Hotel Ella — Review (2026)

At a Glance

Overview

Hotel Ella is Austin’s most architecturally significant hotel, occupying the historic Goodall Wooten House — a Greek Revival mansion built in 1900 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel opened in 2013 after a careful restoration that preserved the mansion’s grandeur while adding a modern wing of contemporary rooms. The result is a hotel that exists in two worlds: the original mansion with its columned portico, grand staircase, and historic character, and the new wing with clean-lined contemporary rooms and modern amenities. Both share the property’s lush grounds, courtyard pool, and one of Austin’s best on-site restaurants. For history and architecture enthusiasts, Hotel Ella is a must-experience.

Rooms & Suites

The 47 rooms are split between the historic mansion and the modern addition. Mansion rooms are the star — each is unique, with original architectural details, high ceilings, period-appropriate furnishings, and the kind of character you only find in a 125-year-old building. The Ella Suite in the mansion is the hotel’s finest room, with a separate living area and views of the grounds. The modern wing rooms are contemporary and well-designed — cleaner lines, updated technology, and a more predictable layout. They are comfortable and pleasant but lack the historic mansion rooms’ wow factor. If you are booking Hotel Ella, request a mansion room for the full experience.

Location

Hotel Ella is at 1900 University Avenue, directly across from the UT Austin campus. The Drag (Guadalupe Street) with its shops and restaurants is a block away. The Texas State Capitol is a 10-minute walk south. Downtown proper is about 15 minutes on foot. For UT football games, graduation, and campus events, no hotel is better located. The surrounding neighborhood is a mix of university charm and established Austin residential streets. It is a quieter, more refined location than the downtown hotel corridor.

Dining & Drinks

Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar is the hotel’s restaurant, housed in a beautiful space that blends the historic building with modern design. It serves creative American cuisine with Texas influences and has developed a loyal local following — brunch here is particularly popular and one of the best in Austin. The outdoor patio dining under the mansion’s old oak trees is exceptional when weather permits. The bar program is strong, and the setting makes it one of Austin’s most romantic spots for a cocktail. For off-site dining, the UT campus area and downtown are both accessible on foot.

Amenities

What you get:

• Courtyard pool surrounded by historic grounds
• Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar restaurant
• Historic mansion on National Register of Historic Places
• Fitness center
• Concierge services
• Event and meeting spaces in historic mansion
• Free Wi-Fi
• Valet parking ($32/night)
• Pet-friendly
• Curated art collection throughout

What you do not get:

• No spa
• No rooftop bar or pool
• Mansion rooms vary in size (some are compact)
• Not within walking distance of 6th Street or SoCo
• No loyalty program
• Limited room availability (47 rooms)

Who It’s Best For

History lovers: This is where this hotel truly shines.

Not ideal for: Anyone wanting a modern high-rise hotel with downtown views and a rooftop pool — this is a historic property in a residential neighborhood near UT campus.

Pros & Cons

How It Compares

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

• vs. The Driskill: Austin’s two great historic hotels. The Driskill (1886) is downtown on 6th Street with more grandeur. Hotel Ella (1900) is near UT with a more intimate residential setting. Driskill for downtown access; Ella for architectural beauty and campus proximity.
• vs. Colton House Hotel: Both are near UT campus. Colton House is apartment-style with kitchens. Hotel Ella is a historic mansion with a restaurant. Colton House for extended stays; Ella for history and dining.
• vs. The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta: Both are historic Austin hotels. Stephen F. is downtown on Congress Avenue. Ella is near UT campus. Stephen F. for downtown walkability; Ella for architectural significance and a quieter setting.
• vs. South Congress Hotel: SCH is a modern boutique on SoCo. Ella is a historic mansion near UT. Completely different vibes — SCH for SoCo culture; Ella for history and campus visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Hotel Ella?

The building — the Goodall Wooten House — was built in 1900, making it over 125 years old. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel conversion was completed in 2013.

Is Hotel Ella near UT Austin?

Yes — it is directly across University Avenue from the UT campus. It is the closest quality hotel to the university, making it ideal for game days, graduation, campus tours, and university events.

Does Hotel Ella have a restaurant?

Yes — Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar serves creative American cuisine in a beautiful setting. The brunch is particularly popular, and the outdoor patio dining under historic oaks is one of Austin’s most charming dining experiences.

How much does Hotel Ella cost per night?

Rooms start around $200 for modern wing rooms and $300+ for mansion rooms. Rates increase during UT football weekends, graduation, and major Austin events. It is well-priced for the quality and character.

Should I book a mansion room or modern room?

Mansion rooms are the signature experience — historic character, unique layouts, high ceilings, and original details. Modern rooms are more predictable and comfortable. If it is your first visit, choose a mansion room.

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.