If y’all lookin’ for the party it’s Downtown on Sixth Street
Hotels in Downtown Austin near Sixth Street
There’s live music every night, full bars, great food, comedy and all the weird you can handle on 6th street in the heart of Austin. These downtown hotels will put you right in the thick of the action.
The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill is located right in the center of town on 6th street. It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend in Austin. The Driskill is Austin’s oldest hotel, dating back to 1886. It’s a very luxurious 4.5 star hotel with a real Texas feel to it. The location doesn’t get better than this, it’s pretty much the centre of 6th Street, right in the heart of downtown Austin.
The Westin Austin Downtown
The Westin Austin Downtown is as the name suggests downtown. It’s one of the closest nice hotels to dirty sixth, and really is right in the heart of the action on 5th Street. The Westin is an upscale 4 star hotel and has one of the coolest rooftop bar and pool set ups in downtown Austin.
Austin Marriott Downtown
Austin Marriott Downtown is located just south of 6th Street. It’s a great part of town; next to the Four Seasons. This makes it perfect for business or pleasure. The rooftop is one of the best in town, with an awesome bar and pool. The Marriott is a well located 4 star hotel so of course it’s not the cheapest, but it’s totally worth it.
Hotel ZaZa Austin
Hotel ZaZa is a proper boutique hotel in downtown Austin. Soft lighting creates a really romantic feel, and padded headboards as big as Texas offer a little protection if things get really wild. There are curtains you can ‘accidentally leave open if y’all fixin’ ta to put on a show. They even have a unique couples suite called ‘About last night’ stuffed with velvet and mirrors. Couples love this hotel, and this location close to 6th Street.
W Austin
W Austin’s got a sexy avant garde feel throughout the rooms and public spaces. Walk to 6th street for a great night out or just enjoy the views of downtown Austin from the hotel. This is another downtown hotel with a great rooftop pool and bar called Wet, they throw a great afternoon pool party.
Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin is a an excellent option for anyone looking for a luxury hotel in downtown Austin. This is a seriously nice hotel with great views from the rooms. And it’s located a short walk from 6th street in the heart of downtown Austin.
Hilton Austin
Hilton Austin is just a short walk from dirty sixth. So it’s great if you’re in town to party. And, best of all, you’ll always know when you’re done partying, you can retreat to the luxury of the Hilton.
This is a very nice 4 star hotel, with some magnificent suites, close to the convention center and an easy walk to most of the Austin CBD.
Austin Proper Hotel
Austin Proper Hotel is a luxurious as it gets. Voted one of the best new hotels in North America in 2020. It is located Downtown in the Market District close to Shoal Bay and a short walk from West Sixth Street and its many great restaurants and bars. This is a less wild spot in a wild town. So if you want to dial the fun back a notch or two from the drunken UT students that dominate East 6th Street then this is your part of town.
Hotel Van Zandt
Hotel Van Zandt is a true boutique hotel in downtown Austin. This is my favorite Austin Hotel. The rooftop is stunning with a beautiful pool, and a fireplace for those cooler evenings. There’s also a bar and a sensational restaurant all on the roof. And it’s right downtown, close to 6th street. The rooms are tasteful and have everything you want. The President’s suite is massive and the height of luxury.
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin-Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin-Downtown is right next to the Convention Center. It’s close to everything. This mid priced hotel has a pool and offers a decent standard of room. It won’t be a place you rave about, but it won’t ruin your holiday either. it’s just a standard mid range hotel – in a great location in downtown Austin. Popular with business travelers during the week and full of younger couples on the weekend.
Aloft Austin Downtown
Aloft Austin Downtown is a magnificent hotel on 7th Street. It’s right where you want to be in Austin. This is one of the closest Hotels to 6th Street. Great views of Austin from the top floors, and pretty reasonably priced considering the epic location.
Omni Hotel Austin
Omni Austin is just around the corner from the Driskill. The hotels a short walk from 6th street and a great location for a weekend in Austin. This is really central with a lot to see and do nearby. You can walk to pretty much everything from here. It’s a nice 4 star with a great rooftop pool and stunning views.
Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown
Canopy by Hilton is a really cool hotel in downtown Austin. It’s an easy walk to pretty much anything you want to do and the hotels pretty nice. The rooftop pool and bar is a real feature. Rooms here are mid priced for downtown Austin. More classy than luxurious, but any reasonable person should be happy to stay here and actually enjoy time spent in the hotel.
The LINE Austin
The LINE Austin is a beautifully renovated Hotel on the south end of downtown Austin bordering Lady Bird Lake. This is one of the best spots in Austin. Y’all gonna love it. It’s not cheap but it is really really cool. They have a great pool, a exceptional bar, and a good restaurant. The rooms are really nice with a choice of lake or city views. It’s in easy walking distance of so many great bars and restaurants.
JW Marriott Austin
JW Marriott Austin may look all business but it’s got some pretty sweet rooms. The Presidential Suite here has AMAZING views. As do all the rooms on the upper floors. It’s far from the cheapest hotel in town. But it’s luxurious and the service here is great. And it’s in the heart of downtown. You can walk to anything from here.
Four Seasons Austin
Four Seasons Austin is located in a prime spot where downtown Austin meets Lady Bird Lake. This is as good as it gets in terms of location. Walk to Sixth Street or anywhere in town. Retreat to the luxury of the Four Seasons. Great pool, beautiful lawn and views. Great food, and decadent rooms.
Downright Austin
Downright Austin is on the northern edge of downtown Austin. You can walk to 6th street or UT and the Capitol Building. This is a popular hotel near the city center.
Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown Convention Center
Located at the East end of downtown Austin where 5th Street meets the I35. This is a good location if you want to enjoy 6th Street but are on a budget. It’s a pretty nice mid priced hotel and offers great value for a downtown location like this.
Courtyard Austin Downtown/Convention Center
Great for business or couples, Courtyard Austin Downtown is a really well located hotel and great value. The rooms are really generously sized for a downtown hotel, especially at this price point. They have an indoor pool but it’s not the place to party.
Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown
A mid priced hotel from IHG on the north eastern edge of the downtown area. This is a popular choice for weekend fun in Austin due to it’s excellent location only a 5 minute walk from 6th street and it’s very reasonable prices. The rooftop pool is really nice on a summer evening.
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
At the cheaper end of downtown Austin Hotels; Hyatt House is a great choice for those on a budget who want to stay downtown without breaking the bank. The hotel is actually pretty nice, any reasonable person should be happy to stay here for a couple of nights. The rooms are modern and well designed, but not luxurious. It’s a mid range hotel in a pretty good location about a 5 minute walk from 6th Street.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown
Nothin’ Chillin’ at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown? Who you wit? Me an my peeps. Won’t you bring four of your friends?
You may not meet Chingy at this Holiday Inn but that shouldn’t stop you getting lit in a hotel room and inviting every hoe you know. This is a great location if you’re in Austin to party. It’s close to dirty sixth so one thing leadin’ to another let the party begin.
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Mix business with pleasure at the The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel. This luxurious hotel is located on 7th Street. It’s perfect for couples, or business travelers. And, when you want to party, it’s a two minute walk to 6th Street. This is a really nice hotel in downtown Austin.
The Otis Hotel
The Otis Hotel is located at the north end of Austin’s downtown area. It’s close to UT, and, while still in walking distance of 6th street it will be a little far for some. The hotel itself is great with a stunning rooftop pool and bar. And spectacular views.
Downtown Austin is a lively place. It draws people from all over the world. They come for the music, the bars, and the bbq. But most of all they come because Austins the best dang city in Texas.
Austin’s Famous Sixth Street
It seems everybody has a story about that drunken night on 6th street. Things can get pretty wild on a Friday or Saturday in the section locals know as dirty sixth. But don’t let that put you off, most Austinites are mighty friendly and are just in town to let off some steam and have some fun. So book a hotel in downtown Austin and come join the party.
Austin’s 2nd Street District
There’s a lot more to downtown Austin than just 6th Street. The 2nd Street District offers exceptional shopping, restaurants, and more refined bars than you’ll find on dirty 6th. And of course the Moody Theatre where ACL Live is filmed. This is also the place to find an upmarket hair salon, a posh yoga or pilates studio, or a fitness studio full of overly attractive 30 year olds. For a more laid-back alternative to downtown, walk south across the Congress Avenue Bridge to South Congress (SoCo) — Austin’s coolest neighborhood for boutique hotels, live music, and independent shops.
Last updated: February 2026
Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin
Hyatt’s upscale lifestyle brand right on Congress Avenue. Rooftop bar with Capitol views, stylish rooms, and a walkable location in the heart of downtown. One of Austin’s newest downtown hotels, opened 2024.
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
Choice Hotels’ upscale brand brings modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a downtown location near the Convention Center. A solid mid-range option with more personality than the typical downtown chain hotel.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin Downtown
Marriott’s value brand in a prime downtown location. Clean rooms, free breakfast, and Bonvoy points at a price that undercuts the big downtown hotels. Perfect if you want downtown without the downtown price tag.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown
Extended-stay suites with full kitchens in downtown Austin. Free breakfast, evening reception, and spacious rooms make this a great value for longer visits or families. Walking distance to 6th Street and the Convention Center.
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown
Hyatt’s select-service brand with comfortable rooms, free breakfast area, and a downtown location near 6th Street. Good value for Hyatt loyalists who want a reliable downtown stay without the full-service price.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown
One of the most affordable downtown hotels with IHG rewards, free hot breakfast, and a walkable location. Rooms are basic but clean, and the price-to-location ratio is hard to beat for budget-conscious downtown visitors.
Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown
IHG’s boutique brand brings local character to downtown Austin. Each floor tells a different Austin story through its design. The rooftop pool has great views, and the location on E. 6th Street puts you in the middle of the action.
Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown
Reliable Hilton Garden Inn near the Convention Center. On-site restaurant, pool, and rooms with mini-fridges and microwaves. A solid mid-range downtown option.
La Quinta Inn Austin Capitol/Downtown
One of the cheapest downtown hotels in Austin. Basic rooms but a location steps from the Capitol and 6th Street. Wyndham Rewards points and free breakfast. Budget travelers take note.
Super 8 Austin Downtown/Capitol Area
Rock-bottom downtown prices. Don’t expect luxury, but the location near the Capitol is genuine. For budget travelers who just need a clean bed and a downtown address.
Hotel Trinity Downtown Austin
Opening 2026 — a 258-room upscale hotel at Trinity & 5th Street with rooftop pool and downtown views. One of the most anticipated new Austin hotels.
Things to Do in Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Texas. Here’s what to see and do when you’re not in your hotel room.
Nightlife & Live Music
Downtown Austin is the live music capital of the world, and 6th Street is where it all happens. Dirty 6th (East 6th between Congress and I-35) is the legendary bar strip — packed shoulder-to-shoulder on weekends with live music pouring out of every door. West 6th is the more upscale alternative with craft cocktail bars and a slightly older crowd. Rainey Street is Austin’s other nightlife hotspot — converted bungalow houses turned into bars with big patios and food trucks. For live shows, Mohawk, Stubb’s, and Emo’s host everything from indie acts to major tours. Comedy Mothership — Joe Rogan’s comedy club at 305 East 6th Street — has become one of Austin’s hottest tickets since opening in 2023, with surprise drop-ins from touring comedians most nights. The Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue is the city’s premier venue for comedy, film, and live performance.
Food & Drink
You’ll eat well downtown. Terry Black’s BBQ on Barton Springs Road is walkable from most downtown hotels — get the brisket. For fine dining, Uchi (Japanese), Emmer & Rye (seasonal), and Lenoir (hot weather food) are all within a short rideshare. The food truck scene on Rainey Street and East 6th is legendary. For cocktails, Roosevelt Room and Firehouse Lounge are speakeasy-style bars, while Midnight Cowboy requires a reservation to enter. The 2nd Street District has excellent date-night restaurants and rooftop bars.
Arts & Culture
The Texas State Capitol is a short walk from most downtown hotels — free guided tours run daily and the building is genuinely impressive. The Blanton Museum of Art on the UT campus is walkable from the north end of downtown. The Contemporary Austin — Jones Center is right on Congress Avenue. For street art, East 6th and the surrounding alleys are covered in murals. And the Mexic-Arte Museum on Congress Avenue showcases Mexican and Latin American art.
Outdoor Activities
Lady Bird Lake is right at the southern edge of downtown — the 10.1-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is walkable from any downtown hotel. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from the Rowing Dock or Texas Rowing Center. Every evening from March through October, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset — hotels near the lake have front-row seats. Butler Park and Zilker Park are a short walk or rideshare south, and Barton Springs Pool — a natural spring-fed swimming hole — stays a refreshing 68°F year-round.
Getting Around
Downtown Austin is very walkable — every hotel in this guide is within walking distance to 6th Street, and most attractions are within 15 minutes on foot. 6th Street itself is closed to car traffic on Friday and Saturday nights. Electric scooters (Lime, Bird) are everywhere for quick trips. South Congress is a 10-minute walk across the Congress Avenue Bridge. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 15 minutes by rideshare. The MetroRail red line stops downtown near the Convention Center for trips to north Austin and the Domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about staying in downtown Austin near 6th Street.
What is the best hotel in downtown Austin?
For luxury, Four Seasons Austin and Austin Proper Hotel are the top picks. For boutique character, Hotel Van Zandt and Hotel ZaZa are excellent. For historic charm, The Driskill has been Austin’s landmark hotel since 1886. The best choice depends on your budget and what matters most — see our comparison table below.
Is downtown Austin a good area to stay?
Downtown is the best area for first-time visitors. You’re walking distance to 6th Street nightlife, Lady Bird Lake, the Capitol, the Convention Center, and hundreds of restaurants and bars. It’s the most central location in Austin — you can reach South Congress, East Austin, and Rainey Street on foot.
How far is downtown Austin from the airport?
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 8 miles southeast of downtown — roughly 15 minutes by rideshare or taxi, depending on traffic. During SXSW and other major events, allow 25–30 minutes.
What is “Dirty 6th” in Austin?
Dirty 6th is the locals’ nickname for the stretch of East 6th Street between Congress Avenue and I-35. It’s Austin’s most famous nightlife strip — packed with bars, live music, and street performers on weekend nights. It gets rowdy late at night, especially during events. West 6th and Rainey Street are more upscale alternatives.
Are there affordable hotels in downtown Austin?
Yes. La Quinta Inn and Super 8 near the Capitol offer rooms under $100/night. Holiday Inn Express, Hyatt House, and Fairfield Inn are solid mid-range options with free breakfast. For the best budget-to-location ratio downtown, Aloft Austin and Cambria Hotel offer modern rooms at reasonable prices. See our full cheap hotels in Austin guide for more options.
What is the best hotel near the Austin Convention Center?
Hilton Austin is directly across the street from the Convention Center. Fairmont Austin, JW Marriott, and Hampton Inn & Suites are all within a 5-minute walk. Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott are also nearby and offer good value for convention attendees.
Is downtown Austin safe at night?
Downtown Austin is generally safe. The main tourist areas (6th Street, 2nd Street District, Rainey Street) are well-lit and busy with foot traffic. Dirty 6th can get rowdy on weekend nights — typical of any entertainment district. Use normal city awareness, especially late at night. West 6th and Rainey Street tend to be calmer.
When is the best time to visit downtown Austin?
Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) have the best weather. SXSW in March and ACL Festival in October bring incredible energy but hotel prices spike — book months ahead. Summer is hot (100°F+) but hotel deals are better. Winter is mild compared to most of the US and sees the lowest hotel prices.
Which downtown hotels are closest to Auditorium Shores?
Auditorium Shores is on the south bank of Lady Bird Lake, directly below downtown — a 10-to-15-minute walk from most hotels in this guide. The closest options are Hyatt Regency Austin (right on the lake), Four Seasons Austin, and Hilton Austin. Auditorium Shores hosts the ACL Festival, Blues on the Green summer concert series, and the Trail of Lights in December. If you’re coming for any of these events, a downtown hotel puts you within easy walking distance.
Downtown Austin Hotels at a Glance
Use this quick comparison to find the right downtown hotel for your trip. Prices are per night averages — rates vary by season, especially during SXSW, ACL, and F1.
| Hotel | Price | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Austin | $$$$ | Luxury 5-star | Luxury seekers, couples |
| Austin Proper Hotel | $$$$ | Luxury boutique | Design lovers, couples |
| The LINE Austin | $$$$ | Luxury boutique | Lake views, couples |
| W Austin | $$$$ | Luxury boutique | Nightlife, couples |
| The Driskill Hotel | $$$$ | Historic luxury | Couples, history buffs |
| Fairmont Austin | $$$$ | Luxury chain | Views, families |
| JW Marriott Austin | $$$$ | Luxury chain | Business, luxury seekers |
| Hotel Van Zandt | $$$ | Boutique | Music lovers, foodies |
| Hotel ZaZa Austin | $$$ | Boutique | Couples, romance |
| Hyatt Centric Congress Ave | $$$ | Lifestyle | Central location, nightlife |
| The Westin Austin Downtown | $$$ | Upscale chain | Rooftop scene, couples |
| Austin Marriott Downtown | $$$ | Upscale chain | Rooftop, business |
| Hilton Austin | $$$ | Upscale chain | Convention, nightlife |
| Omni Hotel Austin | $$$ | Upscale chain | Central location, families |
| Canopy by Hilton | $$$ | Lifestyle chain | Rooftop scene |
| Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta | $$$ | Upscale chain | Business, couples |
| The Otis Hotel | $$$ | Upscale chain | Views, UT visitors |
| Hotel Trinity | $$$ | Upscale (new) | Opening 2026 |
| Aloft Austin Downtown | $$ | Lifestyle chain | Value, nightlife |
| Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown | $$ | Boutique chain | Rooftop, nightlife |
| Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown | $$ | Mid-range chain | Value, modern rooms |
| Hampton Inn & Suites | $$ | Mid-range chain | Budget business |
| Hilton Garden Inn Convention Ctr | $$ | Mid-range chain | Convention, value |
| Courtyard Austin Downtown | $$ | Mid-range chain | Business, value |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton | $$ | Extended stay | Families, longer stays |
| Hyatt Place Austin Downtown | $$ | Mid-range chain | Value, Hyatt points |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites | $$ | Value chain | Budget, Bonvoy points |
| Downright Austin | $$ | Mid-range chain | Budget, UT visitors |
| Hyatt House Austin/Downtown | $$ | Extended stay | Budget, longer stays |
| Holiday Inn Express Downtown | $ | Budget chain | Budget, nightlife |
| La Quinta Inn Capitol/Downtown | $ | Budget chain | Budget travelers |
| Super 8 Downtown/Capitol Area | $ | Budget chain | Rock-bottom budget |
Map of Hotels in Downtown Austin
All 32 hotels are within walking distance of 6th Street and downtown attractions. Use the map below to see exactly where each hotel is located relative to 6th Street, the Convention Center, Rainey Street, and Lady Bird Lake.
Can’t see the map? Open Downtown Austin hotels in Google Maps.
Best Times to Book a Downtown Austin Hotel
Downtown Austin is a year-round destination, but four major events send hotel demand (and prices) through the roof. Book early if you’re visiting during any of these:
SXSW (March)
Downtown is ground zero for SXSW. The Austin Convention Center hosts the main conference, 6th Street fills with unofficial showcases and pop-up events, and every hotel within walking distance sells out months in advance. Prices double or triple during the festival. If you’re coming for SXSW, book as early as possible — check our SXSW hotels guide for tips.
ACL Festival (October)
Austin City Limits Music Festival takes over Zilker Park for two weekends in October. Downtown hotels are some of the closest to the festival grounds — a short rideshare or a 20-minute walk. After a day of live music, 6th Street and Rainey Street keep the party going well past midnight. See our ACL hotels guide for the best options.
Formula 1 US Grand Prix (October–November)
The F1 Grand Prix at COTA brings an international crowd to Austin every fall. While the Circuit of the Americas is southeast of town, downtown Austin is where the after-parties happen — Rainey Street and 6th Street are packed with race fans all weekend. Hotels sell out well in advance. Plan ahead with our F1 hotels guide.
UT Longhorns Football (September–November)
Game days at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium (just north of downtown) bring tens of thousands of fans to Austin. Hotels near UT and downtown fill up for Saturday home games, especially marquee SEC matchups. The Otis Hotel and Downright Austin are the closest downtown hotels to campus. Plan ahead for rivalry weekends.
Outside of major events, spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best weather. Summer is hot (100°F+) but hotel deals are better and the rooftop pool scene is at its peak.
Last updated: February 2026