Austin, the state capital of Texas is an epic place to visit all year round. Whether you come for the music, sport, ballet, food or world-class museums there is plenty to see and do here.
If you do visit Austin you are going to need somewhere awesome to stay. You could stay in a luxury five-star hotels or a friendly neighborhood B&Bs, but you’re in Texas, and there’s nothing more quintessentially Texan than a motel.
Arguably, motels are the most unique way to save money, whilst still maintaining your desired level of privacy and comfort. If you are a foreign traveller you will no doubt have seen them in all the movies, and it’s really a true experience to stay in one.
Motels are inextricably linked to road trips because of their convenient location near the highways. After all, have you even experienced an American road trip if you haven’t stayed in a motel?
Whilst it can seem a daunting prospect to find the best place for your needs, you don’t need to worry, because I’ve put together this handy guide to the best motels in Austin. So, when you’re ready, let’s take a look!
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Austin for One Night
Ticks all the boxes!
If you are only spending one night in Austin then the Super 8 by Wyndham is the perfect option! Situated in the heart of downtown, it conveniently places you near all the best bars, restaurants and the city’s main attractions.
- 6th Street entertainment district
- Frank Erwin Center
Is this amazing Austin Motel booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
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Staying in a Motel in Austin
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If you’re backpacking Austin and your budget is low, then you shouldn’t be looking at staying in luxury accommodations in Austin. Not when there are so many wonderful motel options, in and around the city, that offer safe and comfortable accommodation at affordable prices.
Whilst many motels in Austin are usually located on the outskirts of town or near the main transport links, some are situated in downtown areas too, which conveniently places you close to all the main shops, restaurants, bars, nightlife and top places to visit in Austin.
Granted these motels won’t have hot tubs, spa centers, or any of the other fancy amenities you will find in a luxury hotel. But what it will offer is a great base to explore the city whilst being comfortable, clean, and easy on the wallet.
Typically motels offer great rates and are often run by friendly and very knowledgeable people, who are an invaluable resource when it comes to local knowledge of things like where to eat and things to do.
What to Look for in a Motel in Austin
If you want to stay in a motel in Austin you will need to lower your expectations a little. You probably won’t be able to book anywhere with a 24-hour concierge or butler service facility, and even hot tubs and Jacuzzis probably won’t be available too. But whilst the motels might be a bit more basic, they still can be comfortable and homely.
When booking an Austin motel, a couple of the things you most need to consider are the purpose of your visit to the city, and the motel’s location. If you are just staying the night enroute to another destination, then a property near the highway might be your best option. However, if you want to spend a good few days checking out all the main sights and attractions, then finding a place to stay in central Austin is probably more appropriate for you.
Motel rooms in Austin do range in size. Most tend to cater to two people, whether it be in a double/queen or two single beds. Though there are some rooms designed for families or larger groups of up to four or five people.
Some motels offer swimming pools or free breakfasts included within the room rate, so it’s always worth looking out for that. Many also offer free cancellation, which is an added peace of mind if you do change your plans often.
If you’re on a road trip through Austin, you’ll find most motels come with free parking and are near to major road links.
With such a wide range of motel options to choose from in Austin, it can be exhausting trying to compare properties to ascertain the best one for your particular needs. But don’t worry, I have done the hard work for you by compiling this list of the best motels in terms of price, location, and amenities.
Ticks all the boxes!
- > $
- > Free ‘Grab & Go’ Breakfast
- > Free Wi-Fi
- > Outdoor Pool
Cheap and excellent value for money
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Free on-site parking
- > Swimming pool
Cosy room for a bit of romance!
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Extra large double bed or double bed
- > Outdoor swimming pool
Spacious and comfy room for 4!
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > 2 double beds
- > Free Wi-Fi
Perfectly Set Up For Families
- > $
- > Family rooms
- > Outdoor swimming pool
- > On-site fitness centre
Cheap, Safe and Well Appointed!
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Outdoor swimming pool
- > Complimentary toiletries
Perfect Base for a Quick Visit
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Central downtown location
- > Outdoor swimming pool
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Austin!
Check out these ‘BEST’ Austin Motels!
Now you know what to expect from motels in Austin, here is my selection of the top motels based on a selection of different criteria which may be pertinent to your needs.
Overall Best Value Motel in Austin – Convenient Downtown Motel
If you are only spending one night in Austin then the Super 8 by Wyndham is the perfect option!
It’s situated right in the heart of the downtown area, so it conveniently places you near all the best bars, restaurants, and the city’s main attractions for when you want to head out and about.
This Austin motel has a lovely swimming pool, which is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of driving or sightseeing. It also offers complimentary ‘grab and go’ breakfast options, which is a very handy choice to have when you’re rushing about.
Located close to Interstate 35, the motel’s location also places you very near this main road, so you will be able to hit the highway quickly when it’s time for you to leave.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Best Budget Motel in Austin – Cozy and Great Value for Money
If you are planning on heading to an event at the Austin Convention Center, or checking out the wonderful Capitol Building, the Austin Motel will provide you with an excellent base to explore both.
A clean and comfortable motel, it offers spacious rooms that feature a big flat-screen TV, as well as a telephone and free WiFi. So you will be able to watch your favourite shows or stay connected to your friends and social media followers.
The hotel also has a swimming pool if you fancy a dip, as well as free parking on site. It also has a 24-hour front desk, so it doesn’t matter what time you check-in and the complimentary coffee at reception is very handy when you need a caffeine fix.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Austin start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Motel for Couples – Cosy and Clean Room
With lovely mood lighting and a comely decor rooms at the Travelodge by Wyndham Austin South provide a terrific spot for a bit of romance!
Stylish and well-appointed, the rooms have been furnished with a double or extra-large double bed which provides a lovely place to cuddle up and watch the various cable channels you will find on the flat-screen TV.
The motel is also close to a number of parks and a stunning lake which are perfect for romantic walks or picnics. While the nearby 6th Street entertainment district features a number of fabulous restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs for date night.
Its lovely outdoor swimming pool is also a fabulous place for couples to swim.
Best Motel for a Group of Friends – Spacious & Comfy Room for 4!
Given that it is just a short drive to popular attractions like the Barton Springs Pool, Austin Convention Center, and Capitol Building, the Village Motor Inn offers an excellent location for a group of friends to stay in Austin.
One of the most popular of all motels in Austin, the comfortable and spacious non-smoking rooms have two double beds that can easily accommodate 4 people.
They are also tastefully furnished with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, microwave, and desk, as well as free Wi-Fi to provide groups with everything they could reasonably expect in this price range.
The free parking and a 24-hour front desk are pretty convenient too.
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View on Osprey View on REIBest Motel for Families in Austin – Perfectly Set Up For Families
The Americas Best Value Inn Austin is a great choice for all the family. Its located within easy driving distance to a number of parks, playgrounds, and shopping centres, which will keep the kids entertained by day, as will the free Wi-Fi that operates throughout the property.
Each room is air-conditioned, which provides welcome relief from the intense heat of the day. They are equipped with a flat-screen TV, with cable channels, that will entertain your young ones during their downtime.
This popular motel in Austin also has a swimming pool they will love too, whilst a free daily breakfast, fitness center and laundry facilities are other welcome amenities.
Motel for Backpackers in Austin – Cheap, Safe & Good Location
A great hotel for backpackers or those on a budget, the Budget Inn Motel is located in a quiet neighborhood that is close to a number of shopping centers, parks, and other attractions.
Cheap and very safe, it also offers a decent free Wi-Fi connection. So you will be able to stay up-to-date with your blog or social media postings while you are there.
This delightful Austin motel also provides air-conditioning, a good size TV, and complimentary toiletries, which will be very handy if you are running low.
It also has a lovely outdoor swimming pool for you to use and a 24-hour front desk, which means you can check-in at any time.
Best Motel for a Weekend in Austin – Perfect Base for a Quick Visit
Boasting a convenient central downtown location the Motel 6 Austin places you right in the heart of the action!
Situated in the North Loop district, the property is a short convenient drive to the Texas Memorial Stadium if you plan to watch a game. As well as the Austin Convention Center for those attending an event or exhibition there.
If you fancy heading out for the evening this lovely motel in Austin is also close to a number of very popular restaurants and bars.
Offering stylish and comfortable rooms, it also operates a 24-hour front desk and offers guests a good free Wi-Fi connection. It also has a lovely terrace, a nice swimming pool, and free parking for guests too.
Motel With The Best Breakfast – Deluxe Room w/ Continental Breakfast
Ideally situated close to U.S. Highway 183, Interstate 35, and both the Loops 1 and 360, the Econo Lodge hotel is a great motel option irrespective of where you come from.
A clean and basic Austin motel that provides free wi-fi and a delicious free deluxe continental breakfast, the property is located near many of the area’s main attractions including the Northcross Mall, Austin Convention Center, and Frank Center Erwin multipurpose venue. So it serves as a fantastic base to explore the city.
If you are travelling on business this property has a well-equipped business center with copy and fax services to help you stay on top of your work.
Those of you who like to party will also find plenty of bars, cocktail lounges, and evening entertainment venues within a short walking distance of the motel.
Best Motel with a Swimming Pool – Ideal for Road Trippers
There is a very good reason why the Austin Motor Inn has more repeated customers than most motels in Austin.
Offering comfortable non-smoking family rooms, with private bathrooms, free wi-fi, and air-conditioning they provide an excellent value-for-money accommodation option that most guests love!
They also boast a lovely swimming pool and a coin-operated laundry which is fantastic for those who have been travelling for some time on a road trip.
One of the best aspects of the motel is its location. Keeping you close enough to the hustle and bustle of the city to keep you in touch with it, but far enough away for you to maintain some element of separation.
Best Motel near a Shopping Center – Charming & Cosy Rooms
If you have come to Austin to go shopping then the Heart of Texas Motel is the perfect spot for you!
It’s within easy and short driving distance to the Barton Creek, Brodie Oaks, Cannon West, West Gate shopping centers, as well as a handful of other ones too which sell pretty much everything you could possibly hope to buy!
The motel offers homely rooms that are furnished with refrigerators and microwaves, which provides a useful self-catering option for those wanting to save a bit of money.
It also features a nice outdoor swimming pool and fun putting green, as well as cable TV, which will definitely entertain you for a while.
Don’t Forget Your Austin Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on the Best Motels in Austin
Austin is one of the most popular city’s to visit in Texas, or even in the US, and it’s easy to see why. But as a result of this amount of tourism, accommodation availability can be scarce and the demand could drive prices up.
It is easy for you to pay over the odds for accommodation in the city, especially if you book a hotel. For this reason, I can’t recommend staying in motels enough.
Not only will this save you money, but it will also provide you with a good level of cleanliness, service, and comfort. Whether you are looking for a quick overnight stay for yourself or a longer vacation time for you and the family, there is a convenient motel option available to you.
Whilst you plan your trip to Austin, bear in mind it is always good to have the backup of travel insurance too. This is particularly pertinent for international travelers, for whom it could save a lot of stress and hassle!
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