Austin Proper Hotel — Review (2026)

At a Glance

Overview

Austin Proper Hotel is the most design-forward luxury hotel in the city. Designed by Kelly Wearstler — the same designer behind some of LA’s most beautiful hotels — every inch of this property feels intentional, from the hand-painted tiles in the lobby to the custom furniture in each room. It opened in 2019 and immediately set a new bar for Austin hospitality.

Set on the corner of 2nd Street and San Antonio, the hotel rises 32 floors with a show-stopping rooftop that has become one of Austin’s most coveted dining and drinking destinations. This is the hotel for people who care about aesthetics, food, and being seen in the right places.

Rooms & Suites

The 244 rooms and suites are Kelly Wearstler creations — think warm neutrals, woven textures, custom millwork, and artisan details that make each room feel like a curated apartment rather than a hotel room. Standard rooms start at about 350 square feet but feel larger thanks to clever design.

The higher-floor rooms and suites offer excellent city and lake views. The Proper Suite and the top-floor penthouse are genuinely spectacular spaces. Every room has quality bedding, a well-designed bathroom with Aesop products, and a minibar curated with Texas-made items.

Location

Located at 600 West 2nd Street, the hotel anchors the western end of the 2nd Street District. Congress Avenue is 2 blocks east, Lady Bird Lake is a 5-minute walk south, and 6th Street is a short walk north. The Convention Center is about a 12-minute walk.

The 2nd Street location gives you excellent walkability to downtown dining and nightlife. The hotel itself has become a destination — locals come for the rooftop and restaurants, which means you are already at one of the best spots in the city.

Dining & Drinks

This is where Austin Proper truly excels. The Peacock is the rooftop restaurant and bar on the 32nd floor — the views are staggering and it has become one of Austin’s hottest reservations. The menu is Mediterranean-inspired with shareable plates perfect for groups.

Goldie’s is the hotel’s main restaurant at lobby level, serving refined Southern-influenced cuisine. The bar program across both venues is outstanding — some of the best cocktails in Austin are mixed right here. For brunch, both restaurants are popular with locals.

Amenities

What you get:

• 32nd-floor rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar (The Peacock)
• Goldie’s restaurant (lobby level)
• Full-service spa
• Fitness center
• Kelly Wearstler-designed interiors
• Aesop bath products in every room
• Pet-friendly
• Concierge service
• Valet parking ($52/night)
• Complimentary bikes

What you do not get:

• Standard rooms are 350 sq ft (not huge)
• No self-parking
• Pool is beautiful but not large
• Not directly on the lake
• Expensive ($400+ base rate)

Who It’s Best For

Design lovers: If aesthetics matter to you, this is your hotel. Kelly Wearstler’s design is worth the visit alone. Every detail is considered.

Foodies: The Peacock and Goldie’s are among the best hotel restaurants in Texas. You could eat every meal here and be happy.

Couples: The rooftop at sunset is one of the most romantic experiences in Austin. The rooms are beautiful and intimate.

Not ideal for: Families with young children (the vibe is adult-oriented), budget travelers, or anyone who wants a large resort-style pool (the rooftop pool is gorgeous but compact).

Pros & Cons

How It Compares

Austin has no shortage of luxury hotels, so here is how this property stacks up:

• vs. Four Seasons Austin: Four Seasons has the lake, pool, and family amenities. Proper has the design, food, and rooftop. Four Seasons for families; Proper for couples and foodies.
• vs. The Driskill: The Driskill is historic grandeur; Proper is modern design. Completely different aesthetics. Driskill for history; Proper for contemporary luxury.
• vs. W Austin: Both are lifestyle hotels but very different. W is louder with music DNA. Proper is more refined and design-focused. W for energy; Proper for sophistication.
• vs. Thompson Austin: Both are newer design hotels. Thompson has a bigger pool and rooftop bar scene. Proper has better restaurants and more distinctive design. Very close competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Austin Proper have a pool?

Yes — a rooftop pool on the 32nd floor with stunning views. It is gorgeous but compact. For larger pools, see our guide to Austin hotels with the best pools.

What is The Peacock at Austin Proper?

The Peacock is the hotel’s 32nd-floor rooftop restaurant and bar. It serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with panoramic views and has become one of Austin’s most coveted reservations. Book ahead.

Who designed Austin Proper?

Kelly Wearstler, one of the most celebrated hotel and interior designers in the world. She also designed the Proper hotels in Santa Monica, San Francisco, and New York.

How much does Austin Proper cost?

Rooms start around $400 per night and go up to $900+ for suites. Event weekends (SXSW, ACL, F1) are significantly higher. The Penthouse Suite is several thousand per night.

Is Austin Proper good for a romantic getaway?

Absolutely. The rooms are beautiful, the rooftop is one of the most romantic spots in Austin, and the dining is excellent. See our guide to romantic hotels in Austin.

Last updated: February 2026

About the Author

Jake Sullivan writes the hotel reviews and neighbourhood guides on Hotels-Austin.com. Reviews are compiled from operator information, official property data, location research, and verified guest feedback, and are updated as properties change. Read more about our editorial process.