Austin Motel

2-star hotel Excellent 1220 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX, 78704
Austin Motel

About Austin Motel

Austin Motel is 0.9 mi from Austin Convention Center and 1.6 mi from Capitol Building. This motel offers free parking on-site and a swimming pool. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, telephone and a desk with chair. Free WiFi is provided. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. On-site laundry facilities are available. Complimentary coffee is offered in the lobby daily for guests to enjoy. Barton Springs Pool is 1.6 mi from Austin Motel, while Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas is 2 mi from the property. The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 6.2 mi from the property.

Amenities

  • Meeting space
  • On-site dining
  • Bar / lounge
  • Café / coffee shop
  • Express check-in / check-out
  • Concierge
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Luggage storage
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Family friendly
  • Public transit access
  • Smoke-free property
  • EV charging

Reviews

4.6 / 5
Excellent 938 reviews

The Austin Motel is a unique, retro-style accommodation with a prime location in Austin. Guests generally enjoy the fun and kitschy atmosphere, friendly staff, and proximity to dining and shopping options. However, some guests express concerns about the small room size, noise levels, and varying cleanliness and maintenance issues.

What guests liked
  • Unique retro style and atmosphere
  • Friendly and helpful staff
What could be better
  • Small room size and bathrooms
  • Noise levels and varying cleanliness/maintenance issues
  • Lori Aug 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    The vibe was great and fun!

  • Richie Aug 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    It’s right on congress, great for new people visiting area. I didn’t like we had a small ice chest (6 drink) and wanted to take to pool. Got denied, had to purchase drinks at pool.

  • Amanda Aug 2026 · via booking
    3.5/5

    Good

  • Phillip Aug 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great

  • Ann Aug 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great location in heart of South Congress! Large and cool pool in a beautiful setting. Friendly staff. Minor feedback is AC unit rattled a few times in night but not consistently. Free parking a major perk!

  • Lisa Aug 2026 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    I would have given it 5 stars but the drink at the pool was a rip off and not that great.

  • Julianna Aug 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Austin motel is wonderful. So clean, excellent location, staff is wonderful, convenient parking… I had a great stay.

  • david Aug 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Great place to stay and is the best place to hang out in Austin.

  • Chinelo Aug 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Great location. Enjoyed stay. Unique hotel

  • Ronnie Aug 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    Great location walking distance to lots of downtown restaurants bars and shops didn’t get to use the pool but looks nice. Rooms are clean comfortable and perfectly decorated love the snacks and stocked mini bar. Staff was friendly and helpful. Great for couples weekend Nothing great time

  • Casey Aug 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    This was our first time staying at the Austin Motel and we will definitely return! The staff was friendly and the place was clean.

  • Ashley Aug 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Absolutely loved our stay in Austin. So close to all to w fun spots with bars, food, live music, coffee etc. hotel staff was excellent whether it be at the lobby or the pool we had a great stay felt very safe and well taken care of. Can’t wait to come back !

  • Victor Aug 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Such a fun hotel in the heart of SOCO!! Love love this place!! Home Away from home!!

  • Carol Aug 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    Exceptional

  • Wendy Jul 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    The only reason a took a star away is because the restroom is tiny with no counter space and the bathroom plumbing was a bit loose when turning on the shower ;again, it is an older property but well-maintained and very clean). I’d stay again. (Plus the hotel staff was great with communicating with us prior to our visit (which I appreciated).

  • Brown Jul 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    Exceptional

  • Kathleen Jul 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Great stay!

  • Lacinda Jul 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    Loved the retro vibes, the pool, the bar, the almond milk, the cat, the AC and the friendly staff. The bed was super comfy and the location was so great! N/A - was so great!

  • Claudette Jul 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    This is my home away from home and I’ve loved my stay every time I’ve been here. Can’t wait to come back again next year.!!!

  • Effiecb Jul 2026 · via booking
    3.5/5

    This hotel is like out of a movie. I liked the merch, too. If you stay there for the experience and not for comfort, you'll like it. Room was looking at the parking lot. Didn't realize that when I booked the room but it's weird to have a view to a parking lot. The bed was small, the room wasn't really comfy.

  • David Jul 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Just an all around awesome stay. Clean and convenient location.

  • Luke Jul 2026 · via booking
    4.5/5

    Superb

  • Fidel Jul 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Great place to stay and get away from everyday life. Location is near a lot of great clubs and restaurants. Have stayed here multiple times and will definitely stay again!!!!

  • Barbara Jul 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    Exceptional

  • Marie Jul 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    The room was very clean.we loved that it did not smell of toxic air fresheners, or cleaning supplies. The only complaint is the strong smell of incense (coconut) in the lobby. Way too strong! None would have been better.

  • Barbara Jul 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    Exceptional

  • Jean Jul 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Such an iconic property! Its sun-faded colours, retro signage and pool design, along with the low hum of air conditioning, gave it a nostalgic feel, while the courtyard’s buzz and warm Texas air made it seem as though we had stepped back in time.

  • Anthony Jul 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    I love the ambiance and the location and for the price it’s amazing ! The staff are so AMAZING! Movie night at the pool gets a too crowded.

  • Anthony Jul 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    I love the ambiance and the location and for the price it’s amazing ! The staff are so AMAZING! Movie night at the pool gets a too crowded.

  • Vanessa Jul 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Love the motel !

  • Sutton Jul 2026 · via booking
    3/5

    Too expensive for what it...

  • Sutton Jul 2026 · via priceline
    3/5

    Too expensive for what it is

  • Matt Jul 2026 · via booking
    4.5/5

    Superb

  • Stacy Jul 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    Location. It was really cute

  • Stacy Jul 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    Location. It was really cute

  • Paul Jul 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Cool old nostagic old hotel. Very clean and fantastic location. Property is beautiful and very well maintained.

  • Josh Jun 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    The best. Such a fun team and vibe.

  • Lauren Jun 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    Front desk staff friendly, helpful and outgoing. It would have been nice to get the code for ice and water at check in. After a night on the town the office was closed and we realzed too late we couldn't access the ive room.

  • Lauren Jun 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    Front desk staff friendly, helpful and outgoing. It would have been nice to get the code for ice and water at check in. After a night on the town the office was closed and we realzed too late we couldn't access the ive room.

  • Luke Jun 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    I'm in Austin a bunch for work, this is my favorite place to stay. The location and the vibe are unbeatable, in my opinion. Charming staff, dynamite rooms and unrivaled walkability around this kick ass neighborhood :)

  • Michael Jun 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    The rooms were spotless, stylish, and thoughtfully designed with a retro vibe that feels both nostalgic and modern. The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful, always ready with recommendations and a smile. The location couldn't be better—close to great restaurants, live music, shopping, and everything that makes Austin special. The pool area was a highlight of the trip. It was vibrant, relaxing, and the perfect place to unwind after exploring the city. Every detail of the property feels intentional, from the landscaping to the décor, creating an experience that is memorable and genuinely enjoyable. If you're looking for a place that offers character, comfort, and an authentic Austin experience, Austin Motel is hard to beat. I would gladly stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Austin.

  • Sue Jun 2026 · via booking
    5/5

    I needed a room for one night as close as possible to a couple of places near South Congress and this hotel was the perfect choice. I came in extremely late due to a delayed flight but was able to stay in contact with staff so that they could give me a room key and show me to the room. Great service, would stay there again. Nothing

  • Sue Jun 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    I needed a room for one night as close as possible to a couple of places near South Congress and this hotel was the perfect choice. I came in extremely late due to a delayed flight but was able to stay in contact with staff so that they could give me a room key and show me to the room. Great service, would stay there again. Nothing

  • Ashlea Jun 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    The theme of the motel is fun. It has not been modernized much in the way of air conditioning. It still uses one of the old units, so it has to be given some time to cool the room. The bed frames are on theme but were a little low to the floor and made getting out of bed a little difficult. The fridge was also stocked with drinks and alcohols, so it wasn’t very useable for storing things that we needed to. Overall, we enjoyed our stay but some things could’ve been slightly better.

  • Michelle Jun 2026 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    I really enjoyed the retro vibe. I felt like I was taken back in time. Shopping and restaurants were all right outside of the property. My one suggestion is to bring a sleeping eye mask. The rooms have retro shades and light comes in. I need darkness to sleep. I suggested they start selling eye masks with the Austin Motel logo on them. I would have purchased one.

  • helene Jun 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Clean room. Cool vibe. I'd stay here again.

  • Jennifer Jun 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    The location is great, the pool is fun, and the staff is nice and helpful. The parking was handy when my son came to visit. They have a fun vintage car night on Thursday nights in the summer. Overall it’s a good deal for the location and amenities.

  • Tenesha May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    I lived in Austin for 19 years before moving to Dallas and have always wanted to stay there. I’m glad we did, it was pricey but it was a great trip taking friends back to Austin because the location is perfect in the heart of everything. And of course, the pool is iconic.

  • Kelly May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great motel in the heart of Congress Ave; it’s a motel but feels like old Austin. If you enjoy the feel of Austin from 30 years ago, book now. I loved it so much!

  • Mary May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    cool place. great choice if you have a pet. surprisingly quiet give the location

  • Amy May 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Pool was small but super cute with a really fun vibe. Even though property is older, it is very clean. There is an ice machine and filtered water available. AC worked excellent and the staff was so friendly. Super convenient to all the restaurants and shopping on South Congress. Very fun weekend!

  • Jennifer May 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Such a fun place to stay!

  • LINDSEY May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Fun visit! Great gift shop and was close to shopping. Would stay again!

  • Ben May 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Kind staff and very clean and fun room.

  • Grant May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Unique spot with great staff

  • MARIA May 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Traveled with my son, Great location, fun vibes!

  • Scott May 2026 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    Location location location! Conveniently located on South Congress, walkable to plenty of restaurants and shopping. Parking is convenient. The staff could not have been friendlier or more helpful! The Motel achieve its retro vibe, although it could stand a bit of a facelift, it’s starting to show some age, although it is clean. The pool and the pool bar are awesome. Despite being on a busy road it is extremely quiet.

  • Kathleen Apr 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Such a cute motel. I especially liked the pool. All of the staff I encountered were lovely. At check-in, the woman at the front desk was happy to share things to do in Austin and how to get around. There was also a drag show one afternoon, and the queens came to the pool afterwards to socialize!

  • Thomas Apr 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Amazing historic place don’t love it too much tho it’ll be all videots!

  • caroline Apr 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Free parking lovely staff excellent location good value

  • Larry Apr 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Yes,we felt completely safe. The bar was well stocked. The staff was so friendly.

  • George Apr 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    My room was updated but the sleeping experience was very much like a Motel 6 for 3 times the price! Poor and noisy AC/Heat, light from the neon sign streaming through the blinds, etc. Trending does not mean comfortable or even enjoyable.

  • Elli Apr 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    We had the best stay! Cute aesthetic throughout the motel-- outdoor space, pool, lobby and such a great location. Staff were lovely! I can't wait to go back.

  • Pete Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Property was great and plenty in the area to walk to

  • Daniel Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Parking was very easy and free, which is always a perk in Austin!

  • Cornelia Mar 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Our room was clean, accessible, and quiet when needed. Room darkening shades would be a wonderful addition.

  • Trent Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great location & staff!

  • Olga Mar 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    We’ve lived in an Austin suburb for 20 years and decided to celebrate our anniversary with an iconic Austin weekend, so the Austin Motel was an easy choice. The location is perfect for walking to many fun spots on So Congress and really experiencing the heart of Austin! Of course we took plenty of pictures under the famous retro Austin Motel sign and loved being just steps from the “I love you so much” wall, Jo's Coffee, Guero's Tacos, etc. The motel is super cute, the room was clean and comfortable, the staff was friendly, and the whole place has such a fun, funky vibe. It made for a great anniversary stay.

  • Meghan Feb 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    Would have liked space in refrigerator for left overs. Pool was great! Staff was helpful and kind. Nice to also have free parking for guests.

  • Melanie Feb 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Spacious room with just what we needed amenities in the room. FULLY stocked mini bar! Loved the courtyard and pool area. It was so nice to have a spacious outdoor community areas! Having Joann’s Diner adjacent was great!! Food and drinks were excellent! Will definitely stay here again!!

  • Michael Feb 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    The room was clean and the style was cool.

  • Meagan Feb 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Such a perfect little motel on congress with the cutest vibes! We will 100% be coming back to stay next time we come to Austin!

  • Luke Jan 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Terrific stay. Remarkable location, thoughtful amenities, good vibes.

  • Cleo Jan 2026 · via hotels.com
    3/5

    People were lovely no facilities at all in room is not good enough for a room at that price

  • Debra Jan 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Clean adorable room, friendly and helpful staff, great location.

  • Christina Dec 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    The staff is exceptional and so accommodating! I will be back for sure!

  • Christina Dec 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Great stay! The location is perfect, too.

  • Alyssa Dec 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    The staff is always the sweetest and the magic of this hotel will never fade — One of our favorite places in the world!

  • Ally Nov 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    We had a room overlooking the pool & it was darling! The staff was friendly & the grounds were so cute! The robes are to. die. for.

  • Michael Nov 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Was comped to a larger room. Room was clean and spacious. Love the location.

  • Michael Nov 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Tiny room. Hardly space to open your suitcase up and no place to set it down. Great location - across the street from the Continental Club and walkable to C-Boys, Gueros and The BAck Room.

  • Jessica Nov 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Iconic, vintage motel with modern comforts. Great location for shopping, food, and everything else that Austin has to offer. We will definitely return!

  • Scott Nov 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Room was spotless. Staff is amazing. I loved staying here. Throwback spot for those who remember Austin before the big tech money rolled into town.

  • Alejandra Nov 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Love it!!!

  • Donna Nov 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    It would have been nice to have a coffee maker in the room, but we enjoyed our stay.

  • Gregory Nov 2025 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    Love staying again but this time it was a bit off. Insane cleaning product smells overwhelmed. Shower drain backed up to floodstage :-(

  • Alexandria Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Loved my stay and everyone was so helpful! I can’t wait to go back!

  • Julie Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Such a cool hotel, loved the Pool Bar and the whole 70s vibe…great backdrop for selfies

  • Melissa Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The hotel was great, from the atmosphere to the staff! Loved the pool and met some great folks, including pups! The area is super cool, walkable with lots of shops and dining options. Loved everything about this area and my stay!

  • Andrea Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    My favorite place to stay in Austin. Such a fun vibe! They even had the best water aerobics class at the pool. Absolutely a blast!

  • Kimberley Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Perfect getaway. Electric atmosphere with exceptional staff.

  • Priscilla Sep 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    This is just the coolest hotel. Great little shop at reception if you run out of drinks or snacks in your room. The pool is from another time, in the best way. Shower pressure was unbelievable, and I'm so glad they kept the old motel look to the rooms, despite the decor. This is a gem.

  • Inger Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    It’s an Austin icon!

  • Brad Sep 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Absolutely love this gem! In the heart of South Congress, close enough to downtown and so retro and chic!

  • Minette Sep 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Everyone at the Austin motel were friendly and welcoming. The pool and poolbar is a great treasure! Centrally located.

  • John Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    I like the location and the pool is always a good time. Very walkable to plenty of options.

  • brenton Sep 2025 · via hotels.com
    1/5

    Old, mold in the shower

  • Grant Aug 2025 · via expedia
    2/5

    The updated rooms were great apart from the non-updated AC unit which kept us awake all night

  • Joanne Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Liked the vibe very clean and staff was very accommodating

  • Marnie Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Austin Motel always a treasure. Great location and staff. Best pool on South Congress.

  • Marnie Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Always a great stay at the Austin Motel. Thanks.

  • Brandy Aug 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    We spent the weekend visiting Austin. South Congress is a cool walkable area. We enjoyed our stay at the Austin Motel. The staff was EXTRA friendly! Amazing customer service. The only reason I gave it four stars is the size of the room and the fact it is a motel with a Hotel price tag. I fully understand we are paying for location, so I am not complaining, but wanted to be honest. Staff gets 5 stars! The pool is awesome! Parking is good. And it is safe.

  • Ellen Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Loved the pool area! The complimentary coffee in the lobby each morning was so good I had to find out what kind it was. Staff very nice! I thought the bed was comfy also. We will stay again when visiting Austin.oh and the free parking was a huge plus!

  • Vincent Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Walkable SoCo,Classic Austin Motel Features.

  • Juan Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Best location!

  • Frederick Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    This is an iconic place to stay.

  • Amanda Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The staff is fabulous. They're beyond friendly, helpful and kind. The tv in my room was showing its age, and didn't work with my firestick that I always use when traveling, but the cable worked and the wifi was strong. I was really looking forward to using the pool but the weather had other plans. There's an ice machine but I didn't see any beverage machines, so keep that in mind. I loved my stay!

  • Tiffany Jul 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    We had two unexpected guests (cockroaches), the front desk came promptly to remove one and my son killed another the next day. There was also filming/ photos going on which we had to wait to use the amenities because of. But the staff were very nice and apologetic which is why I didn’t score this lower. We won’t be going back unfortunately because of the roaches. We were constantly looking in the corners and in the sheets. My son was afraid to use the bathroom. I can’t unlink that image (fear) with the motel. It’s not an experience I wish to pay for again.

  • Chance Jul 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The retro decor was cool, but the room was real basic. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Although we didn’t get to use it, the pool and pool bar was really cool. The proximity to shopping, dining and entertainment district on S. Congress can’t be beat. Would definitely stay there again

  • Joao Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Beautiful property and amazing staff.

  • Christina Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great stay in a nostalgic place

  • Carly Jun 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Lovedc cute kit hy

  • Kirby Jun 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Austin Motel is so fun and vintage! My granddaughter and I loved our stay and the pool and staff are awesome!

  • Jeff Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    This is an iconic Austin motel. Update it with funky rooms lots of cool things near and around the motel. The pool is great with an outdoor bar. Great, bartender, staff very friendly. I've been there many times and this was one of my best days.

  • Christy Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Love it

  • Beth Jun 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    They went above and beyond, as usual! This place is my go-to for the most uniquely Austin experience. The perfect mix of retro aesthetic and modern comfort. The staff was so friendly and made our trip extra special. The pool was perfection - top notch frozen margaritas!

  • Valerie Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    They have thought of everything (except for black out curtains)! Walk to fabulous restaurants and shopping!

  • Kahlina Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Always a great stay at Austin Motel. Staff goes above and beyond, location and amenities are top notch.

  • Tarek Jun 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    the concept is great- the area is too gentrified - pool was noisy

  • Wendy May 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The entire property was adorable! And the staff was excellent - incredibly sweet and informative!

Frequently asked questions about Austin Motel

Does Austin Motel have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Austin Motel offers free Wi-Fi for all guests.
Does Austin Motel offer parking?
Yes, Austin Motel offers free parking on-site.
Does Austin Motel have meeting spaces, conference centers, or conference rooms?
Yes. Austin Motel offers meeting spaces for business and group use.
Does Austin Motel have a fitness center?
Austin Motel does not list an on-site fitness center. Some properties partner with nearby gyms — check directly with the hotel.
Where is Austin Motel located, and how walkable is the area?
Austin Motel is located at 1220 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704. With a Walk Score of 88, the area is rated Very Walkable. Most errands can be completed on foot, with public transit and rideshare easily accessible.

House rules

Check in 3:00 PM
Check out 12:00 PM
Cancellation Not available
Children Not available