They make sure you have everything you need, from water and ice to complimentary snacks and drinks in the lobby.
Our first stay was during ACL Music Festival, and we loved that they provided free transportation and fun festival goodies like temporary tattoos, stools, and accessories. The hotel itself is beautiful, impeccably clean, and incredibly comfortable. The beds are amazing, and the decor is elegant.
We returned for Thanksgiving and my birthday, and they made it extra special by upgrading us to a Bungalow suite—it felt like a stylish studio apartment with a stunning view. They even surprised me with a bottle of champagne. Room service is convenient, especially with their late-night menu.
Another highlight is their incredible spa, perfect for unwinding. The location is amazing—right in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of great restaurants, the Capitol, and so much more. We love the area!
ZaZa Austin Downtown always exceeds our expectations, and we can’t wait to come back!
Regret to say that I was disappointed with my experience at Hotel Zaza. While the room was clean & bed was comfortable, service was cold and unwelcoming. I am not sure if I was greeted with a smile by a staff member at any point during my stay, & frequently got the sense that staff members felt annoyed or burdened by minor requests.
Valet was visibly frustrated when I asked him to keep my car out as I checked in & dropped off my bag. Front desk met me with a brusque "no" when I called down to see if they happened to have a phone charger (which many hotels of this caliber would). Cleaning staff member looked at me in perplexity when I asked how to access the stairwell & inquired why I would want to take the stairs. Front desk attendant was cold when activating my room key for an extra hour despite granting me a late check-out.
Ultimately, every interaction with staff members felt like a business transaction - formal, stiff, and uninviting. At this price point, I would expect more an effort to make guests feel comfortable.
Not to mention, I had an unpleasant interaction with another guest who made no effort to control his dog as it sniffed me, poked its head between my legs, pawed at me, & barked on the elevator; he completely ignored me as we got off the elevator. Overall conveyed an air pretentiousness.
South Congress Hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Parking included
- Fitness centre
- 500
- 2 Person
- 1603 South Congress Avenue
- 9.2
The hotel’s strategic location near the Austin Convention Center provided easy access to the city’s bustling business district and renowned landmarks. The rooms were impeccably clean, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with all the modern conveniences. The hotel staff was exceptionally friendly and attentive, consistently going above and beyond to ensure a delightful stay.
I was particularly impressed by the hotel’s rooftop terrace, which offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The on-site restaurants served delicious cuisine, catering to a variety of tastes. The complimentary bicycle rentals were a convenient way to explore the city at my own pace, allowing me to discover hidden gems and immerse myself in the local culture.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend the South Congress Hotel to anyone seeking a stylish and comfortable accommodation in Austin.
My wife and I have been coming to the South Congress area for our anniversary, in July, for years. We came on a whim years ago, had a great time, and have been coming back since then. We stay there wander around shopping and visiting the local restaurants and bars.
We DID NOT get to stay there this time. I booked reservations for Friday and Saturday nights almost two months out. We showed up in the same Jeep Gladiator we have driven there for the last two trips. The same jeep gladiator that is unchanged since we had it parked in there garage, by the valet, the last two trips.
This time, however, the Valet held up his high calibrated fist, slightly lower than the highest point of our Jeep, and pronounced that it would not fit in the garage. I responded that it had been parked in their garage the last two times that we visited, with zero issues. He held up his [recently certified by the state department of weights and measures] fist and reiterated that it would not fit in the garage. I responded that we would not be staying if we could not park our vehicle on the property.
He ran inside to the front desk. I walked in behind him, thinking that this is an easily worked out issue, after telling my wife not to take her things out of the car- just in case.
When I got to the front desk, the "guest services manager", Louis, greeted me with thinly disguised animosity and asked if I was the guy with the truck that was too tall. I said yes, and politely told him that we have had the same vehicle parked in their garage numerous times and that it has never been an issue. He proceeded to tell me that he "would not overrule is valets". My thought was "OK, what is the point of you being a manager then?" while at the same time recognizing that this guy had zero inclination to even try to work things out. He was exceptionally happy to get rid of us- for whatever reason. He voiced the I'm sorry about this with the thinly veiled disdain of someone scraping gum from his shoe, as he informed me that he would not be contacting our booking service to cancel the reservation, but that I would have to do so.
Looking at the guy wearing his mask (Summer of 2025) with a sweater on under his button up short sleeve shirt, I think it was actually a prejudice issue, but I will never know. I can think of no other reason for his hostility before I even spoke to him. I cannot stress enough that there was nothing confrontational with the valet or this manager from my end. This all came from nowhere.
It worked out for the best as I sit here on the porch of a cabin attached to a winery outside of Fredericksburg. I just booked a Spa day for my wife and I hope to have time to go for a run at Enchanted Rock while she is busy. Skip South Congress, and especially the South Congress Hotel, and head for wine country. We have spent our last anniversary weekend in Austin. I will miss dinner at Perla's.
Honest Speculation: We were tagged as undesirable conservative types and they didn't want us in their Austin. I cannot think of another reason for the undeserved hostility.
The room was really nice - clean, comfortable bed, and I loved the design; very stylish. Had everything we needed and the shower was actually hot with good water pressure (you know how hit or miss hotel showers can be).
But honestly, the location is what makes this place special. You’re right in the middle of everything on South Congress. We walked to dinner, browsed the shops, caught some live music, and didn’t need to drive anywhere. Perfect for soaking up that weird Austin energy everyone talks about.
Definitely staying here again next time we’re in town. If you’re looking for a solid place to stay in Austin that puts you right where you want to be, this is it. Worth every penny.
The gym is well equipped for a hotel, with Peloton bikes and fitness mirrors (I believe from Mirror or a similar brand), which was a nice touch. The pool has a relaxed, low-key vibe that we really enjoyed.
Our room had a good balance of style and function. The only downside was the very dim lighting, which wasn’t ideal on a rainy Fourth of July weekend. Still, everything else more than made up for it.
The location is fantastic, right in the heart of South Congress and within walking distance of great shops and restaurants. Highly recommend.
The bathroom was huge with a gigantic mirror and a pretty big shower, I will definitely recommend to others and will come back when I’m Austin!
On our way out of the garage the validation wouldn’t let us out, so we pressed the little button for help.
The guy that came downstairs to “help” us, was quite rude and acted like we were trying to get out of paying for parking. Apparently the validation is only good for 2 hours. Something that no one at the front desk, or at the restaurant told us.
The food was okay, but being treated poorly regarding the parking garage left a bad taste in our mouth. Our $70 lunch for 2 wasn’t enough. They wanted $13 more for parking also.
Better places in town, with easier parking, and that won’t read you the riot act.
Won’t return. Miss the old Cafe No Se on Rainey. This space wasn’t as cool, and the experience was sub par.
- Charged (not just authorized) $150 up front for incidentals
- First Thursday music turned the place into a night club and negated the quaint bar. No warning about this event was given.
- The shower had a window in it to living space!
- Rectangle toilet
- No bathroom fan
- Very dim lights and few in room
- No temperature control on bathroom fixtures
- No bag in wire garbage can
- No coffee maker
- Ceiling unpainted, looks like parking garage
- Bed hard as a rock and pillows useless
- No gluten free options for dining
- Loud street
- Thermostat did nothing - 72 no matter what
- No recommendations book
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Internet doesn’t work consistently
- Sparsely and cheaply decorated rarely used spare guest room vibe
I definitely wouldn't stay here again, despite the prime location.
Conclusion: Whether you’re a leisure traveler seeking relaxation or a business professional in need of a comfortable stay, Austin’s hotels with balconies offer a delightful blend of comfort, convenience, and stunning views. By choosing one of these accommodations, you can elevate your Austin experience and create unforgettable moments. So, pack your bags and discover the beauty of Austin from the comfort of your own private balcony.