Where To Stay in Austin, Texas Without a Car (On All Budgets)

If you’re about to visit Austin without a car, you’re in for a good time.

As long as you know which areas to stay in. Where you can easily walk to nearby things to see and do, and not too far from public transportation.

Otherwise, you might end up stranded (without the help of a vehicle).

There are mainly three no-car-friendly areas to consider:

• Downtown
• East Austin
• South Congress (SoCo)

And the good thing is I’ve already found all the best accommodation for you within these areas.

So sit back, relax, and choose your place, while knowing that you’re about to spare the environment. And save some money you’d otherwise spend on gas and parking.

Best Places To Stay in Austin, Texas Without a Car

All the following places are located within one of the previously mentioned no-car-friendly areas and cover all budgets (Downtown, East Austin, and South Congress).

TIP: This selection of accommodation is based on the highest reviews from previous guests combined with the best price.

($) Budget & Backpacker: Hostels & Motels

These are the absolute cheapest accommodation you’ll find within the no-car-friendly areas without compromising on value.

1. Firehouse Hostel

You’ll find this popular hostel in the middle of Downtown. In the epicenter of the busy entertainment district, within walking distance of many of the city’s highlights.

It’s located in the city’s oldest fire station built in 1885. With exterior and interior true to its history but without compromising on modern amenities.

But this isn’t even the best thing about this place in my opinion.

It’s without a doubt the best hostel in Austin. Providing a lot of social life and additions that make it easy to meet other travelers (if you want to).

For example, we also have their Firehouse Lounge to thank for that. Which is accessible through a hidden bookshelf in the hostel lobby.

Here you can enjoy craft cocktails among others in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Along with occasional live artists playing a wide variety of music such as electronic, rock, and jazz.

Example of amenities:

• Dorms and private rooms
• Shared kitchen (save money by cooking meals)
• On-site bar (Firehouse Lounge)
• Walking distance from 6th Street, Rainet Street, ACL Live Mood Theater, Austin Convention Center, and Texas State Capitol Building

You’ll find Firehouse Hostel at 605 Brazos St (see map, available dates, and prices with Google).

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2. Hostel512

This unique hostel is located in the trendy neighborhood of East Austin, just a short distance from Downtown.

Whether you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, to relax, or meet other travelers, this place has it all for a low price.

The staff here is also committed to making you feel comfortable and assisting you during your stay.

They also have big indoor and outdoor common areas, so if you prefer to spend a lot of time outside this is a plus. Here you’ll also find designated relaxing areas.

This hostel is truly built by travelers for travelers and isn’t necessarily just a place to sleep. There’s also a big focus on creating a community where everyone feels welcome.

Example of amenities:

• Dorms and private rooms with oversized beds
• Shared kitchen (save money by cooking meals)
• Big indoor and outdoor common areas
• Daily cleaning

You’ll find Hostel512 at 2308 Coronado St (see map, available dates, and prices with Google).

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3. Super8 by Wyndham (Downtown/Capitol Area)

You’ll find this older motel at an excellent location Downtown close to 6th Street and Frank Erwin Center.

This is the cheapest option for a private room in any of the three central no-car-friendly areas.

But besides that, it’s limited what there is to say about this place.

There’s a reason that the price is only around 50% compared to the nearby hotels.

So if you’re looking for the cheapest private room, this is probably your best option.

But if you’re sensitive about where you sleep, consider choosing one of the two previous hostels (they also have private rooms), or upgrade to a place within the next category.

Example of amenities:

• 24-hour reception
• Free coffee and breakfast
• Outdoor pool
• Free WiFi
• Early/late check-in

You’ll find this Super 8 at 1201 N Interstate Hwy 35 (see map, available dates, and prices with Google).

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($$) Mid-Range & Extra Comfort: Hotels & Apartments

This price category is around 2 x the price of the first category.

1. Sentral East Austin (at 1614 E Sixth)

This popular apartment complex is located in the East Austin neighborhood close to Downtown.

Here you can rent comfortable, stylish, and spacious designer apartments for a surprisingly low daily price.

And in the common areas, there’s a dipping pool, outdoor fire pit, and other areas to relax.

Chances are these handsome and fully-equipped apartments will make you want to stay longer.

And if you’re planning on getting some work done during your stay, each apartment has a designated working area too.

Example of amenities:

• Pool
• Fire-pit
• Fitness center (off-site)
• Fully equipped kitchen (save money by cooking meals)
• Walk-in closet
• Workspaces
• Community events

You’ll find this Sentral East Austin at 1614 E 6th St (see map, available dates, and prices with Google).

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2. Sonder (at East 5th)

You’ll find these beloved apartments in the vibrant East Austin neighborhood near some of the best food spots and nightlife.

Their modern and upscale apartments can be rented for a relatively low price, making them an affordable luxury for many.

And outside of the apartments you have the big common areas with a pool, fitness center, and grill to throw a BBQ.

This complex truly has everything you need. Whether it’s relaxing, exercising, or having some quality time with friends or family.

And like with the previous place, having full-equipped apartments including a kitchen, chances are you want to stay longer.

Example of amenities:

• 24/7 support
• Pool
• Outdoor area with grill
• Fitness center
• Laundry (in-suite)
• Fully-equipped kitchen (save money by cooking meals)
• Kid-friendly

You’ll find this Sonder complex at 1211 E 5th St. Suite 100 (see map, available dates, and prices with Google).

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3. Sonder (at South Congress)

This hidden gem is located in the charming neighborhood of South Congress (SoCo), where you’ll have a lot of eateries, nightlife, and shops all within walking distance.

These apartments are modern and stylish with desert-inspired interiors and exteriors, and all with balconies too, providing comfort in an authentic atmosphere.

And in the common areas, you’ll also find a pool, fitness center, and an outdoor BBQ area among others.

Like the other Sonder complexes, you’ll find everything you need here. Whether you want to relax, exercise, or the perfect place to have quality time with friends or family.

And though this neighborhood offers a lot on its own, Downtown is only 10 min. away by bus due to the convenient location close to public transport.

Example of amenities:

• 24/7 support
• Balconies (all apartments)
• Pool
• Outdoor area with grill
• Fitness center
• Laundry (in-suite)
• Fully-equipped kitchen (save money by cooking meals)
• Lounge and workspace
• Kid-friendly

You’ll find this Sonder complex at 1221 S Congress Ave (see map, available dates, and prices with Google).

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($$$) High-end & Luxury: The Extra

This price category is around 3 x the price of the first category.

TIP: I've not included any of the few +$1,000/night hotels the city has to offer, since it's outside of most people's budget (including my own).

1. Austin Proper Hotel

You’ll find this exceptional 5-star boutique hotel in the very center of Downtown.

Also serving as an award-winning luxury oasis with a focus on wellness, international cuisine, fine cocktails, and live entertainment.

They have several restaurants and bars, a dedicated spa, and a fitness center. All on-site and wrapped up in artful interiors and exteriors.

If you feel like getting some fresh air, catching some sun, or having a swim, their rooftop pool deck is ideal.

And whenever you need a break from the busy city life, you’re only one block away from Ladybird Lake and its surrounding green areas.

Example of amenities:

• Pool (rooftop with sundeck)
• Fitness center (with several class activities)
• Spa
• Restaurants (including Mexican and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine)
• Cocktail bars (exclusive to guests)
• Parks and green areas (one block away)
• Bicycles (complimentary)

You’ll find the Austin Proper Hotel at 600 W 2nd St (see map, available dates, and prices with Google).

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2. Four Seasons Hotel

This luxury 5-star hotel is located on the first row by Ladybird Lake, conveniently between the lively Downtown and the green peaceful area near the river.

Whether you want to relax, exercise, explore the surrounding nature, or enjoy fine dining and drinks, this place has it all.

One of the things that stand out is the Margarita button you’ll find in each room and suite. With the push of a button, you’ll have freshly made cocktails on your way.

And with the location by the river, you also have easy access to the nearby lakeside trails, kayaking, and paddleboarding. With some of the best equipment provided by the hotel.

But if you’d rather want to relax, you always have their spa, heated saltwater pool, or yoga classes at your disposal.

Example of amenities:

• Pool (with heated saltwater)
• Spa (with steam room, massages, and treatments)
• Restaurant (including Latin cuisine)
• Cocktail bar (with a Texas-inspired menu)
• Outdoor activities (the Lakeside trail, kayaking, and paddleboarding)
• Fitness center (including Yoga classes)
• Lawn games
• River-view from many of the rooms

You’ll find the Four Seasons Hotel at 98 San Jacinto Blvd (see map, available dates, and prices with Google).

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3. The Driskill

This iconic luxury 5-star hotel has welcomed guests since 1886. It has a prime location Downtown on 6th Street, with eye-catching exteriors that are hard to miss.

It was also the unofficial headquarters for President Johnson and first lady, Lady Bird Johnson, during the 50s and 60s.

Being in business for over a century is a true quality stamp, and proof of the impeccable service you experience here to this day.

Inside you’ll find their iconic restaurant specializing in refined American cuisine. Their café and bakery with food based on historic recipes. And their award-winning bar with authentic interiors that will take you back in time.

And if you feel like having a walk, you’re only 10 min from major sights such as the Texas State Capitol Building, Congress Avenue Bridge, and much more.

Example of amenities:

• Unique historical exteriors and interiors
• Bakery
• Restaurant
• Bar (award-winning)
• Fitness center

You’ll find The Driskill hotel at 604 Brazos St (see map, available dates, and prices with Google).

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Best No-Car-Friendly Accommodation in Austin, Texas (Map)

• Firehouse Hostel
• Hostel512
• Super8 by Wyndham (Downtown/Capitol Area)
• Sentral East Austin (at 1614 E Sixth)
• Sonder (at East 5th)
• Sonder (at South Congress)
• Austin Proper Hotel
• Four Seasons Hotel
• The Driskill