With uber-cool spots around town to hang your hat, Austin is known as a bastion of hip. A couple of newcomers to the “stay and seen” scene are adding to the city’s cool factor alongside fan favorites, making it easy to stay out of the ordinary in the live music capital.
This Austin classic seems to be just as popular with locals as visitors. The chic, minimalist Hotel San Jose is right in the middle of the South Congress strip, conveniently across the street from the Continental Club. Unusual guest room perks include vintage typewriters and Polaroid cameras for rent, and the courtyard is almost always buzzing with Austinites in the know.
1316 South Congress Avenue, (512) 444-7322, www.sanjosehotel.com
Austin’s newest hotel, the East side’s Heywood just opened at Christmas 2011. The mid-century style boutique hotel embodies the intangible elements that define Austin: Creative. Easy going. Thoughtful. Cool. Located smack dab in the middle of the vibrant East Austin neighborhood and surrounded by local restaurants, lounges, and shops, the modern 7-room bungalow is an easy walk to downtown, Sixth Street, the Convention Center, and Lady Bird Lake.
1609 E. Cesar Chavez, (512) 271-5522, http://www.heywoodhotel.com/
The Saint Cecilia is named after the patron saint of music and poetry. It’s situated in a secluded, late-1800s estate off South Congress, but with a minimalist, artsy vibe that is miles away from the bed-and-breakfasts that usually occupy such mansions. Drawing its inspiration from the history and experimentation of writers, musicians and artists from the 1950s to 1970s, a glamorous rock-n-roll vibe infuses the five suites, three studios and six poolside bungalows.
112 Academy Drive, (512) 852-2400, www.hotelstcecilia.com
Also in SoCo, the Kimber Modern has a European feel, with seven modern guest rooms done in an urban design and filled with the latest technology. The Kimber is a work of art, with clean lines that are eminently livable and functional. The space is dotted with design classics like Arne Jacobson egg chairs and Eames tables, and an expansive courtyard under the spreading live oak branches invites guests to mingle in the seating areas grouped around a free-standing glass fireplace.
110 The Circle, (512) 912-1046, www.kimbermodern.com
5. Casulo Hotel
In Southeast Austin, close to the airport, you’ll find one of the city’s newest boutique hotel additions. The incredibly zen environment of Casulo blends an urban sensibility with light-inspired rooms. Little extras such as waterfall showers and French hydro-thermal massage airbaths lend that extra touch.
3017 South I-35, (512) 610-1116, www.casulohotel.com