Austin on a Budget
Cheap Hotels in Austin
Y’all don’t need to break the bank to visit Austin. These budget hotels give you a clean bed, a locked door, and enough savings left over for BBQ and live music.
Downtown & Central Austin
The closest cheap hotels to 6th Street, the Capitol, and UT campus.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown
Holiday Inn Express Downtown is a good cheap hotel close to Sixth Street. This is a really good location at this price point. And it’s got everything you need for a good time — a bar, a bed, and a rooftop pool. Yeehaw.
Super 8 by Wyndham Austin Downtown/Capitol Area
Clean rooms often available for less than $100 a night, less than 10 minutes from anything downtown. It looks rough on the outside and some guests can be sketchy, but hey — it’s cheap and they have free parking.
Super 8 by Wyndham Austin University
A great cheap hotel close to the University, but it’s not that far from downtown either. If you’re here to visit the University it’s perfect, but if y’all are in town for fun, you will end up taking a lot of Ubers if you stay here.
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
Really central, close to the Capitol Building and in walking distance of 6th Street. The facilities are very good for the price — there’s even a pool. Rooms are better than you might expect and the bathrooms are very simple but clean. Be warned though, parking here is not cheap. If you’re driving, factor in an extra $30 bucks a day.
Motel 6-Austin, TX – Midtown
Located slightly closer in towards the city center than Motel 6 North. Another great cheap option for anyone visiting Austin on a budget. Rooms here are usually well under $100 per night which is great value. They’ve got a pool, which is great if you’ve got kids, or just like showing off in your bikini.
Hilton Garden Inn Austin Central
OK so this one’s not exactly cheap, but it’s not gonna break the bank either. Hilton Garden Inn is a solid step up from the Motel 6s and Super 8s on this list. They’ve got a restaurant, a pool, and the rooms actually feel like rooms and not storage closets. Central location between downtown and the north Austin tech corridor. If your budget stretches just a little further, it’s worth it.
Near Austin Airport
Perfect for layovers, early flights, and anyone who doesn’t need to be downtown.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport
It doesn’t get much cheaper than this for a hotel in Austin. Yes, it’s by the airport, not downtown, but it’s not a bad place to stay for a night or two. So if y’all need to stay in Austin but you don’t have a lot of money, Microtel Inn & Suites is your place.
Tru By Hilton Austin Airport
A cheap 2-star hotel close to the airport. It’s nice and new, and most guests are very complimentary. However, they do have more rooms than they have car parks which can be an issue if the hotel is busy. All things considered this is a great value hotel near the airport. Perfect for a short stay on a budget.
Holiday Inn Austin Airport
A really nice option near the airport. You can get a room for less than $150 a night. There’s a restaurant, a gym, and a pool. The rooms are pretty good too. I’d happily spend a night or two here with the wife and kids. It’s cleaner and safer than anything you’ll find in downtown Austin at this price point.
Super 8 by Wyndham Austin/Airport South
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel near Austin airport with a spa bath in room — then you’ve found it. This beauty is available for well under $150 a night. Not all rooms have a spa bath, so if that’s your thing make sure you book a Deluxe King Spa Suite.
Motel 6 Austin Airport
This is a terrific new Motel 6. But it’s still a Motel 6, so keep your expectations in check. What you get is a clean, safe place to sleep. It’s not gross or dirty, which is more than you can say for some. Perfect for an unexpected layover or missed flight, but not the place for your wedding night.
Staybridge Suites Austin Airport
A cheap 3-star hotel with a gym, pool, and they do a buffet breakfast (when the universe cooperates). It’s a lot nicer than some other hotels that really aren’t much cheaper. Staybridge is OK for couples, families, or business travelers. This is a simple, but solid 3-star hotel.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Airport East
If y’all have an early flight and just need somewhere to crash near the airport, this does the job nicely. Free hot breakfast in the morning so you don’t have to pay airport prices, and they’ve got an airport shuttle. It’s a Holiday Inn Express — you know exactly what you’re getting and that’s kind of the point.
Atwell Suites Austin Airport
IHG’s extended-stay brand near the airport. Every room has a full kitchen which is a game-changer if you’re staying more than a couple of nights — you can save a fortune on eating out. They’ve got community spaces where you can pretend to be productive, and the weekly rates are genuinely good value. Not glamorous, but practical.
North & Northwest Austin
Cheaper rates away from downtown. You’ll need a car, but the savings add up fast.
Motel 6-Austin, TX – North
If y’all are looking for a cheap hotel with a pool in Austin then Motel 6 North could be the one. Great if y’all are traveling with kids. Or for anyone visiting in July or August when it tends to be sweltering hot. You are gonna love it.
Holiday Inn Express Austin North Central
A great, cheap, safe place to stay in North Austin. It’s perfect for families on a budget as they have plenty of double rooms. Great prices, and because it’s a Holiday Inn y’all know exactly what to expect. While it’s not fancy, if you flew to Austin on Southwest then you’ll feel right at home.
Comfort Inn & Suites
It won’t be the highlight of your trip to Austin, but nor will it be the thing that ruins your holiday. This is an acceptable place to stay for most regular folks. Although if y’all are used to nice things you might want to find a 5-star in downtown Austin instead. This is as nice as you can hope for in its price range.
Candlewood Suites – Austin North
Candlewood Suites is the kind of unfussy, practical place that suits a family road trip. It’s great for families, and even budget business travelers. There’s nothing to complain about here and the prices are super cheap for what you get.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin NW – Four Points
Austin’s Northwest is a great place to stay if you don’t want the nightlife of downtown Austin, or you just want a cheaper hotel room. It’s a great value with a pool, free breakfast, and free wifi. Y’all are gonna need a car here though as there’s little in the way of public transport.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin NW – Lakeline
This is way up in northwest Austin near Lakeline Mall, so y’all are basically in Cedar Park at this point. But if you don’t need to be downtown, the prices are hard to argue with. Free breakfast, pool, and the rooms are clean. It’s a Holiday Inn Express — no surprises, no drama, just a place to sleep.
Cambria Hotel Austin Uptown
OK I’ll be honest, Cambria is a step up from most of the hotels on this page. It’s near The Domain which is Austin’s fancy outdoor shopping district. They’ve got a rooftop pool, the rooms are genuinely modern, and it doesn’t feel like a budget hotel. It just happens to be priced like one compared to downtown. If y’all want to treat yourself without the downtown markup, this is the move.
avid hotel Austin NW – Lakeline
IHG’s budget brand and they’ve done something smart — instead of cutting corners on everything, they put the money into the mattresses. So you get a genuinely good night’s sleep in a clean, modern room for not a lot of money. Free breakfast too. It’s near Lakeline Mall in northwest Austin, so not exactly downtown, but for the price and the sleep quality it’s hard to beat.
South Austin
Closer to I-35 and south Austin suburbs. Cheaper than downtown, but keep your expectations real.
Ramada by Wyndham Austin South
A cheap hotel, but it’s been recently renovated so it’s nicer than some others at this price point. The restaurant and public spaces are kinda cool for the price. The hotel seems to have a bit of a moisture problem and many guests complain about the mildew, so if you are sensitive to that sort of thing then maybe this isn’t for you. It’s better in summer than winter. The pool is nice and they have some great little outdoor spaces to relax.
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Austin South
A REALLY cheap hotel in, you guessed it, Austin South. Rooms here for under $80 a night, so don’t be bookin’ it then complaining on Google that it’s not as nice as the Hilton. It’s a Red Roof Inn, the price is fair for what you get. They have a pool which you shouldn’t expect at this price and the suites are really generously sized. The hotel is popular with contractors, so it’s great if you like men who are good with their hands. Ask for a room on the upper floors for the best experience.
Comfort Suites – South Austin
Opened in 2018 so it’s still reasonably new. The fixtures and fittings are cheap but modern. This is the best hotel under $150 a night in Austin South. The bathrooms are not luxurious, but they are modern. All of the rooms are generously sized. And, they have a pool, but sadly no restaurant.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin South
Usually available for a little over $150 per night, but not much more. Unless there’s a major event on, expect to pay around $160 for a room. It’s perfect for families, couples on a budget, or just chillin’ at the Holiday Inn.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin – Manor
This one’s out east in Manor, which is basically Austin’s version of the suburbs your parents moved to because the schools were good. It’s a Holiday Inn Express so you get free hot breakfast and clean rooms. If y’all are heading to Circuit of the Americas for F1 and don’t want to pay those insane downtown prices during race week, this is a smart move.
Southwest & West Austin
Safer, quieter areas with lower rates. You’ll need a car but the trade-off is worth it for families.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austin SW – Sunset Valley
An older Holiday Inn. It’s only got a small pool. The rooms are comfortable, but don’t feel very modern and they couldn’t be mistaken for luxury. This is a clean safe place to stay a little further out than most people would like. There is NO restaurant at this hotel.
La Quinta by Wyndham Austin Southwest
An older cheap hotel with fairly dated decor. But, the rooms are comfortable and clean. The area is safe and you can get a generously sized room here, with free wifi, and free breakfast for less than $120 a night. And they have a pool. It’s great value.
Extended Stay America Suites – Austin – Southwest
If you’re looking for a budget hotel for a long stay then this is actually your best option. Rooms start from under $100 a night. The rooms are fairly clean. The staff are generally friendly. The rooms all have basic kitchens, so you can make some breakfast, or a simple dinner in your room.
Mountain Star Lodge
Only 13 miles from downtown Austin is Mountain Star Lodge. This is a great hotel for the money. It’s the closest thing to a cheap romantic hotel you’ll find in Austin. Just keep your expectations as reasonable as their prices. There’s lots of outdoorsy things to do nearby, but you’ll need a car as there’s no public transport.
What to Expect in a Cheap Austin Hotel
Managing expectations is half the battle.
Let’s be honest about what “cheap hotel” means in Austin. You’re not getting a boutique experience with artisanal toiletries and a rooftop cocktail bar. You’re getting a clean room, a functional bathroom, and somewhere safe to sleep. If you adjust your expectations accordingly, you’ll be perfectly happy. If you expect the Ritz for $80 a night, you’re going to have a bad time.
Location follows a predictable pattern with budget hotels in Austin. The cheapest options cluster along I-35 and near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Downtown cheap hotels exist but they’re the exception, not the rule — and they tend to be the rougher-around-the-edges brands like Super 8 and Motel 6. The further north, south, or west you go, the cheaper the rates get. Airport hotels offer surprisingly good value if you don’t mind being 15–20 minutes from the action.
For families, the Holiday Inn Express properties are the sweet spot across every Austin neighborhood. They’re consistent, clean, and come with free breakfast — which saves a family of four $40–60 a day. Candlewood Suites in North Austin is another family winner with suite-style rooms and kitchenettes. Comfort Suites in South Austin opened in 2018 and still feels new.
Cheap hotels in Austin are good for three things: sleeping, storing your stuff, and showering. That’s it. You’re in Austin — the fun happens outside. Spend your money on Franklin Barbecue, live music on Red River, paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, and tacos from Veracruz All Natural. The hotel is just where you recharge between adventures.
The 31 Cheapest Hotels in Austin
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown
- Super 8 by Wyndham Austin Downtown/Capitol Area
- Super 8 by Wyndham Austin University
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
- Motel 6-Austin, TX – Midtown
- Hilton Garden Inn Austin Central
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport
- Tru By Hilton Austin Airport
- Holiday Inn Austin Airport
- Super 8 by Wyndham Austin/Airport South
- Motel 6 Austin Airport
- Staybridge Suites Austin Airport
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Airport East
- Atwell Suites Austin Airport
- Motel 6-Austin, TX – North
- Holiday Inn Express Austin North Central
- Comfort Inn & Suites
- Candlewood Suites – Austin North
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin NW – Four Points
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin NW – Lakeline
- Cambria Hotel Austin Uptown
- avid hotel Austin NW – Lakeline
- Ramada by Wyndham Austin South
- Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Austin South
- Comfort Suites – South Austin
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin South
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin – Manor
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austin SW – Sunset Valley
- La Quinta by Wyndham Austin Southwest
- Extended Stay America Suites – Austin – Southwest
- Mountain Star Lodge
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cheap hotels in Austin.
What is the cheapest hotel in Austin?
The Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport, Motel 6 Austin Airport, and Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Austin South regularly have rooms under $80 a night. The Motel 6 and Microtel properties near the airport are consistently the cheapest options in the metro area, though you’ll be a 15–20 minute drive from downtown.
Are there cheap hotels near downtown Austin?
Yes, but they’re limited. The Holiday Inn Express Downtown is the best value near Sixth Street. Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown/Capitol Area and La Quinta Inn Capitol/Downtown also offer rooms close to the action for under $150 most nights. Expect trade-offs — downtown cheap hotels tend to be older and rougher than their suburban counterparts.
Is it safe to stay in a cheap hotel in Austin?
Chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express, Hilton Garden Inn, Comfort Inn, and La Quinta are safe across all Austin neighborhoods. The ultra-budget options (Motel 6, Super 8) along the I-35 corridor can attract a rougher crowd, but actual safety incidents are rare. Stick to well-known chains, read recent reviews, and avoid properties with consistent complaints about security. North Austin and southwest Austin tend to be the safest areas for budget hotels.
Do cheap Austin hotels have pools?
Many do. Holiday Inn Express Downtown has a rooftop pool. Motel 6 Midtown, Motel 6 North, La Quinta Capitol/Downtown, Ramada South, Red Roof Inn PLUS+, Comfort Suites South, and most Holiday Inn Express properties all have pools. In Austin’s summer heat, a pool can make or break a budget stay.
How much does a budget hotel cost in Austin?
Budget hotels in Austin range from $60–$150 per night depending on location and season. Airport and north Austin properties start around $60–80. Downtown budget hotels run $100–$150. During major events like SXSW, ACL Fest, or F1, even budget hotels can spike to $200+. January and February offer the best rates across the board.
Are cheap hotels near Austin airport any good?
Some of the best budget value in Austin is actually near the airport. Staybridge Suites Austin Airport is a solid 3-star with gym, pool, and breakfast. Tru By Hilton Austin Airport is modern and well-reviewed. The Holiday Inn Austin Airport offers restaurant, gym, and pool for under $150. You sacrifice downtown walkability but gain cleaner, newer rooms at better prices.
What’s the best cheap hotel for families in Austin?
Candlewood Suites Austin North is hard to beat for families — suite-style rooms, kitchenettes, and rock-bottom prices. Holiday Inn Express North Central has plenty of double rooms and free breakfast. Comfort Suites South Austin opened in 2018 with modern rooms and a pool. All three keep kids happy and parents’ wallets intact.
When is the cheapest time to book a hotel in Austin?
January and February are consistently the cheapest months for Austin hotels. Summer (June–August) sees moderate rates despite the heat. Avoid SXSW (March), ACL Festival (October), and the Formula 1 US Grand Prix (October) — even budget hotels double or triple their rates. Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance for the best prices, and check rates on Tuesday or Wednesday when hotels often post lower midweek pricing.
Best Times to Book a Cheap Hotel in Austin
Austin’s budget hotels have predictable pricing patterns that you can exploit if you plan ahead. The cheapest months are January and February, when tourism drops off after the holiday season. A room that costs $120 during normal months might drop to $70–80 in the winter lull. The weather is mild enough that Austin’s still enjoyable — you just won’t be swimming.
The most expensive times to visit are SXSW in March, ACL Festival in October, and the Formula 1 US Grand Prix in late October. During these events, even Motel 6 properties can charge $200+ per night. If you must visit during events, book airport hotels — they’re the last to spike and the first to drop back down.
Summer (June through August) is a mixed bag for budget travelers. The brutal Texas heat keeps some visitors away, which means lower hotel rates. But Austin’s best budget hotels with pools — like Motel 6 Midtown, Ramada South, and the Holiday Inn Express properties — are actually at their best when it’s 100 degrees outside and you can cool off between adventures.
For the sweet spot of good weather and reasonable prices, book in April (after SXSW ends) or November (after ACL and F1 wrap up). You’ll get pleasant temperatures, lower rates, and Austin’s full calendar of live music, food, and outdoor activities without the event-driven price surge.
Cheap Austin Hotels at a Glance
Map of Cheap Hotels in Austin
Last updated: February 2026