Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( 512-444-7322;
www.sanjosehotel.com
; 1316 S Congress Ave; r with shared bathroom $95-145, with private bath-
room $165-285; )
Local hotelier Liz Lambert revamped a 1930s-vintage motel in-
to a chic SoCo retreat with minimalist rooms in stucco bungalows, native Texas gardens
and a very Austin-esque hotel bar in the courtyard that's known for its celebrity-spotting
potential. South Congress has become quite the scene, and this hotel's location puts you
right in the thick of it.
Austin Motel
( 512-441-1157;
www.austinmotel.com
;
1220 S Congress Ave; r $84-139, ste $163; )
'Garage-
sale chic' is the unifying factor at this wonderfully funky motel that embodies the spirit of
the 'Keep Austin Weird' movement. Each room is individually decorated with whatever
happened to be lying around at the time, and with varying degrees of success.
Take your chances, or handpick your room from the website, which has a picture of
each and every one. Poolside suites are huge, and No 138 is especially cheery.
MOTEL
$$
Kimber Modern
( 512-912-1046;
www.kimbermodern.com
;
110 The Circle; r incl breakfast $250-295; )
Staying in one
of the five rooms at the architecturally adept Kimber is like staying in a minimalist art
museum, with lots of white space accented by splashes of color. But the patio - now that's
a different story altogether. If the rooms feel sterile, just step outside and relax under the
insanely sprawling live oak.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
$$$
Hotel St Cecilia
( 512-852-2400;
www.hotelsaintcecilia.com
; 112 Academy Dr; ste $295-900; )
The hustle and
bustle of South Congress melts away the moment you cross over onto the serene lawn
graced by a 300-year-old live oak. Choose from a suite in the Victorian -style house (c
1888) furnished with the perfect blend of modern, vintage and artistic touches, a studio in
the main building, or one of the sleek poolside bungalows.
A splurge, to be sure - but if you have the time to stick around and enjoy it, this place
really gets under your skin.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
$$$
