The LINE Austin — Review (2026)

At a Glance

Overview

The LINE Austin is a converted 1960s lakeside Holiday Inn that has been transformed into one of the coolest hotels in the city. Part of the LINE hotel brand (now under Hyatt), it opened in 2018 and instantly became a local favorite thanks to its mid-century modern design, exceptional restaurants, and Lady Bird Lake-adjacent location. The conversion preserved the building’s original mid-century bones while layering in modern design touches — terrazzo floors, vintage-inspired furniture, and a lobby that functions as a genuine community space with coffee shop, bookstore, and event programming. This is a hotel that Austinites actually hang out at, which is the highest compliment a hotel can receive in this city.

Rooms & Suites

The 428 rooms reflect the building’s 1960s origins — they are not the most spacious (starting around 300 square feet for standard rooms), but the design makes them feel considered and cool. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood rooms with natural light, and the mid-century-inspired furnishings have genuine character. Lake-view rooms are worth the upgrade — watching the sun set over Lady Bird Lake from your room is a memorable experience. The bathrooms are modern with walk-in showers and Davines products. Some rooms have small balconies. The suites offer significantly more space if the standard rooms feel tight.

Location

The LINE sits at 111 East Cesar Chavez Street, right on the shore of Lady Bird Lake. The hotel has direct access to the hike-and-bike trail, and the Congress Avenue Bridge (famous for its bats) is walking distance. Rainey Street’s bar district is a 5-minute walk east. The downtown core is about a 10-minute walk north, and the Convention Center is nearby. For a hotel that is technically lakeside, it has surprisingly good access to Austin’s nightlife and dining. The East Cesar Chavez corridor is becoming a dining destination in its own right.

Dining & Drinks

This is where The LINE truly shines. Arlo Grey, helmed by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish, is one of Austin’s most celebrated restaurants. It serves refined Italian-American cuisine with lake views and is a genuine dining destination — not just a hotel restaurant. Reservations are essential. P6, a Thai-inspired cafe by James Beard-nominated chef Thai Changthong, serves excellent casual food on the ground floor and is popular with locals for lunch. The lobby coffee shop keeps things caffeinated. For a hotel with two genuinely outstanding restaurants, The LINE stands alone in Austin.

Amenities

What you get:

• Lakeside pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake
• Arlo Grey restaurant (Top Chef Kristen Kish)
• P6 Thai-inspired cafe
• Lobby coffee shop and bookstore
• Fitness center
• Direct access to hike-and-bike trail
• World of Hyatt eligible
• Event programming and community space
• Valet ($45/night)
• Pet-friendly
• Bicycle rentals

What you do not get:

• No spa
• No self-parking option (valet only)
• Standard rooms are small (~300 sq ft)
• No complimentary breakfast
• Pool is pleasant but not a major scene

Who It’s Best For

Design lovers: This is where this hotel truly shines.

Not ideal for: Anyone wanting a traditional luxury hotel experience or expecting large rooms (the mid-century conversion means some rooms are compact), or families needing lots of space.

Pros & Cons

How It Compares

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

• vs. Hotel Van Zandt: Both are on the east side of downtown near the lake. Van Zandt is music-focused on Rainey Street. The LINE is design-focused with better restaurants. Van Zandt for nightlife; The LINE for dining and design.
• vs. Four Seasons Austin: Both are lakeside hotels. Four Seasons is full luxury with a resort feel. The LINE is cooler and more design-forward at a lower price point. Four Seasons for amenities and service; The LINE for personality and dining.
• vs. W Austin: W is flashier and music-focused on 2nd Street. The LINE is cooler and more design-conscious on the lake. W for a scene; The LINE for a more thoughtful experience.
• vs. South Congress Hotel: Both are design-forward boutiques. SoCo Hotel has a SoCo location and rooftop pool. The LINE has a lakeside setting and better restaurants. SoCo for shopping; The LINE for dining and lake access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The LINE Austin have good restaurants?

Exceptional. Arlo Grey (by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish) is one of Austin’s best restaurants, and P6 serves excellent Thai-inspired food. The dining alone is worth booking The LINE.

Is The LINE Austin on Lady Bird Lake?

Yes — it sits directly on Lady Bird Lake with pool views of the water. The hotel has direct access to the hike-and-bike trail, and the Congress Avenue Bridge is walking distance.

How much does The LINE Austin cost per night?

Standard rooms start around $200 in off-peak periods and can exceed $500 during events. World of Hyatt points redemptions are available. Given the restaurants and location, it offers strong value.

Is The LINE Austin a Hyatt hotel?

Yes — The LINE hotel brand is part of the World of Hyatt portfolio. Guests earn and redeem World of Hyatt points and receive elite member benefits.

Is The LINE Austin pet-friendly?

Yes — dogs are welcome with a pet fee. The lakeside location and hike-and-bike trail make it one of the best hotels in Austin for dogs. See our pet-friendly hotels guide.

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.