For a cosier, more homely hotel experience, or if self-catering is your thing, there are many options ranging from well-appointed guesthouses and B&Bs to eco-houses and Airstream trailers
• As featured in our Austin city guide
The Land Yacht
Few things embody the Austin spirit as much as an Airstream trailer; housing everything from food trucks to boutiques, they're all over town, so a stay at The Land Yacht is the quickest way to feel like a true local. This restored vintage trailer is parked on the East Side of town, close to East 6th Street's upscale dive bars and dozens of art galleries; the proprietors (who live right next door) even have a few scooters for rent, for exploring the neighbourhood in style. The Yacht has an electric fireplace and is equipped with AC, sleeping two comfortably no matter the season; there's a fully equipped kitchen, and a grill outside, if you feel like trying your hand at a Texas barbecue. And to really embrace the trailer life, head to the nearby 6th Street food trailers for a culinary adventure.
• Poquito Street, book through airbnb.com, caravan from £42, breakfast supplies included
Verde Camp
Living green doesn't mean going without a little luxury. Verde Camp, a collection of energy-efficient houses fully furnished with better-than-hotel-quality amenities, delivers all the comforts of home and more, all within walking distance of downtown Austin, South Congress' shopping district, and dozens of hike and bike trails. The camp has six houses in the highly coveted 78704 zip code, with two more on the west side of town (near the palatial Whole Foods flagship store and iconic Waterloo Records). While the nightly rate might be a little steep, if you're looking for a long-term rental, Verde Camp offers big discounts on extended stays.
• 1505 Drake Ave, +1 512 850 5150, verdecamp.com, one-bedroom guesthouses start at $175 a night with up to 30% off on extended stays, breakfast not included
Firehouse Hostel
Just down the street from the super-luxe Driskill Hotel, near 6th Street's famed strip of shot bars and live music stages, the newly opened Firehouse Hostel offers eclectic accommodations for a satisfyingly small fee. Perfect for travellers in town to catch a festival or convention, The Firehouse offers both dorm-style and private rooms, with single sex and co-ed options; guests have 24-hour access to check-in and lockers and suites come equipped with fold-out futons and a mini-fridge. There's even an in-house lounge that hosts local bands and weekly happy-hour specials. With all the cash you're saving on the room, you won't mind splurging on a few of their craft cocktails and artisanal cheese plates.
• 605 Brazos St, +1 512 201 2522, firehousehostel.com, shared rooms from $29pp a night, private rooms from $90 a night, B&B
Star of Texas Inn and Austin Folk House
Run by the same team and on neighbouring properties, the centrally located guesthouses Star of Texas Inn and the Austin Folk House offer a deceptively suburban-feeling respite from the bustle of downtown. From the buffet-style breakfasts to the antiques and vintage pieces that fill each room, these Victorian homes feel like true Southern homesteads, and sitting on the Star of Texas's wraparound porch nearly transports you back in time. Just south of the University of Texas campus, both houses are within walking distance of dozens of Austin's best eateries, such as the Dog and Duck Pub, Clay Pit Contemporary Indian Cuisine, and Italian-inspired Sagra, whose daily happy hour features half-price pizza; many university museums, as well as the iconic Texas Capitol, are just a stroll away.
• Star of Texas Inn: 611 W 22nd St, +1 512 499 8075, staroftexasinn.com, Doubles from $95 a night, B&B. Austin Folk House: 506 W 22nd St, +1 512 472 6700, austinfolkhouse.com, Doubles from $95 a night, B&B
Hancock Guest Cottages
A collection of residences ranging in size from studio apartments to full houses, the Hancock Guest Cottages feature bright natural light and private yards – all at budget prices – for those who prefer to explore the city from the comfort of their own "home". The cottages are close to the stretch of Airport Boulevard between 48th and 51st Streets that's home to some long-time Austin favourites: hit Tamale House for world-famous breakfast tacos, or Your Mom's Burger Bar for grilled, cheese-filled treats, and take advantage of your cottage's flat-screen TV with some recommended selections from local chain I Luv Video.
• 1009 E 43rd St, +1 512 297 3945, hancockcottages.com, Doubles from $85 a night, breakfast not included
The Adams House
The north campus neighbourhood of Hyde Park, with its tree-lined streets and family-sized pastel homes, is like a little suburb within city limits, and The Adams House guesthouse is set right in the centre of it all. With rooms named after historic Austinites – such as its original proprietor, and playwright, Elisabet Ney, whose palatial stone estate is just down the block – the house is outfitted with lush upholstery, huge windows, and light-blocking shutters for late sleepers. Walk a few blocks to the east for a culinary experience at vegetarian haven Mother's or Asti Trattoria, and don't forget to sample the wares at Antonelli's Cheese Shop and Dolce Vita, home of the city's best gelato.
• 4300 Avenue G, +1 512 453 7696, theadamshouse.com, doubles from $129 a night, B&B
Inn at Pearl Street
Just south of the university campus, and walking distance from Lamar Boulevard's parks and trails, the Inn at Pearl Street is a compound of two guesthouses complete with a cottage for extended stays, several garage apartments, and a beautifully lit attic hideaway. The Inn is also close to the Clarksville neighbourhood (also known as "Old West Austin"), home of modern Mexican eatery Zocalo, upscale American diner Galaxy Cafe, and coffeehouse Caffe Medici. Each room at the Inn has its own intricate themed decor, from Far East to Gothic to Safari, and you can customise your stay with on-arrival amenities, spa treatments – even carriage rides.
• 809 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, +1 512 478 0051, innpearl.com, rates from $165 a night, B&B
Park Lane Guesthouse
Boasting both a main house and adjacent private cottages, this Travis Heights B&B is as well-known for its innovative chefs as its eclectic decor; co-owned by a retired carpenter, the Victorian house has been renovated with brightly coloured shingles, stained glass detailing, and repurposed materials. While each cottage includes a full kitchen, chances are you'll prefer Park Lane's own creations; their organic, vegetarian breakfasts feature eggs from the property's own chickens, as well as homegrown fruits and herbs, and there are vegan and gluten-free options for health-conscious guests. Park Lane is near bustling South Congress Avenue, but its natural pool shaded by massive oaks is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.
• 221 Park La, +1 512 447 7460, parklaneguesthouse.com, double from $159 a night, organic vegetarian breakfast included
Hotel Allandale
Located north of downtown, the Hotel Allandale offers amenities on a par with less personal chain hotels (think laundry service, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and more), with a uniquely Austin flair (think dog-friendly grounds and vintage decor). The hotel operates in a complex of converted condominiums, so its one- and two-room suites feature airy layouts with kitchens and living areas. There's not much within walking distance, but the Allandale is close to an Alamo Drafthouse – a locally founded cineam that serves drinks and meals while you enjoy first-release and classic films – and is right off Mopac, a highway that leads right to world-famous barbecue joint The Salt Lick.
• 7685 Northcross Dr, +1 512 452 9391, hotelallandale.com, doubles from $79 a night, B&B
Austin Hyde Park Inn
The Austin Hyde Park Inn is a true Southern classic, from its wraparound porches and preserved wood accents to the pampering, romantic packages available to guests. The property features king and queen-sized rooms, plus a private cottage for more secluded stays, and each room has its own bathroom and balcony access. The Hyde Park Inn's backyard is an unexpected paradise, a private oasis centred around a tiled pool, with a heated spa and plenty of pergola-shaded seats to lounge around in. There are plenty of nearby places to get your local snack fix – try the queso at 24-hour Kerbey Lane Cafe, and sample some Czech-inspired baked goods at The Kolache Factory.
• 4304 Ave B, +1 512 917 4722, austinhydeparkinn.com, doubles from $130 a night, B&B
• Samantha Pitchel writes for Austin CultureMap