At a Glance
| Star Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5-Star) |
| Location | Downtown (2nd Street District) |
| Brand | Marriott (JW) |
| Built / Renovated | 2015 |
| Rooms | The 1,012 rooms start at about 370 square feet for a standard king — similar to the Fairmont. Rooms on higher floors have excellent views, and the floor-to-ceiling windows make even standard rooms feel open. The renovation in 2023 refreshed soft goods and technology throughout. The suites are where things get interesting — the Corner Suites have wrap-around views, and the Presidential Suite is one of the most impressive hotel rooms in Austin. For Marriott Bonvoy members, this is one of the best properties in the system for earning and redeeming points. |
| Price Range | $300–$800+ per night |
| Best For | Convention attendees, Business travelers, Marriott loyalists, Families |
Overview
The JW Marriott Austin is downtown’s other mega-hotel and the property that put Austin’s convention scene on the map when it opened in 2015. With 1,012 rooms across 34 floors, it anchors the 2nd Street District and serves as the de facto headquarters for SXSW, ACL, and just about every major conference that comes to town.
What sets it apart from other large convention hotels is the rooftop — the pool deck on the 4th floor has become a genuine Austin destination, with fire pits, cabanas, and one of the best hotel bars in the city. JW Marriott has figured out how to be both a massive business hotel and a place that leisure travelers actually want to stay.
Rooms & Suites
The 1,012 rooms start at about 370 square feet for a standard king — similar to the Fairmont. Rooms on higher floors have excellent views, and the floor-to-ceiling windows make even standard rooms feel open. The renovation in 2023 refreshed soft goods and technology throughout.
The suites are where things get interesting — the Corner Suites have wrap-around views, and the Presidential Suite is one of the most impressive hotel rooms in Austin. For Marriott Bonvoy members, this is one of the best properties in the system for earning and redeeming points.
Location
The hotel sits at 110 East 2nd Street, in the heart of the 2nd Street District — Austin’s upscale shopping and dining corridor. The Austin Convention Center is 2 blocks east, Congress Avenue is 1 block west, and Lady Bird Lake is a 5-minute walk south.
The 2nd Street location is arguably the best downtown position for someone who wants walkable access to everything — restaurants, bars, shopping, and the lake trail are all within a few blocks. SXSW badge-holders practically live here during the festival.
Dining & Drinks
The hotel has multiple dining options. Burger Bar is a casual ground-floor spot that is surprisingly good. The Corner Restaurant handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a farm-to-table Texas menu. But the real draw is the rooftop — the bar up by the pool serves excellent cocktails with panoramic views of Congress Avenue and the Capitol dome.
You are also steps from the 2nd Street District’s restaurants, and a short walk from fine dining options on Congress Avenue.
Amenities
What you get:
- 4th-floor rooftop pool with fire pits and cabanas
- Fitness center (24-hour)
- Spa services available
- Direct access to 2nd Street District shopping
- Pet-friendly (Marriott pet policy)
- Concierge and 24-hour front desk
- Marriott Bonvoy points earning and redemption
- 100,000+ sq ft meeting space
- Valet ($55) and self-parking ($42)
- Multiple on-site dining options
What you do not get:
- Standard rooms are not huge (~370 sq ft)
- No complimentary breakfast (except Bonvoy elites)
- Pool deck gets very crowded during events
- Not a full-service spa
Who It’s Best For
Marriott Bonvoy members: This is one of the best JW Marriott properties in the US for earning and burning points. Elite status benefits are solid here, including suite upgrades when available.
Convention and business travelers: The 2nd Street location and proximity to the Convention Center make this the most popular choice for conferences. SXSW essentially takes over the entire hotel.
Families: The pool deck is a hit with kids, and the 2nd Street District has plenty of family-friendly restaurants. The rooftop vibe is more fun than stuffy.
Not ideal for: Boutique hotel lovers seeking intimate character, budget travelers, or anyone who dislikes large properties with convention crowds.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Prime 2nd Street District location
- Outstanding rooftop pool with fire pits
- Marriott Bonvoy points and elite benefits
- Walking distance to Convention Center
- Multiple dining options on-site
- Self-parking available ($42)
- Solid rooms with great high-floor views
Cons
- Massive hotel (1,012 rooms) lacks intimacy
- Standard rooms are average size
- Pool is packed during events
- Convention crowd can dominate
- Valet is $55/night
- No lakefront access
How It Compares
Austin has no shortage of luxury hotels, so here is how this property stacks up:
- vs. Fairmont Austin: Both are huge convention hotels. JW has the better pool and 2nd Street location. Fairmont is newer and connected to the Convention Center via skybridge. Choose JW for Marriott points; Fairmont for the skybridge.
- vs. Four Seasons Austin: Completely different vibes. Four Seasons is lakefront boutique luxury. JW is urban and massive. Four Seasons for leisure indulgence; JW for business or Marriott loyalty.
- vs. W Austin: Both on 2nd Street. W is trendier and has live music DNA. JW is more polished and business-friendly. W for nightlife; JW for the better pool and Marriott benefits.
- vs. Hilton Austin: Hilton is older but closer to 6th Street. JW is newer with a better rooftop. JW wins on amenities; Hilton on Hilton Honors value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does JW Marriott Austin have a pool?
Yes — the 4th-floor rooftop pool deck is one of the best in Austin, with a heated pool, hot tub, fire pits, cabanas, and a full bar. See our guide to Austin hotels with the best pools.
Can you use Marriott points at JW Austin?
Yes. The JW Marriott Austin is a Marriott Bonvoy property. You can earn and redeem points, and elite members receive benefits including potential suite upgrades, late checkout, and lounge access.
Is JW Marriott Austin good for SXSW?
It is the most popular hotel for SXSW attendees — the 2nd Street location puts you in the middle of everything. Book extremely early; it sells out months in advance. See our SXSW hotel guide.
How much does JW Marriott Austin cost?
Standard rooms start around $300 per night off-peak. During SXSW, F1, and ACL, rates can exceed $800. Marriott Bonvoy points redemptions vary by date.
Is JW Marriott Austin pet-friendly?
Yes, under Marriott’s pet policy. See our guide to pet-friendly 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.
