Visiting Texas without visiting the capital city of Austin is like visiting England without seeing London or going to France and skipping out on Paris. Known for its lively music scene that offers an excellent blend of blues, country and rock music, Austin features tons of top-notch attractions that are ideal for a retreat in nature. Make a visit to Zilker Nature Preserve that lets you indulge in kayaking and hiking while marveling at the scenic vistas of the garden, park and water. Enjoy swimming in a huge swimming pool when you stop by Barton Springs Municipal Pool in Zilker Park. For a pleasant stroll and paddling activities, Lady Bird Lake is the place. Now that you have some idea about what to visit and what to enjoy in Austin, what about a place to stay? Keep reading and check out these top hotels by the river in Austin, Texas below.
Water-based activities in Austin:
- Fancy a swim in one of the country's swimming holes? Check out the detailed guide on swimming holes by Visit Austin, the city's official tourism portal. The list includes spots such as Barton Springs Pool, perfect for families, and Deep Eddy Pool, the oldest natural swimming pool in Texas.
- If you're a fan of kayaking, paddle boarding, or similar activities, Visit Austin has a list of the best companies offering rentals and cruises that you can refer to.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location by the river. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 16, 2024.
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1. Hyatt Regency Austin (from USD 290)
Welcome to Hyatt Regency Austin, a four-star hotel that promises a wonderful stay experience through all the available facilities and amenities. Stay in a contemporary suite that features neutral colors. You can enjoy a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, and large windows that let you enjoy the view of the river right from the comfort of your room. Whenever you want to relax, have a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool that faces the water. Other facilities offered include free wireless internet and a fitness center.
Reserve a river view room and enjoy the vista of Lady Bird Lake when staying here. Named after former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, this downtown reservoir is popular with cyclists and watersports enthusiasts. Kayaks, canoes and SUPs are available for rent at Waller Creek Boathouse, which is a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Hyatt Regency Austin
Address: 208 Barton Springs Rd
2.34 km (1.5 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
2. Four Seasons Hotel Austin (from USD 818)
Unwind at this contemporary hotel that offers a panoramic view of Lady Bird Lake and the city. Set in the heart of Downtown Austin, Four Seasons Hotel Austin features spacious rooms that are equipped with work desks, flat-screen TVs and lounge chairs, among others. Satisfy your appetite by indulging in a selection of local cuisine infused with Latin influences at Ciclo. The best thing about this restaurant is its location which overlooks the water.
Live large and go for a lake-view room with a balcony when staying here. The spacious guest rooms, with their cosy bed and complimentary WiFi, may be tough to leave behind. If you do succeed in prying yourself away, you can take a refreshing swim in the heated saltwater pool and frolic in a poolside cabana. You can keep up with your fitness routine at the well-equipped fitness centre or go for a jog around Lady Bird Lake.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Address: 98 San Jacinto Blvd
2.03 km (1.3 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
3. Aiden by Best Western @ Austin City Hotel (from USD 150)
What can you expect from this comfortable hotel? Situated adjacent to Lady Bird Lake, this accommodation is known for its delicious breakfast that guests can enjoy for free. It also features an outdoor pool along with an on-site bar where you can order a specialty cocktail or your favorite beer while listening to live music. There is also a hot tub and a well-equipped gym. As for your room, it comes with a microwave, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom.
Aiden by Best Western Austin City Hotel
Address: 2200 South Interstate 35
5.01 km (3.2 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
4. JW Marriott Austin (from USD 352)
What a pleasant stay you are going to experience when you choose to book a room at JW Marriott Austin. Relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep in a warm room that boasts crisp white linens and plush bedding. The en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries so you can freshen up in the morning. Pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the on-site spa center or take a plunge into the rooftop pool that offers a view of the city streets.
JW Marriott Austin
Address: 110 East 2nd Street
1.84 km (1.2 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
5. Austin Proper Hotel and Residences (from USD 669)
Enjoy a stay at Austin Proper Hotel and Residences. You will have a modern room that comes with a cable TV for your entertainment, a coffee machine, and a fridge, among others. When you enter the private bathroom, you can enjoy free toiletries and a refreshing shower. Relax over a cool drink at the on-site bar before you go to sleep. In the morning, start fresh by working out at the fitness center. Lady Bird Lake is just 0.2 km (0.12 mi) away.
Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 600 West 2nd Street
1.89 km (1.2 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
6. Sonder — The Catherine (from USD 272)
This aparthotel will let you feel at home even though you are staying in a beautiful hotel room. You can enjoy cooking your favorite meal in the equipped kitchen in your unit. To keep yourself entertained, turn on the flat-screen TV. There is also a private bathroom that comes with free toiletries and a bathtub or shower. Moreover, there is a balcony that presents a view of the city or Town Lake.
Sonder at The Catherine
Address: 214 Barton Springs Road
2.45 km (1.6 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
7. W Austin (from USD 487)
Everything you need for a superb stay in Austin can be found at this four-star hotel. Situated in the heart of Downtown Austin, this property boasts an outdoor pool that comes with a poolside bar and a grill for a complete package. You can also enjoy a massage in the full-service luxury spa. If you prefer to work out, head to the fitness center. Later, make use of the outdoor terrace to relax. As for your room, it is equipped with a seating area, a modern bathroom, and a flat-screen TV, among others. Some suites offer excellent lake views.
W Austin This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 200 Lavaca Street
1.83 km (1.2 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
8. Holiday Inn Austin -Town Lake (from USD 150)
What about Holiday Inn Austin? In addition to its location that is right across the water, the hotel offers airport transfers and free wireless internet. In the morning, start fresh by enjoying a swim in the outdoor pool. At night, enjoy a drink at the on-site bar. The room features a spacious seating area to help you unwind and recharge, plus a private bathroom and a TV with cable channels. If you want the best spot, opt for the standard king room with lake views.
Holiday Inn Austin -Town Lake, an IHG Hotel
Address: 20 North IH-35
2.95 km (1.9 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
9. Hotel Van Zandt (from USD 273)
Last but not least is Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt. While here, you can enjoy floating in the rooftop pool while admiring the city’s skyline at the same time - it is going to be an unforgettable experience. Pamper yourself and relax all your muscles with their in-room massage and body treatment services. Recharge in a modern and relaxed room that features a bathroom with bathrobes and free toiletries. Suites also have a work desk and a cable TV. A spa suite with a view of the water is available.
Hotel Van Zandt This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 605 Davis Street
2.24 km (1.4 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
10. The LINE Austin (from USD 304)
Apart from its strategic location that is close to Texas Capitol and Austin Convention Center, this hotel offers free bikes that allow you to explore the nearby area without having to take a walk. After riding a bike all day long, you may want to head to the outdoor swimming pool to cool off before going back to your spacious room. Facilities that can be enjoyed in your room include complimentary toiletries, a minibar, and floor-to-ceiling windows with lake or city views.
The saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” rings true for The LINE Austin. You can expect spacious guest rooms and suites at this stylish hotel next to Lady Bird Lake.
The LINE Austin This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 111 East Cesar Chavez Street
2.02 km (1.3 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
Nearby riverfront hotels
11. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Marble Falls (from USD 159)
Located by the water in Marble Falls, a city 50 mi (80.47 km) west of Austin, this budget-friendly hotel offers a quiet escape from the city. The guest rooms are cosy. The outdoor pool is great for dips and the whirlpool tub is perfect for relieving tired muscles. Use the free WiFi to plan the day’s itinerary while relishing complimentary breakfast.
For outdoor adventures, head to Lakeside Park and Turkey Bend Recreation Area which are popular for hiking and watersports opportunities.
La Quinta by Wyndham Marble Falls
Address: 501 Highway 2147 West
60.29 km (37.5 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
12. Hidden Falls Inn (from USD 145)
Located in Marble Falls, this waterside property offers simple comforts in its guest rooms furnished with cosy beds and complimentary WiFi. There is an outdoor pool with lake views. The complimentary breakfast makes it easy to recharge yourself before heading outdoors.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take a 40-minute drive to Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City for hiking, tubing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Colorado Bend State Park featuring trails to Gorman Falls, a 70-ft (21.34 m) waterfall, is also within driving distance.
Hidden Falls Inn
Address: 704 1st Street
60.72 km (37.8 mi) from Bullock Texas State History Museum
A hotel by the river is the best kind of accommodation in Austin
A great hotel not only provides complete facilities and amenities but also presents the best views. That is why when you are traveling to Austin, you need to stay at a hotel by the water for a complete experience.
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19 Best Luxury Resorts In And Near Austin, Texas - Updated 2024Plarlene Juliane
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