Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José

Bar · Travis Heights

Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José

Bar · Travis Heights

3

1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

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Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by Alison Malborough
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Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null
Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José by null

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Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater
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1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 Get directions

bunkhousehotels.com
@hotelsanjose

$$

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1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 Get directions

+1 512 444 7322
bunkhousehotels.com
@hotelsanjose

$$

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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@eater

The Best Hotel Bars in Austin

"There are no major signs leading to Bouldin Creek spot Hotel San José’s garden bar, which gives it an iykyk cache that adds to its charm. Just walk off of South Congress into the hotel’s lobby, order a frosé from the petite but efficient bar counter, and step out onto the surprisingly spacious patio with nicely coiffed landscaping that makes it feel miles away from the busy neighborhood that surrounds it." - Taylor Tobin

https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-hotel-bars-austin
View Postcard for Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José
@infatuation

Where To Eat & Drink With Out-Of-Towners

"All your college roommates are in town this weekend, and the last time you were together you were drinking Franzia. From the bag. You’re all adults now—and now you drink real rosé. But you need something a little more exciting than just a bottle of wine. You need frosé. Bring your crew to the courtyard at Hotel San Jose, the boutique hotel they’ve probably already seen all over Instagram, which is actually just as attractive in person. Even more so after a few rounds." - nicolai mccrary, chelsea bucklew, katherine lewin

https://www.theinfatuation.com/austin/guides/the-best-restaurants-bars-for-impressing-out-of-towners
View Postcard for Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José
@infatuation

Hotel San Jose Courtyard Lounge - Review - Austin - The Infatuation

"All your college roommates are in town this weekend, and the last time you were together you were drinking Franzia. From the bag. You’re all adults now—and now you drink real rosé. But you need something a little more exciting than just a bottle of wine. You need frosé. Bring your crew to the courtyard at Hotel San Jose, the boutique hotel they’ve probably already seen all over Instagram, which is actually just as attractive in person. Even more so after a few rounds. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/austin/reviews/hotel-san-jose-courtyard-lounge
View Postcard for Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José

Jacqueline Gilles

Google
I've been in Austin for almost 20 years, and the Courtyard Lounge at Hotel San José has always been a spot where I love to spend time. They have great live music by local and visiting musicians in such an intimate space, and the drinks are delish. I love that they started serving cocktails on top of wine and beer! I often go there for happy hour, or I bring out-towners to get an authentic Austin experience.

Robert S

Google
Quiet bar area in an increasingly busy area of town. Get a taste of old Austin as it was twenty years ago (as long as you pretend you can’t hear the SoCo bustle).

Alexis

Google
love coming here! Tiffany and Evone are amazing!

Anis Khoury

Google
Hands down best lounge in Austin. The true OG. This is the place you initially come to before your dinner reservation, but end up canceling it because you’re having too good a time at the Lounge. A must visit.

Caitlin Straabe

Google
Miss Tiffany was a doll, very delightful!

Kim Moreau Jacobs

Google
There's no better place to hang out on South Congress honestly. My best memories are playing cards and drinking wine on the patio. A sweet hideaway from all the tourist traps on the strip.

Frank James III

Google
Fantastic hidden gem! Great service and frozen drinks.

Joshua Christensen

Google
Hidden Gem. Still the best after all these years. It’s a little oasis off Congress Ave. Great vibes, cold drinks, usually a chill music show if you’re lucky.
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Don L.

Yelp
Awesome! I just came here and whoever their manager "Jason"? treated us right. We got a tour of the facilities and were taken aback by how utterly chill this place is. A true experience and his hospitality did not go unnoticed. I live on the Eastside but wanted a small vacation to decompress and this place is in one of the busiest places yet very secluded if you want that. I'll be back and that guy deserves a promotion or something. What a chill guy that could not have been a better host! Thanks Jason and Hotel San Jose! We WILL be back!
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Keith H.

Yelp
My friend recommended this hotel when I was visiting Austin recently, and it was a great place to stay! Located right in the thick of things on South Congress Avenue, this is a stylish hotel that has a bustling poolside area. The area around the pool is a great place to relax for a bit, and you can also order food and drinks in the lounge area that is next to the pool. I thought hotel staff were welcoming as soon as I checked in and throughout my stay (though during busy hours, it may be a wait to order at the poolside lounge). I thought my room was chic and spacious, though there was some noise bleed from a nearby room (but not enough to cause a ruckus or significantly disturb my stay). Because of the hotel's location, you can walk to several restaurants, shops, and other sites, and coffee from Jo's is right nearby. I would consider staying here again in the future!
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Candice N.

Yelp
Our favorite place for an afternoon cocktail by the pool after strolling up and down South Congress. The staff here are always friendly and the drinks are solid!
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Emma G.

Yelp
Fun hotel in the heart of South Congress Ave -- very walkable. Right next to the famous Jo Coffee -- I think the coffee shop and hotel share ownership; they definitely have some sort of relationship. The front desk is very helpful and warm. Thank you to Aria, who was so accommodating when my husband came down with Covid and helped us upgrade into a suite, since he'll be spending so much time in the room on this trip. The basic room is small but manageable; still, we appreciated moving to the petite suite, which has a little sitting area with a day bed and a small private terrace. The hotel has a pool and patio bar -- the patio scene is fun at night! Hotel is reasonably priced, especially for its location. Parking is $30/day for hotel guests.
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Chelsea B.

Yelp
Came by for some drinks and was happily surprised! Highly recommended their spicy margarita and coquito. Friendly vibe with seating inside and outside. Staff was super friendly and the place is dog friendly outside.
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Bryan D.

Yelp
Amazing place to stay with a wonderful feel. We celebrated a quick staycation for our 22nd anniversary at Hotel San Jose. The room was nicely sized with a large shower and sitting area. The private patio looked out on the common area. The sound of conversation and people having a nice time is constant. This is not a quiet place but extremely relaxing destination. We walked around south Congress, had Hopdottys, saw a band at the Continental and finished with Amy's Ice cream. Brilliant evening and we'll stay there again.

Diane G.

Yelp
I stayed here for the weekend and liked the vibe. It was an awesome location and the staff were helpful with recommendations on dining, drinking and sites. We had a problem with our A/C in the room which was very disappointing and we brought it to their attention when checking out, BUT I received an email when I got home and they credited a portion of our stay. They did everything they could to make sure that we were happy. The layout is eclectic, and there are no elevators, so pre-requesting a ground floor accommodation is must if you are less than stable on concrete stairs. To their credit, they helped us get our luggage upstairs and the room shared a porch with ceiling fans and tables with two other rooms making it feel more homey. I would highly recommend them to friends. They are on a great street, walkable to everything ( or a short UBER ride). The bar and pool area is frequented by both guests and locals which says a lot about a hotel! NOTE: HOTELS.com did NOT let me change my review which was more about the faulty a/c than the hotel please don't fault them on that.

Jacqueline W.

Yelp
Aria and Armando - best hotel staff of all time. Be prepared for a surprise. Cookies! olives! 5/5 on both accounts. You'll see what I mean. Pool was warm enough. You can walk around barefoot or douse yourself in blood. It's all gravy! Hope you have as much of a blast as we did.

Abelardo G.

Yelp
Great location, friendly and fun place to stay. Bed very comfortable. I will return again.
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Michelle T.

Yelp
Fang and I sat on the patio in the mornings and evenings for coffee and wine... it is in the courtyard area near the pool, not near the street. He practiced his stay like the A+ student that he is!!!! I love this courtyard because it is buffered by the lobby/office from busy South Congress!!! The wine list is simple, but good and Jo's next door has the best lattes in Texas!!!
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Allie R.

Yelp
I have not stayed over night at the hotel, but I sure would love to. The courtyard area and pool are incredibly gorgeous. The drinks are a tad expensive, but well worth the cost. Highly recommend the frosé, it was so refreshing! Wednesday's they have a live music night for the spring months, be sure to check it out.
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Tayo F.

Yelp
I haven't actually stayed here over night but as I found this place is part bar part hotel. It was a little confusing to find the entrance to be honest but once you finally get in, it's a pretty cool vibe. Nice lounge area to sit and relax by the pool which looks even better at night once the lights are on. (That's only for the guest, we later found out). All in all a nice little gem on congress
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Paul D.

Yelp
Always want to checkin here just to experience an overnight stay. Every time I walk by I go inside to peek around. I did it again on this day and like always envy their gardening and landscaping skills. Every girl always stops in front of the ivy wall outside on the sidewalk and either take a selfie or have a friend take a portrait shot. The courtyard lounge was packed and people hanging at the pool. There was a lot of activity here meaning it is doing well. The rooms looked very nice from the outside and bet even better on the inside like a geo crystal. This is considered a luxury hotel with lots of character for you are close to downtown and in the middle of South Congress. On the website it said it had a shop and saw something I wanted, so now feel I missed out on something. I will be back on South Congress soon so will have go back in to find it.

Janice R.

Yelp
Excellent experience. like our own private apartment. Wonderful service from staff. we couldn't be happier. Tricia at front desk recommended all the most interesting new chefs and restaurants. She also recommended the Barton Springs for an amazing dip in the city. Absolutely enjoyed every minute here. Thank you Hotel San Jose!!!! J & R.

Reyna V.

Yelp
I would like to preface this review that this is solely about the bar. I have never stayed at the hotel - Unfortunately, there is one bartender here that is absolutely the RUDEST person I have ever experienced. I came here a while back to visit a friend in August 2021 and we came in for piña coladas. At that time we had great service and we were able to sit outside by the pool and enjoy our evening. Flash forward to a couple of weeks ago (March 14, 2022). I came into town to visit the same friend and we decided to come back to this place because of how much we enjoyed our experience a few months back. We walk in, I go up to the bar and ask for a piña colada and then the female bartender was SO snippy and immediately said "We don't have that on the menu. We can't make it." Which I thought was odd since I just had that drink at this bar not too long ago. So I mentioned that I had just had one here a couple months back and then she yells at me and said "We have NEVER had it!!!". She was either having a really bad day or honestly doesn't know how to work in customer service. We ended up walking away because she was just so rude. And as I walked away, she yelled "Bye!!!" in the most obnoxious voice. She was acting like a child having a tantrum and just taking it out on anyone she could find. It was just so bizarre. Now today, my friend in Austin just texted me saying that her and another friend just came here and got piña coladas.... It's really a bummer that one person can ruin such a cool and eclectic spot. I can't help but feel she was discriminating me for some reason because all I asked for was a piña colada and she completely went off. But being a bartender, she should be used to people asking her for drinks, right? Maybe she's in the wrong industry. Pictures of my piña colada from August and from my friend today (3/31/22) are below.

Helen W.

Yelp
The only reason I didn't give it a 5-star recommendation was that they were having a cook off in their parking lot while I was there and I wasn't warned I'd have to find a place elsewhere to park. I will stay there again when I'm next in Austin though! It's a very cool place!
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Hayley B.

Yelp
Do yourself a favor and hit up the happy hour at Hotel San José... the patio vibes are absolutely ridiculous and amazing. Whether you want to lounge by their pool or enjoy their patio you'll feel like you're right in the center of the secret garden. PLUS their frosé is delicious, and they have quite a few good looking bites to share with your friends. Nice centrally located spot on South Congress that somehow doesn't feel like it's in the middle of town.
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Angela A.

Yelp
Staycation at Hotel San Jose was a huge success!!While the world is a crazy place HSJ is taking extra, thoughtful steps to ensure the safety of their guests so we can have some semblance of normalcy. This might be the new normal, the team at San Jose hasn't skipped a beat! I was Very impressed with no contact check in and vacuumed sealed keys! All patrons are required to wear masks while in the lobby / bar area or while speaking with any employee. Behind the scenes They space out the room reservations so there is a day or two in between hotel guests in the rooms. This gives their team extra time to clean. They politely enforce max capacity in the courtyard and pool area. I'm certain they have a challenging guest to deal with from time to time. (PSA, DO Not be a Karen, it's just not cool) Well done BunkHouse!!!
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Jenelle R.

Yelp
Don't get me wrong, the frose is great...but $12 for a 6 oz glass?! A bit ridiculous, and took my friend and me by surprise when we received our bills.
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R C.

Yelp
This place is beautiful like out of a story book. But the rest of the hotel is very basic. Over $500 dollars for a single night. There a little full of themselves.
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Lori M.

Yelp
We stayed for my daughters in person graduation from St Edwards university. She graduated December 2019, but never had an in person graduation. We brought our two pups with us. The hotel is very pet friendly. After dinner some of my daughters friends came by to catch up. The atmosphere was fantastic. Highly recommend this hotel. This is was our 3rd stay and won't be our last.
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Jamie W.

Yelp
Whether you are or aren't from Austin, Hotel San Jose is worth staying at! Love the overall design with lots of greenery and fun, brighter colors. There's a small pool and outdoor dining area. Inside the room, my suite was a perfect size. The bed and couch was comfy, and the bathroom was clean. No complaints about service. Our group catered a breakfast and lunch while we were there, and the food was delicious! We also used their conference room, and the only complaint is that the WiFi was iffy. They also have their own parking lot, and you get a tag when you check-in. There's a good amount of restaurants and shops nearby, and the location is close to downtown and Rainey Street. Hotel San Jose definitely beats a typical chain hotel.
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Sielle O.

Yelp
If you are looking for a place to enjoy drinks with family and friends, check out the lovely garden courtyard at Hotel San José.
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Roya H.

Yelp
Always love stopping by Hotel SJ... such a bad ass oasis for an afternoon beverage or lounge in the sun. Their back patio is wow Their drinks are are top notch. The frosé is so basic, yet delectable. The michelada is Bomb with a capitol B. I haven't had the pleasure of staying there yet, but I look forward to my next reason to visit town and stay in their minimalist rooms. A unique boutique spot!
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Angie B.

Yelp
This is a hotel for a very specific traveler. It's Instagram ready. It's intentionally mod-minimalist chic with lots of kitschy snacks. If you're looking for comfort or luxury, or even quiet, this ain't for you. If you want to be seen, you wanna check in at the pool, or you want to do the peace sign selfie at Jo's next door, you've arrived. A couple of things to note - there's a parking lot for guests, but like, if they have an event, they'll kick you out with zero warning. There is also no insulation at all in the rooms, so wear layers to bed. And speaking of beds, the ac/heat will drown you in air from the ceiling vent placed directly above your face. That's cool though, right? You didnt come to sleep anyway.
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Regan C.

Yelp
Review for bar only not motel! Went for the Famous Frosé and it was an awkward experience. When walking in; there was no one in the gift shop/bar so we went to a patio and saw a server; the server walked through our group with out saying thing. Later the server asked us if we needed anything ; one of my friends asked for the check and the server litreraly ignored her and walked away. We didn't see the server again until they took our empty cups without saying anything. We finally went inside to pay and another server seemed very confused. Other server were nice and informative but the cute patio is not worth the $11 drink; maybe the summer.
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Erica C.

Yelp
First time visiting Austin and settled on Hotel San Jose because I loved the look of it and the location. It truly felt like an escape from the bustle of South Congress. You walk within the vine lined paths and feel transported to another place. Everyone who worked there were really nice and helpful. We had room 25 which is a great room tucked towards the back. I can see where some rooms may have more noise than others, but ours wasn't bad at all. Photos don't do the pool area justice, yes it's small, but it's a cute little area with nice cushions on the benches. I'm sure the not so great weather helped, but the lounge area was never crazy busy. Also, the frose is delicious! I loved the location. Some fun shops and restaurants on the street. Not to mention across the street from the legendary Continental Club and next door to Jos Coffee.
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Nancy M.

Yelp
OMG...this great pool side bar was a treat to start our last night in Austin. La Paloma speciality drink was a fab libation to sip and enjoy. Hi beer was tasty! We enjoyed the relaxed vibe of the environment. The service was good. A nice place to visit!!!
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Perry F.

Yelp
Austin's South Congress Avenue was developed just for me. Who am I? I am a slightly-stoned, unthreatening millennial. I have a minor-league eye for design, and some disposable income. When I settle in for a glass of natural wine somewhere, many say the neighborhood is done for. They are probably correct. Whenever I'm in town, I stay at Hotel San Jose. To check in is to venture further down the rabbit hole. I move away from the commercialized stretch of road, humming with neon, and into a plush oasis of well-decorated hospitality. The air in the lobby is soft, perfumed, and perfectly climate controlled against the swampy 93 degrees outside. I browse the gift shop's potted succulents, clean ceramics, soaps, and creams. I am shown to my room, which is spacious, chic, and just as fragrant. The floors are sleek concrete, and the bed is comfortable. Outside, above the communal area, birds sing in the leafy verandas. Fans churn over tropical wood tables, bamboo sways, and an aquamarine plunge pool ripples enchantingly. It is all like the garden of a dreamy villa. Come evening, the patio fills. Guests and locals settle in with frozen drinks, beer, and wine as the sky quiets into evening. There is happy, dimly lit chatter. I do not feel like I'm in Texas. The scene has the aura of an equatorial, Costa Rican surf retreat, or a colonial enclave in the Bali highlands. As stoned and salaried millennial, I have gone on these vacations too. For better or worse, it all feels familiar. Hotel San Jose paved the way for the gentrification of South Congress. Perhaps Liz Lambert has recognized this, pivoted her first hotel away from the mess of the road, and doubled down on creating a real haven. Perhaps not. Hotel San Jose is an escape within an escape nonetheless. It is not for everyone, but it is perfect for me.
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Samuel C.

Yelp
This is a review of the bar rather than the hotel. This as near to the Beverly Hills Hotel as Austin ever gets. The sun. Drinks. The pool. Beautiful beautiful young people. About one tenth are obviously rich or nouveau riche. They come well upholstered and do not look keep-Austin-weird. The other ninety percent you could find at many other Austin watering holes - and are either surreptitiously rich or not rich at all. Frankly, except for the glamour and the South Congress location - this is not that great a bar. Drink selections are limited. The pool is about the size of a footbath. The primary entertainment is watching people make tentative goes at the pool. About one out of about forty people will actually strip down to make use of the pool. They stick their legs in the water, and force things for a while. Then they decide the effort is not worth it and put their clothes back on. The crowd is cooler than the crowd you would find at Lake Travis which is more of the Longhorn straight-and-narrow persuasion. So if you want the reflected glory of the young and glamorous, And you prefer your pool bodies to be present day Green Democrats rather than future Republican Party fundraisers, Then the bar at the Hotel San Jose could be okay.
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Melanie W.

Yelp
A Hidden Gem! Tucked back and the hotel is the cutest little courtyard with a great selection of crafted cocktails and wine. I had a champagne and berry cocktail and my friends had the frose. All of which were delicious! We snacked on the seasoned popcorn, it was the perfect snack to share. Although it was quite chilly the number of heaters that they have create a warm and cozy vibe so you can enjoy the patio year round. The servers were all super friendly and the service was quick! Would definitely consider staying at this quaint little hotel next time we're in Austin!
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Debra T.

Yelp
*** This review is for their patio bar/drinks. *** Came here with my best girlfriends and had so much fun relaxing and drinking in their patio bar. Love their selection of drinks, it's a bit simple, but can be unique and a little girly too. We came for Happy Hour and ordered Frosés all around. So refreshingly delicious! It's made with their homemade lemonade, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. SO GOOD. My girlfriends also ordered a few other drinks. Without Happy Hour though, prices are a tad steep for the size of their drinks in my opinion. Our waitress was nice and attentive. Such a cute and trendy ambiance. Love the modern, indie rustic vibe they have. Sort of like Palm Springs, but in Austin. Would love to come back and stay at Hotel San Jose next time!
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Kenya D.

Yelp
We spent the week in Austin and on our last day after being displaced by Hurricane Harvey, we decided to stay here. When we lived in Austin a decade ago, I was always intrigued by this place. The customer service we received throughout our stay was excellent! They offered to wave our pet fee and taxes. Very dog friendly. The environment is beautiful. The pool was being remodeled but that was fine. I'd describe the room decor having a mix of eclectic/hipster-minimalist (aka Austin). Ample parking (parked big lot with permit). And of course the location is nice. South Congress has changed a bit in the last 10 years! Spent the day walking down the streets with our pup. The hotel doesn't have a full restaurant so you will be on your own, but you're in central Austin and there's parking at the hotel...so... ;) This place is pretty happening and they draw in a good crowd in the evening when they have live music/DJ. This was advertised on their website so we weren't surprised when we heard music coming from the outside lounge until 10:30-11pm. We actually enjoyed the music from our room. I wouldn't say that this is the best place if you have young children or if you need complete silence when sleeping because of the live music and the walls are paper thin (!!!). Around 11pm our neighbor started talking and playing guitar with others in his room. We quickly realized that, yes, he was being a bit loud - but it was also not his fault due to the thin walls. When music wasn't being played I could hear him sneezing, opening/closing the bathroom barn door, and using the sink/shower. This was noise I could still hear above our sound machine. By 4am I had enough and phoned the front desk. Moments later the sweet sound of silence. I know, should have called sooner. Ants. We had a few mosquitoes in the room but that's to be expected from the rain. But ants.... I am hyper-sensitive to ants so that's my disclaimer. I didn't see them "everywhere", but after killing a few on my arm and neck when trying to sleep in bed- yeah that's a problem. With a $200/night price tag, this is simply unacceptable. Upon checking out we told the staff. They apologized and said they were experiencing ant problems due to the weather. They offered us a free upgrade on our next stay along with a drink coupon at Jo's. Breakfast was nice. Prices were high, but that's typical for hotel dining. I didn't get my salad with my meal, but I was so tired from the night before I barely finished my egg sandwich. All in all: you're paying for the location and it has a nice Austin vibe. But utilitarian wise, I expected a good nights sleep with no insect problems. Sadly at this time, we won't be returning customers.
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Lydia H.

Yelp
5 stars purely for the frosé, a little expensive though ($11). Super refreshing on a hot day! The atmosphere is cute and relaxing and there's also a small pool to chill by.
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Carina M.

Yelp
Hotel San José is a gorgeous hotel on South Congress that we passed by and wanted to check out. Upon arrival the staff was friendly and accommodating and we did not have any problem on that end. We had the room booked for my birthday weekend so we had hoped for something a little more special than just any hotel. However, the room we were given for $295 a night was relatively small and faced the street. The room ended up being very noisy at night which we were not made aware of on the reservation or upon arrival. For such a high price you would expect to at least be able to sleep at night. Me and my partner woke up multiple times in the night due to noise. I understand that it's not the fault of the hotel but it was unfortunately just an unpleasant experience. After a night of little to no sleep, we were awoken by a loud banging on the door for house keeping. Okay... But to make the experience even better, we found the toilet had overflowed. We let the front desk know and they sent maintenance over to fix it. The problem was fixed but the bathroom was still left with a large puddle of sewer water. We had to return to the front desk to ask for someone to come in to clean it. Me and my partner asked for a different room, but were told that everything was booked. At that point we decided it was best to head to a different hotel as we had a long day of driving ahead of us the next day. They then offered a better room away from the street noise which was greatly appreciated. We were asked to remove everything from our current room to wait for the other room to be ready. They were kind enough to ask if we needed help moving our stuff. We waited about an hour in the neighborhood for the room to be ready which was somewhat inconvenient especially considering we barely slept and it was still early in the morning. All inconveniences aside the hotel has a pretty small pool but a nice atmosphere and lounge area which was a relatively nice place to relax. The drinks were good but a little overpriced but I guess that's to be expected upon knowing the nightly rate. The rooms are pretty bare unless you are getting the more upgraded rooms. Overall the hotel is beautiful but it definitely has some major flaws. The experience we had felt more like a 2 star hotel at a 5 star hotel rate. I recognize that the issues we had were not the fault of the staff, but more so just a result of the location, maintenance, and the way things were handled. For a special occasion we had hoped for something a bit more special but it left a lot to be desired. I was really hoping to give this place a chance because it is so nice from the outside and the staff was very accommodating. If not for those aspects this review may have been a bit lower. In retrospect I would have tried a different hotel or Airbnb which would have more than likely been more affordable and better suited for a quiet, no hassle experience. My partner and I both agreed this place wasn't characteristic of a high quality hotel. HSJ may be a better fit in Cali but not TX. I would not recommend this hotel if you aren't up for taking a chance on having a poor night of sleep, or experiencing a few inconveniences. I would hope that with such high rates they may be able to prevent these issues from happening to future customers.
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Trey L.

Yelp
Did not stay here but it looked nice. I am review the cheese plate. Very good, the meats and cheese were really good but they appear to change. What really made the cheese plate stand out was the warm french bread. This is perfect if you walking around Congress drunk and want something to soak up the liquor a lil bit.
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Lindsay F.

Yelp
Love, love, love this place. Happened on it on a whim because I was walking South Congress for the first time and saw the sign for happy hour. My friend and I had cocktails on the patio and it felt like we were eating in a beautiful, crazy cool garden. The atmosphere was so chill and the drinks were both gorgeous and delicious-I wanted to try every one, but eventually had to stop after sampling 1/2 of them. Tried some snacks, as well-they were the perfect easy compliment to our fun drinks. Service was excellent. I became so relaxed and can't wait to come back.
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Luci H.

Yelp
Frosé all day at Hotel San José. This etherial palace is nestled in between busy businesses on South Congress Avenue. When you enter through the secret garden-like door, you find yourself in an elegant courtyard. The area is small, but has seating for 2's, 4's and even 6's. It's the perfect place to hang with some girlfriends and sip on sweet cocktails or frozen rosé. The waitstaff is delightfully quirky and attentive. They have a unique charm and style that feels welcoming and very Austin. I would definitely recommend this hotel for visitors who want a weird and beautiful ATX experience. To the side of the outdoor patio is an enchanting pool. There are chairs scattered around and the water is a deep, murky blue. I've never seen anyone swim in it, but it would make for a great Instagram photo. Or, if you're not trying to drench your locks, just post up on the white butterfly chairs and take in the rays. It's a perfect spot.
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Rebekah T.

Yelp
After lunch we stopped by the Hotel San Jose. The little oasis of a hotel amongst the South Congress neighborhood was a nice change and chance to get out of the heat. We ordered up a couple drinks from the bar. I was on a Michelada craze, so of course I had to try theirs. My guy ordered up a Hoegaarden Shandy, which is beer plus lemonade. My Michelada was more of the traditional style with lime, worchester, salt and tabasco. It is good, but I love them so many different ways - I try to sample them all. Here's a couple different styles for the Michelada lovers out there. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/03/michelada-recipes_n_1470804.html The pool was so nice that I had to take a picture. I think that would be a perfect addition to my backyard. lol :)
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Michelle D.

Yelp
The patio/bar area is fun romantic-ish spot. The ambiance is great, very dim lighting so almost would say it could be a good after a nice dinner date spot. I went with my honey and the tables were all full. Its not only a date spot, looking around there were lots of groups of friends also relaxing, kicking it back, and enjoying the evening. One plus - they offer Modelo for $3. Everything else was more but they had a wide variety of beers fore those who like to venture and vary it up (and a few other drinks as well).
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karen d.

Yelp
I wish I would've stayed here! It looks amazing all we did was have a froze' a cider and a Prosecco.. The Ambiance is so awesome loved the feel of this outdoor bar.
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Tyler L.

Yelp
I am definitely a fan of Hotel San Jose - it crushed it in the public space department. Low key, friendly, great location - pretty amazing makeover for what was probably a rudimentary motor inn at some point. The only knock is the rooms are a bit rudimentary at its core (only so much lipstick you can put on it) and you can here everyone and everything from your room. Still - way quieter than being in New York. You can't replace its soul either - I would pick San Jose over some branded hotel downtown every day and twice on Sunday. Also you can pop across the street for Continental Club or Amy's Ice Cream - what could be better.

Traveller O.

Yelp
I'm giving it two stars for uniqueness. Points off for having no one at the front desk when we were trying to check in (it took 1/2 an hour for someone to notice we were waiting), only 4 (nicely folded) tissues in the bathroom (during Cedar Fever season), and kicking us out st the regular checkout time even though we made the reservation online and so check out should have been later. Not cool, they need better people running the day-to-day.
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Ryan C.

Yelp
Can't speak for their rooms as I personally haven't stayed there, but the bar and patio area are pretty spectacular. We were meeting with some friends that were in fact guests there for a nightcap. The whole hotel has a rustic cabin feel to it, and looks like the lobby and grounds could be easily be featured on Pinterest boards as ways you'd love your house to look. For drinks, they don't serve the hard stuff, just beer, wine and sake cocktails. I went with the Rosso Amarro that came with prosecco and grapfruit juice. It was refreshing and it was hard to taste the wine. Definitely a good drink if you're with someone that doesn't like in fact like to imbibe. I also tried the Tinto de Verano which was a blend of red wine and tangerine soda. This one was the sweeter of the two, but again - no hint of alcohol. You'll feel it though. This place also has an extensive list of local Texas beers as well as a good selection of wines. The patio is what sets this location apart from all the other drinking options in the area. At night, it's perfectly lit so that it's still dark, but you can still see your tablemates. There's plenty of seating, even if you have a large party, and you'll forget that there's the hustle and bustle of Austin outside of these beautiful walls. Not only was it comfortable, but super intimate at the same time. I'll for sure be back the next time I'm in Austin, and I'll make it a point to stay overnight as well!
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Richard S.

Yelp
Home run! I wish we would have had more time to explore. Pretty much everything you need is within a block or two of this hotel. Gueros Mexican food. Amy's ice cream. Shopping. Home Slice Pizza Continental Club Jo's Coffee Reasonably priced too. We will be back.
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Nick O.

Yelp
We stayed in Room 34 for four nights in feb 2018. Overall experience was a 3/5, but score adjusted down for the high nightly rate. Here's a montage of my experience (written ungrammatically as I took notes on my phone throughout my stay)... All night there was a rhythmic mechanic noise that made it hard to fall asleep. The noise was of water pouring, or a siphoning sound, which oscillated every minute. The Wooden bed claps loudly on the concrete floor when you move. Standing around hotel lobby in the mornings, waiting for staff to show up so I could request more coffee Outdoor lounge area was hip. Not a bad thing, but be aware than on weekends you will be competing against the general public for a seat. Housekeeping did make the bed, but one day did not take out our trash (which had the odor of restaurant leftovers) or replenish our tissue in the bathroom. Noisy farm door to bathroom. If your partner goes to the bathroom during the night, you will wake up too.
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Jens B.

Yelp
Hotel San Jose is quaint and pretentious all at the same time. We have had a many a great night there, drinking with David Byrne of the Talking Heads comes to mind. Have had friends come and stay there and we have been able to enjoy the amenities with them. I like the apples in the lobby and the wine bar is usually always happening. The rooms are appointed well and very chic. The grounds are manicured with a zen feel in some places. However, I can't help to ask myself why would I pay $255 a night for a little room? There are many other choices in the neighborhood significantly less. I guess the snob appeal is working for them? The hipster mood is fully abound, maybe that is what works? What works for me is to drop in from time to time and drink a bottle of bubbly... with David Byrne...
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Caslin F.

Yelp
Stayed here with my husband for a short Valentine's Day celebration. Loved the amenities here... heated pool, great body wash and shampoos and lotion, cool Bluetooth speaker, fun room key. The place is beautiful. It makes you feel like you're in your own oasis with all the ivy and palm trees. Awesome spots for pictures all over their property. Great location, near so much of Austin's bests!
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Emily H.

Yelp
I'm never staying anywhere else in Austin! Hotel San Jose is just so perfect. I love that it's right in the mix of South Congress, but it's tucked away among the greenery. (The parking is a plus too.) The esthetic of the hotel is really captivating, from the exterior to the lobby and courtyard and our room. The room we stayed in was very simple and cozy. We loved the bedside lamps, gorgeous platform bed, linens, funky robes, and the cute little poem hung up by our bathroom mirror. We couldn't have asked for a better stay for our long weekend in Austin. We will be back very soon.
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Lena P.

Yelp
Hotel San Jose is a gem on South Congress. I love its minimalistic south western decor. The atmosphere is definitely very laid back, with a variety of creative drinks on their menu. This is an ideal spot for a Sunday brunch with some friends! I took a stroll around it and managed to snap some really good photos of it. All of them along with an entire post on Hotel San Jose are up on my personal blog - http://zoyaandme.com/.