This Historic Motel Is The Best Home Base For Your Adventures In The Texas Hill Country

The Austin Motel just might be the best hotel in Austin, Texas - and one of the best hotels in Texas overall. It's retro, affordable, and close to many popular attractions such as Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, and the Austin Central Library. You'll never forget your stay, and it's the perfect home base for exploring the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

It may very well be the 21st century, but you'd never know it when you're staying at the Austin Motel.

Located on the famed Congress Avenue, this historic motel first opened its doors in 1938, and it hasn't closed them since. The neon sign out front is as old as the hotel itself!

There are several different types of rooms available, ranging from standard rooms (some with a pool view!) to spacious suites.

Right off the bat, you'll notice the decidedly retro décor. How long has it been since you've seen an old-fashioned phone or radio?

Guests enjoy a variety of incredible amenities, including a 1,100-square-foot swimming pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and phone access, a 24-hour bodega with snacks and beverages, and more.

The motel also has an onsite shop with everything from swim apparel to gifts to accessories. I'm totally digging those smiley face earrings.

Next door to the motel is Joann's Fine Foods, an amazing Tex-Mex restaurant with indoor booths, a shaded patio, and a palapa bar.

Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Joann's serves classic dishes like fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, and homemade tortillas.

Not having to drive for a meal (especially in Austin traffic) is pretty sweet.

Zilker Park is just a stone's throw from the motel, so it's an obvious addition to your itinerary. This 351-acre oasis is beloved by locals and tourists alike, providing a haven for hiking, picnicking, swimming, and more.

You'll also be near the iconic Lady Bird Lake, which is surrounded by a 10-mile hike and bike trail with numerous access points along the way.

If you visit around sunset during the summer months, you'll get to see the largest urban bat population in the U.S. take flight.

Sip drinks and play over 150 vintage arcade games at Cidercade Austin. It's family-friendly until 8 p.m. and 21+ after.

Are you a bookworm? If so, no visit to Austin is complete without stopping by the Austin Central Library.

Spanning six floors, this literary paradise boasts over 350,000 books, plus unique amenities such as a roof garden, a café, and an art gallery.

Visit the Austin Motel website or Booking.com for more information, including current nightly rates and availability, and/or to book a room.

Have you ever stayed at the Austin Motel? If so, do you think it's one of the best hotels in Texas? We'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments. And if you plan on attending a concert in Austin (it is the Live Music Capital of the World, after all), get your tickets on Ticketmaster.