Big hotel chains offer value, rewards, and consistency. That is great for some, myself included; however, there's no difference between a Courtyard Marriott in Oklahoma City and Seattle. Discerning travelers who want an escape from the norm, a local and curated flare, and trip defining accommodations should consider booking boutique.
Boutique hotels tend to be significantly smaller than chain hotels. The largest boutique hotel I've run across can sleep 300 people, but on average their capacity ranges from 70-100 guest. This means the service is impeccable, and comparable to that of a privately owned bed and breakfast. Most have reputable dining options on-property, are aesthetically pleasing, and offer resort experiences as amenities, such as live music or salon meet-and-greets with local artisans.
I'm currently planning a trip to Austin, TX, where the boutique hotel scene is booming. Here are 11 boutique hotels to consider when planning your next trip to the Texas capital.
"At the crossroads where Town Lake meets downtown, the LINE draws influence from both the surrounding natural beauty and the creative energy that fuels the city. The convergence of the lush landscape and the vibrancy of the Capitol, historic theaters, music culture and contemporary art is reflective of the spirit of Austin itself – green at heart and full of life" (LINE).
"The historic Austin Motel sits just south of the Colorado River and Downtown, in view of the State Capitol and walking distance to the famous bat bridge. Part of the beloved South Congress neighborhood, the motel is surrounded by some of the city’s most interesting dining, nightlife and shopping, with easy access to bus lines and Austin’s lovely hike and bike trail that connects to Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool and the Barton Creek greenbelt" (Austin Motel).
"Created in honor of the patron saint of music and poetry, the Saint Cecilia takes inspiration from the great era of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when a revolution of rock and roll and beat poetry overran the hallowed halls of established convention. We pay tribute to the great creative legacy of our revolutionary idols and to the spirit of the artist that lies within us all" (Hotel Saint Cecilia).
"Built in 1936 as an “ultramodern” motor court, the property has been transformed into a 40 room urban bungalow-style hotel tucked behind stucco walls and set amidst lush garden courtyards. The Hotel San José is located on South Congress Avenue, a few blocks from downtown and Lady Bird Johnson Lake in the heart of one of Austin’s favorite neighborhoods" (Hotel San Jose).
"The Heywood Hotel is a luxury design hotel featuring one of the most unique boutique hotel experiences in the US. Creative, thoughtful design is the hallmark of our property and each of our 7 guest rooms. We offer award-winning architecture, free wifi, free parking, good coffee, ridiculously comfortable beds, and lots of little details to make your stay in Austin as perfect as possible" (Heywood Hotel).
"Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt is a refined riff on Austin's world-famous music scene and your front-row seat to all the action. A perfect base whether you crash hard or chill out. A leader among Austin hotels with signature happenings and exclusive hideouts geared for music tastemakers. And you can bet there's a shot of creativity and a hot streak of independence roped in that only boutique hotels like Kimpton can muster. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt is distinguished, laid back and designed from the ground up to be an all-access pass to an authentic Austin experience" (Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt).
"South Congress Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Austin’s iconic South Congress shopping, dining and entertainment district. The hotel features 71 guest rooms, 10 suites, two premier suites, three restaurants, a coffee shop, rooftop pool, lobby bar, retail shops, parking garage and valet" (South Congress Hotel).
"East Austin Hotel is a four-level, boutique hotel from Austin-based La Corsha Hospitality Group. Cozied on the corner of East Sixth and Waller Street in the thriving East Austin neighborhood—less than a mile from downtown, the Austin Convention Center, and the Texas Capitol—the urban new build property features 75 rooms, including: Poolside Rooms, Poolside Suites, The Waller Wing, and Cabins, in addition to a lush courtyard pool. With architecture by RHODE PARTNERS and interiors by local designers Robin Kelley and Kathy Steele, the hotel evokes a colorful palette that combines simple, mid-century Danish design with the stylish eccentricities of Austin. East Austin Hotel will be home to three food and beverage concepts that are a collaboration between Executive Chef Sean Bedford and Regional Executive Chef Jason Stude, plus, Director of Beverage and Bars Jason Stevens: a pool bar inspired by the flavors of the tropics; The Upside, a casual bar and lounge featuring cocktails and light bites; and Sixth and Waller, an all-day counter-service restaurant" (Facebook).
"Located in downtown Austin and walking distance to the University of Texas campus, Hotel Ella is a stylish boutique hotel housed in the historic Goodall Wooten House, one of Austin’s original landmark estates. Constructed in 1900, the Greek revival-style mansion underwent an extensive renovation in 2013, and now offers the perfect balance between modernity and a rich history rooted in the fabric of the neighborhood and the university. With 47 guest rooms, a cabana-lined pool, and a wrap-around veranda overlooking our front lawn, Hotel Ella features beautifully designed outdoor and indoor spaces perfectly suited for your vacation, wedding, corporate event and more" (Hotel Ella).
"There are places you go and then there are those indescribably alluring spots that draw you in at first glimpse. For the independent urban traveler seeking a unique escape during their visit to downtown Austin, the Kimber Modern holds particular appeal. Perhaps it’s the clean lines of this architectural work of art tucked away within the hip and vibrant SoCo district. Maybe it’s the abundant light filtered through the canopy of oaks in the artfully landscaped Courtyard. Or it could be the absolute comfort and attention to detail found in each thoughtfully designed and technologically sophisticated room in this breathtaking designer boutique hotel. Regardless of what leads you to Austin, find yourself at the Kimber Modern" (Kimber Modern Hotel).
"At Lone Star Court, you'll enjoy a perfect pairing of modern convenience and traditional comfort in a unique blend of the past and present. Like The Domain community we call home, we combine a retro aesthetic with modern design twists. We offer contemporary lodging in a traditionally Texan environment, with retro inspired accommodations, live music, outdoor fire pits, and a dipping pool reflective of country swimming holes" (Lone Star Court).
Enjoy boutiquing!
AB
All photography sourced from hotel websites. These hotels were researched and selected without paid endorsement.
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