Austin is a city with authentic Southern charm. This is the capital of Texas, where everything fun is happening. Travelers flock to Austin for the fantastic food, exciting music festivals, and city attractions. Also, you’ll find plenty of sports bars in the city. If you want to experience the city without breaking the bank, staying at a cheap hotel in Austin Texas is the answer. We’re going to show you all the best budget hotels in the city so that you can explore Austin on budget.
There are so many reasons why Austin is the best travel destination. Named the Live Music Capital of The World, this city boasts more than 250 music venues. Whenever you want to enjoy a show, there’s always something for you to see. In addition, the culinary scene in Austin is the highlight. From upscale restaurants to favored food trucks, this city is a foodie paradise.
The city’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird.” The creative art scene truly reflects Austin’s quirkiness. You can even visit a unique museum called the Museum of the Weird. With warm weather and sunshine every day, exploring Austin feels like a blessing. So let’s check out the best cheap hotels in downtown Austin Texas for your next adventure!
Table of contents
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Downtown
- Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol
- Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin
- Hyatt House Austin Downtown
- Element Austin Downtown
- SpringHill Suites Austin South
- Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown
- Courtyard Austin Downtown
- Aloft Austin Downtown
- East Austin Hotel
- Top Affordable Bars in Austin, Texas
- Top Affordable Restaurants in Austin, Texas
- Free Things To Do in Austin, Texas
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Downtown
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Stay in the heart of Austin near the Texas Capitol and The University of Texas. Sitting off I-35, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Downtown gives you easy access to popular attractions. Austin Museum of Art, Old German Free School Museum, and Paramount Theatre are all within walking distance from the hotel’s front door. With plenty of outdoor spaces, this is one of the best budget hotels in Austin.
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Downtown provides you with the everyday essentials to make your stay convenient. Enjoy the complimentary Bright Side Breakfast with waffles and hot coffee. Then, you can get active in the 24/7 fitness studio. On a sunny day, enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor swimming pool.
Each cozy guest room comes with a flat-screen television. And to help you stay productive, there’s fast internet access and a work desk. But the best thing is, there’s an in-room coffee maker. That way, you can enjoy a cup of coffee anytime you want.
Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol
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Explore the best the city offers at Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol. This is where you can discover the hidden gems and experience a deluxe stay without paying the premium rates. This hotel boasts 367 thoughtfully designed rooms with stunning Capitol views. And with the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience, you’ll get to enjoy a peaceful sleep and be ready to explore in the morning. It’s a cheap hotel in Austin Texas that gives you a 5-star experience.
Take a dip in the indoor or outdoor swimming pools or relax in the beautiful backyard. This is one of the best budget hotels in Austin that places you in the middle of the action. Here, you have direct access to the Texas Music Museum, Lott Park, and French Legation Museum.
The elegant guest rooms at Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol come with modern furnishings. Besides, you have a television, an ergonomic work desk, and a coffee machine in the room. Every morning, enjoy Southern cuisines at The Yard, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Fresh beverages are available at the Lobby Bar.
Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown
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Sitting in the Red River District, the Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown is one of the newest cheap hotels in downtown Austin Texas. It was opened in January 2016 and has become one of the travelers’ favorites. The warm service and cozy atmosphere make you feel at home. Besides, the staff will guide you to the city’s hidden gems.
Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown features the 3 signature Express services. The Express Start Breakfast ensures you enjoy a delicious breakfast to start your day. Then the Express Essentials are there to make your stay more convenient. Things like free Wi-Fi, coffee, and tea-making facilities are available. And lastly, the Express Recharge provides you with a plush duvet for a restful sleep.
Other facilities at Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown include a 24/7 fitness center and a heated outdoor pool. Now, let’s enter the room. The Standard guest rooms are designed to make you feel comfortable. Each room features a tea maker, mini-refrigerator, and TV with premium channels. It’s one of the comfiest budget hotels in Austin for those who prefer to travel simply.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin
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Stay at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin for high-quality service from a cheap hotel in Austin Texas that won’t disappoint. This is a beautiful hotel with Hilton’s world-class standards. Yet you don’t have to pay a premium price for the deluxe experience.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin places you within two blocks of the Texas Capitol. And just a short drive away, you’ll reach the Moody Center and Waterloo Park. There’s so much to explore when you’re here. But if you prefer to enjoy a staycation time, the hotel also features an outdoor pool and a patio.
The spacious guest rooms have essential amenities like air-conditioning, a TV, and a fridge. But if you want to upgrade, reserve the suites that feature a kitchenette and a spacious living area. However, all types of rooms are equipped with sleek workstations. This is one of the best cheap hotels in downtown Austin Texas for short and extended stays. For more hotels in the city, check out the best hotels in Austin.
Hyatt House Austin Downtown
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Hyatt House Austin Downtown is a modern cheap hotel in Austin Texas for leisure travelers like you. Discover all the best places in Austin and make your vacation memorable. You’re just a block away from top music venues, restaurants, and famous landmarks here. Go to Austin Museum of Art, Paramount Theater, and Wild About Music, all less than a mile away.
But before starting your exploration, start your day with a complimentary hot breakfast at the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Fuel up with omelets, sausages, and oatmeal. Also, don’t forget to have a cup of coffee. If you’re not ready to go out yet, just enjoy your time in the relaxing outdoor pool while soaking up the sun. It’s one of the best budget hotels in Austin for first-timers coming to the city.
After exploring the city for the whole day, get back to your spacious room and relax. Each room at Hyatt House Austin Downtown comes with air-conditioning and flat-screen television. Also, there’s a microwave and a fridge.
Element Austin Downtown
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Element Austin Downtown is the perfect cheap hotel in Austin Texas for an extended stay. The hotel is equipped with all the amenities to make your visit more convenient. The best thing about it is the eco-friendly design and modern technology. You have express check-in and check-out and a smart TV. Also, bikes are available for free for exploring the city.
Sitting in the heart of Austin, Element Austin Downtown is only steps from shops, restaurants, and attractions. Yet, it has the on-site Caroline Restaurant and Coffee that serves American fares, pastries, and cocktails. Here, you can also play some outdoor games. It’s one of the finest budget hotels in Austin to experience luxury without the hefty price tag.
Every room at Element Austin Downtown comes with a seating area where you can relax and unwind after a busy day. You also have your own coffee maker for endless cups of coffee. Breakfast is served every morning. Then, you can head to the terrace to take in the city view.
SpringHill Suites Austin South
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SpringHill Suites Austin South is your perfect spot if you prefer tranquility but close to the transportation hub. Sitting off I-35, you still have easy access from and to the airport. It’s a modern hotel that’s designed for a convenient stay. You get to enjoy the indoor swimming pool, snack bar, and super cozy lounge. Staying here means you’re surrounded by beautiful nature and serenity. For more options near the airport, check out the best hotels near Austin-Bergstrom Airport.
Before starting your adventure, fuel up with a buffet breakfast and a cup of tea. SpringHill Suites Austin South also features a fitness center if you want to do some warm-ups. And when you’re ready to explore, you have the beautiful attractions only minutes from the hotel. Battle Bend Park, Mabel Davis Park, and Franklin Park are less than two miles away. Or you can also go to McKinney Falls State Park.
SpringHill Suites Austin South boasts cozy rooms that make you feel at home. Each guest room features a mini-refrigerator, a microwave, and flat-screen television. Besides, the fast internet connection makes it easy to stay connected with family and friends back home.
Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown
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Explore Austin like a local at Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown. This hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Not only can you bring your whole family, but this is also a pet-friendly hotel. Take your four-legged buddy on a journey with you. Another good thing about this hotel is the spacious communal space to connect with fellow travelers. It’s an excellent cheap hotel in Austin Texas, for solo and family vacations.
Have fun at the poolside bar with the signature cocktails and snacks. Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown also showcases live music and local arts. This hotel truly embodies the authentic spirit of Texas. For that reason, it has been one of the best budget hotels in Austin. In your free time, Walk or ride a bike to explore the surrounding areas.
The bright and colorful rooms at Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown come with air-conditioning, large-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. A sleek work desk is also available. But if you’re bored in the room, just head to the on-site bar or dip in the outdoor swimming pool. A healthy breakfast is available every morning. If you want more options for hotels with pools, check out the best hotel pools in Austin.
Courtyard Austin Downtown
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Immerse yourself in the authentic Southern experience at Courtyard Austin Downtown. This is where you can enjoy the fantastic live music and colorful arts. Located across from the Austin Convention Center, this hotel offers easy access to O Henry Museum, 6th Street, and Texas State Capitol. And what we love about this hotel is its Mobile Key for mobile check-in and room access. This is a sophisticated cheap hotel in Austin Texas, for a modern traveler.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the on-site restaurant in the morning. But if you prefer small bites, head to the on-site Starbucks for a cup of coffee and cookies. Stay active at the hotel’s fitness center or swim for a few laps in the indoor pool in your free time. But if you prefer an outdoor adventure, we recommend hiking at Zilker Park.
After returning from adventure, enjoy the rest of the night in your spacious room with plush bedding and have a good night’s sleep. Each room also includes a television with premium channels. You can also make a cup of coffee with the in-room coffee maker. This is one of the finest cheap hotels in downtown Austin Texas for those who don’t want to compromise quality.
Aloft Austin Downtown
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When it comes to cheap hotels in downtown Austin, Aloft Austin Downtown should be your top 3 choices. Sitting in the iconic 6th Street Entertainment District, there’s no shortage of fun activities to do nearby. Besides, you’re also only a short drive away from the stunning Lady Bird Lake and Barton Springs Pool.
This modern hotel features an elegant design and state-of-the-art amenities. Ultra-fast Wi-Fi connection, smart TV, and premium bath products make your stay convenient. Break a sweat at the on-site fitness studio, then grab a coffee and fresh pastries at the hotel’s café. Or you can have a main course at the Caroline Restaurant.
The bright and colorful rooms at Aloft Austin Downtown come with air-conditioning and a large-screen TV. Besides, there’s a seating area where you can relax. Moreover, you have a coffee machine in the room for your daily dose of coffee.
East Austin Hotel
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There’s no doubt that East Austin Hotel is the best cheap hotel in Austin Texas. This is a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Austin. The best thing about it is that the hotel is locally-owned and operated. With that said, you can expect personalized service that makes you feel at home. This is where you can explore Austin like a local. For more boutique hotels, check out the best boutique hotels in Austin.
Nestled between East Sixth and Waller Street, you’re less than a mile from the Texas Music Museum, Lott Park, and Palm Playground. But if you prefer to enjoy a staycation, the hotel has everything to make your vacation more fun. Swim in the beautiful outdoor pool and grab a drink at the poolside bar. Or you can relax in the courtyard.
You’ll love the Scandinavian-style rooms with state-of-the-art amenities. It’s warm, cozy, and colorful. You can upgrade from the standard room to the poolside suites depending on your budget. Enjoy the Casper mattresses and the seating area. You also have a television with cable channels and a work desk. Hungry? Grab a delicious sandwich & salad at the on-site Sixth and Waller.
Top Affordable Bars in Austin, Texas
- Drink Well – The name sums up the experience at this bar. At Drink Well, enjoy classic cocktails, wines, and draft beers for less than $8. Besides, you have a lot of small bites to choose from.
- Uncle Nicky’s – Enjoy happy hour at this Italian bar from 2 pm to 5 pm. Beers start from $2, and a glass of wine starts from $5. You can also get lemonades for $2. This place is also perfect for brunch.
- Salty Sow – Want to enjoy fresh cocktails and tacos? Salty Sow is your spot. This is where you can get $6 tacos and other small bites. Happy hour is from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Also, they serve a glass of wine for $6.
Top Affordable Restaurants in Austin, Texas
- Ng Cafe – Vietnamese food is rich in taste and healthy. This café serves delicious Vietnamese sandwiches for under $10. The grilled pork banh mi is one of the travelers’ favorites.
- The Omelettry – There are wide selections of omelets, perfect for breakfast. Besides, you can also order sandwiches, soup, and French fries. All the items at The Omelettry are less than $10.
- Koriente – If you love Korean food, you must try this Korean restaurant and tea house in downtown Austin. Try the delicious japchae noodles and bibimbap. You’ll also get a complimentary miso soup with every meal.
Free Things To Do in Austin, Texas
- Barton Creek Greenbelt – Enjoy natural beauty while hiking, climbing, and swimming. Explore the 809 acres of land. Just head south from downtown Austin.
- Sound & Cinema – Outdoor cinema is one of the most unique experiences in Austin. This free event is held on 4 alternating Fridays every summer at the Long Center. Here, you can enjoy free music, classic movies, and the beautiful panorama of the city.
- Harry Ransom Center – This museum houses millions of manuscripts, rare books, and artworks. It showcases the original works of influential people, including the Gutenberg Bible and Frida Kahlo.