The growth of the South Congress shopping and entertainment district has been accompanied by a small barrage of new hotels. These aren’t your cookie-cutter national chains, either. The boutique hotels of South Congress exude charm, style, and luxury.

If you’re planning a visit to the area, you’ll definitely want browse our Best Hotels on South Congress.

Kimber Modern

Boutique chic Kimber Modern Hotel just off South Congress Ave.
Boutique chic Kimber Modern Hotel just off South Congress Ave.

If you’re looking for an exclusive hideaway, how does a hotel with only 7 rooms sound? The Kimber Modern was designed to lighten your spirits, literally. When you enter the multi-level courtyard among the trees, you’ll feel like you’re floating in a treehouse above the city.

The rooms here are bright but warm with floor-to-ceiling windows and pops of primary colors. Classic 60s egg chairs and minimalist furniture give the hotel a mod vibe.

When you’re ready to get out on the town, Kimber Modern works with Key Concierge to curate custom local experiences. You can set up a boot fitting at Allen’s Boots, tour local breweries, or go on a cocktail scavenger hunt.

Web: Kimber Modern
Address: 110 The Circle
Phone: 512-985-9990

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Austin Motel

Poolside at South Congress' iconic Austin Motel.  Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
Poolside at South Congress’ iconic Austin Motel. Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

From fading 1938 motor court to Austin’s most eclectic & iconic hotel, the Austin Motel lends it’s own brand of weirdness to ATX. Located in the heart of South Congress’ trendy restaurants, clubs, and shops, this sleepover offers 40+ funky, throwback rooms ranging from sedate to outlandish. Try a ’70s-style flamingo room, decked out with shag pillows and multicolored leatherette chairs.

Web: Austin Motel
Address: 1220 S Congress Ave
Phone: (512) 441-1157

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Hotel San Jose

South Congress' boutique Hotel San Jose.  Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
South Congress’ boutique Hotel San Jose. Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

Right in the heart of the bustle of South Congress sits Hotel San Jose. Originally opened in 1936, it was renovated by in the late 1990s by local lawyer Liz Lambert after it had fallen on hard times.

There isn’t much to see from the street, but don’t be fooled. Ivy-covered walls hide all the beauty within, like a secret garden. Once you’re inside, Hotel San Jose has a southern minimalist charm in its bright bungalow-style rooms. It’s all situated around a beautiful courtyard where both guests and the public can come for a drink beneath trees and umbrellas.

Web: Hotel San Jose
Address: 1316 South Congress Ave
Phone: (512) 852-2350

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Hotel Saint Cecilia

Morning swim at Hotel St. Cecilia just off South Congress.  Photo permission Alison Marlborough  - Bunkhouse Group
Morning swim at Hotel St. Cecilia just off South Congress. Photo permission Alison Marlborough – Bunkhouse Group

Another of Liz Lambert’s properties, Hotel Saint Cecilia is a little less country and a little more rock & roll than its cousin, Hotel San Jose. Deep reds and blues stand out against black and white, true to the hotel’s 60s and 70s rock inspiration.

They don’t skimp on the luxuries here. The hotel provides loaner bicycles for you to ride around town, as well as guitars if you just can’t go another day without playing. There is a beautiful pool, and in-room spa services as well.

Unlike the courtyard at Hotel San Jose, the grounds at Hotel Saint Cecilia are only open to hotel guests and club members. Heavily landscaped with mature trees and shrubs, the hotel is a true urban oasis, considering its location only steps from the hubbub of South Congress.

But if it gets too quiet, you can borrow a record from the hotel’s lending library to play on your room’s turntable.

Web: Hotel Saint Cecilia
Address: 112 Academy Drive
Phone: (512) 852-2400

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South Congress Hotel

The accommodations are "suite" at the boutique  South Congress Hotel in the heart of Austin's SOCO entertainment district.  Photo permission  Ashley Lerma - South Congress Hotel
The accommodations are “suite” at the boutique South Congress Hotel in the heart of Austin’s SOCO entertainment district. Photo permission Ashley Lerma – South Congress Hotel

New to the district is the modern-meets-Southwest South Congress Hotel. Visitors could enjoy a full weekend here without ever leaving the property. Several shops, a nail salon, onsite gym, pool, and 6 different food and beverage options make this boutique hotel a destination in itself.

Café No Sé serves brunch, salads, and sandwiches like their pork confit and pomegranate torta. Or head next door to Central Standard for fresh oysters and upscale American grill entrees. If you really want to go all out, get tickets to Otoko. At only 12 seats, this Japanese omakase restaurant will treat you like a VIP for the night!

Web: South Congress Hotel
Address: 1603 South Congress
Phone: (512) 920-6405