Austin Motel

"An affordable, personality-drenched location that offers drag shows, live music, shuffleboard, and a renowned hotel pool." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Lounge in the vintage kidney-shaped pool in the heart of the hustle and bustle of South Congress. Dive into summer fun daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cool off with refreshing beverages from the Pool Bar, open Thursdays through Sundays. Make a bigger splash with a Swim Club membership offering perks and discounts until September.  Day passes Monday to Thursday $25; Friday to Sunday $50 Book online" - Darcie Duttweiler

"Hip hotelier Liz Lambert redesigned this Austin icon into exactly the kind of stripped down spot all the cool kids love. Rooms have been updated but are original to the hotel (apparently they didn't need closets in the '30s), and the decor is funky and playful: red, tufted-vinyl platforms, custom Voutsa wallpaper in a pattern of lips, old-school push-button phones. On warm days, the massive kidney-shaped pool is filled with guests, almost all with a cocktail or Austin Motel koozie in-hand. Its proximity to bustling South Congress is ideal for some travelers, but know that this is a true motel (not hotel) experience." - Mandy Ellis, Allison Bagley

"How did it strike you on arrival?"Motel" isn't a misnomer: In 2017, famously-hip hotelier Liz Lambert transformed the 1930s-era white stucco Austin Motel into a retro motor inn. As you park your car outside your hotel room door, take note of the iconic (phallic) red neon sign. What’s the crowd like?Most guests are here to take advantage of SoCo's live music and nightlife. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.Rooms have been updated but are original to the hotel (apparently they didn't need closets in the '30s). The decor is funky and playful: red, tufted-vinyl platforms, custom Voutsa wallpaper in a pattern of lips, old-school push-button phones. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Custom Sferra sheets will make the beds feel like home to many. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Pick up snacks and beer or wine at the Bodega; there's no mini bar (nor turn-down services). Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The small bathrooms have Alaffia Everyday Coconut products in the shower. But shucks, they're bolted to the wall so you can't steal them. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is free and fast. What do they have for food?There's no room service, but the gift shop sells protein bars, candy, local beers, and a small selection of wine that oeneophiles would approve of. Anything stand out about other services and features?On warm days, the massive kidney-shaped pool is filled with guests, almost all with a cocktail or Austin Motel koozie in-hand. Pets are also welcome (for an added fee) What was most memorable about your stay?Peacefully sitting in the red Barcelona chairs in the courtyard. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Its proximity to bustling South Congress is ideal for some travelers, but this is a true motel (not hotel) experience." - Allison Bagley

"The pool area outside of the Austin Motel on South Congress turns into a “Winter Wanderland” for most of December. During the week, you can wander in and check out the decorations, and if you show up on Fridays, you can watch holiday movies while floating in the pool. There are also special events going on almost every weekend, from toy drives and ‘90s ski dance parties, to caroling and photos with “Sexy Santa.” On the weekends, local vendors will be hosting holiday pop-up markets.  When: Nov 30 - Dec 24" - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion