The 6 Weirdest Hotels in Austin
Austin’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird,” so it should be no surprise that the city has its share of quirky hotels. Ghosts are reported to haunt the halls of some of the city’s older accommodations, while newer hotels feature a collection of kitschy décor and unconventional amenities. Below are some of our favorite off-the-wall stays.
Austin Motel
Why it made the list
If you ask locals why this long-standing South Congress motel stands out, you’re sure to get a giggle. That’s because the sign for the hotel looks like—how shall we say it—a part of the male anatomy. Even with a recent take over by hotelier Liz Lambert, the sign has stayed. And we're glad. It wouldn’t be Austin without the Austin Motel sign welcoming you to the area.
Casulo Hotel
Why it made the list
This small hotel, located off the I-35 service road, looks like it should be in 1980s Miami. But what makes it even more peculiar is that some of the rooms feature hot tubs right in the middle of the room. Like, next to the bed. And if you’re a big fan of Jacuzzis in the middle of rooms, you can join the Jacuzzi club and get free bath bubbles or bombs and 20% off wine. P.S. Thursday night is free dinner night with dumplings and green onion pancakes.
Lone Star Court
Why it made the list
If you long for the days of Howdy Doody and Roy Rogers, this might be your new favorite spot. Located in the middle of high-end shopping district The Domain, you might be surprised to find this retro-looking hotel. Rooms and communal areas are equipped with mid-century modern or barn-style décor, like Smeg fridges and cage lighting. Colors range from robin’s egg blue to poppy to mustard. Guests are encouraged to cook s’mores in the hotel’s courtyard, and take in the sights and sounds from the outdoor rocking chairs.
Inn at Pearl Street
Why it made the list
This once privately owned mansion located near The University of Texas at Austin is said to have remained abandoned for decades before the current owner, Jill Beckford, converted it into a bed and breakfast. Guests have reported seeing an apparition in white, while the owner states she too has seen some unusual activity, like a broom that would fall over every time she passed it. In a Daily Texan article, Beckford said she has no interest in exorcising the ghosts. She thinks they are friendly and watch over the property.
Hotel St. Cecilia
Why it made the list
No ghosts haunt the halls of this boutique hotel, but what makes this hotel weird is exactly what makes it special. Hotel proprietor Liz Lambert has an eye for the vibrant and quirky, and this hotel is no exception. Guests enter a lobby awash with cerulean blue walls, from floor to ceiling, and colorful books and records to borrow fill the bookcases. Outside, a giant neon sign that says “SOUL” watches as over as you take a dip in the Instagram-perfect pool.
The Driskill Hotel
Why it made the list
This 100+ year-old hotel in the heart of Downtown Austin is known as one of the most haunted hotels in Texas. A quick Google search comes up with a long list of paranormal shenanigans that have reportedly happened at the hotel. The most famous story is that the original owner, Jesse, Driskill, still haunts the halls with cigar in hand. There are also several legends of various people who have accidentally died or committed suicide on the property, like the suicide brides who at 20 years apart,killed themselves in the bathtub of Room 525. Beware of room 545.
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