Austin Motel

Located just south of the Colorado River and downtown; the pet-friendly, historic Austin Motel offers 41 guest rooms and suites, a 1,100 square foot kidney-shaped swimming pool, wireless Internet, and more. Coffee and breakfast tacos are served across the street at Jo's. "Inspired by California diners and the hearty Mexican fare of Austin," Joann's features an extensive all-day menu of tacos...

Note that the electrical outlets in the rooms are only two-pronged. Pack accordingly if you're planning on plugging in anything that requires more.

This establishment, the best lodging bargain on South Congress, is one of the old motels that was built when this was the main road to San Antonio. Built in 1938, it has been in the hands of the same family since the 1950s. A convenient (but not quiet) location in the heart of SoCo and great rates make this place very popular. It has a classic kidney-shaped pool, a great neon sign, free HBO,...

Don't read too much into the giant phallus-looking sign out front. This isn’t a motel masquerading as a Turkish steam bath. It’s just got a mad sense of humor to go with its mad South Congress Ave. location. (The verbiage below the phallus says it all: “So Close Yet So Far Out.”) Guests range from the Griswolds to the guy who’ll be found dead in the pool after a night of brain-shattering partying.

The motto of this family-owned, 1950s-style motel says it all: "So close, yet so far out." Long favored by cost-conscious artists and musicians, it's charming and hip without feeling pretentious. Each of the rooms mixes colorful murals and funky antiques, but be forewarned that the shabby-chic look leans more toward the shabby. And true to its retro vibe, the motel lacks highfalutin amenities...

The Scene
This hotel gets a lot of its charm from its location in the heart of South Congress. Celebrities, business travelers and regular Joes call it their Austin home away from home....

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