T+L Hotel Review of South Congress Hotel Austin, Texas

South Congress in Austin is one of the busiest areas. South Congress Avenue is always bustling, whether it’s with shoppers at vintage street sales, brand-name shops, local beer drinkers on patios, or people waiting to watch live music outside the Continental Club. You’ll also find the Allen Boots store nestled between Milton Street and Monroe Street. South Congress Hotel.

This 83-room hotel calls itself “the living room of the neighborhood” and is focused on showcasing local businesses, artists and events. The property radiates coolness—from its decor to its patrons. Each space has its own personality, whether it’s an art deco lobby bar or industrial chic guestrooms. The rooftop hosts pool parties, and a speakeasy is hidden behind the hotel.

South Congress Hotel has a strong focus on both locals and travelers. As an Austin resident, I’ve booked a staycation, celebrated my birthday and told all my friends about the hotel restaurants. The hotel also showed its commitment to Austin by hosting fundraisers and food drives in partnership with local non profit organizations.

Find out from my South Congress Hotel review how you can get a reservation for their Michelin-recommended dining room, purchase tickets for a pool party or book a hotel stay.

The Rooms

The industrial chic design of the hotel is in keeping with many historic buildings along South Congress Avenue. Guestrooms have hardwood floors, custom decor and large walk-in bathrooms with Ursa major toiletries. Mini-bars are stocked with local products. From the pool, the courtyard or South Congress Avenue you can enjoy a variety of views.

You can also find out more about the following: suites They offer more flexibility. The bunkroom can comfortably accommodate eight people with its two queen-sized bunks. The Poolside Suite and Congress Suite are studio-style accommodations with large windows that reach to the ceiling and balconies. The Monroe suite was a studio with a separate living area. The suite had a private patio with a view of the pool and included a large bathtub. 

Milton suite, with 940 square foot, is the biggest guestroom at the hotel. It overlooks Congress Avenue. The Milton suite has a private balcony, a living room separate from the workstation and a separate bedroom.

Food and Drink

The hotel’s social hub is its effortlessly cool, retro-styled lobby bar. It features an art deco photo booth, and a design that combines old-school photos with modern art. The bar has four different categories of cocktails: citrus, spicy, fruit, and strong. You’ll find classics mixed with some fun options, such as the half burn with mezcal, cilantro, jalapeño, lime, banana liqueur, and pineapple 19.

Tucked away in the back of the hotel is Manaña, a coffee shop with housemade pastries, breakfast tacos, and seasonal specials. I loved the spiced pear and maple cornbread lattes. The flavors are available all year long, including almond brown sugar and lavendar. Cafe No Sé is an all-day cafe with a dog-friendly patio. It offers a fantastic brunch menu as well as a wonderful happy hour. I dined in for brunch, and my waiter, Hari, described the bacon as “the best in town”—it turned out he wasn’t lying. The malt french fries were also delicious.

Otoko & Watertrade is one of my favorite spots in Austin. Otoko’s 12-seat omakase dining room is run by Kyoto-born executive Chef Yoshi Okai, who prepares a 20 course tasting menu using seasonal ingredients and the freshest of fish. Watertrade, the attached speakeasy, specializes in Japanese whiskey and offers a cocktail menu that is divided by season. Bartenders create unconventional cocktails with ingredients such as tofu and mushroom. Watertrade also offers beverage services to Otoko including optional sake pairings. Amelia, my waitress at dinner, was able to make the perfect suggestions for my course pairings.

Maie Day is a chophouse that was included in the Michelin list of recommended restaurants for 2024. The portions are generous and the food is excellent. Begin with the crabs and then move to your favorite cuts of meat. However, don’t shy away from the fish—I loved the mahi mahi.

Maie Day is a strong competitor to South Congress Hotel in the cocktail game. The Rosemary Jack of Hearts and the pecan old-fashioned were my favorites. The cocktails come with a variety of brews, wines, and other beverages from around the globe.

Activities and Experiences

The spacious patio is available to hotel guests and locals on the ground-floor. They can work in the shade and relax. Loveweld Permanent Jewelry as well as the lobby shop feature a rotating schedule of local artists. It was a great experience during my stay. Vada EyewearA brand of eyewear and jewelry based in Austin. Armadillo World Headquarters was a music hall that used to be located in the same floor. Now it is a venue for free concerts and limited-edition products. 

South Congress Hotel also boasts a rooftop pool, serviced by Cafe No Sé, with views of Congress Avenue. The pool is a great place to cool down in the Texas heat. Pool passes and cabanas (for guests) are available. The hotel has a fitness center with Peleton equipment as well as Forme fitness mirrors.

The hotel is also “the living-room for the neighborhood” and hosts many events. South Congress Hotel’s First Thursdays brings together local DJs and acts; Wednesdays On Wax is vinyl night at the hotel; and the monthly birthday party for people born in the zodiac sign of that month is free.

Offers for Families

South Congress Hotel offers free pack-and-plays to guests with small children. The hotel welcomes dogs without charge. It provides dog beds, bowls and other treats upon request.

Accessibility and sustainability

South Congress Hotel offers five ADA-compliant, roll-in-shower-equipped rooms. Eight rooms also have a doorbell that lights up for guests with hearing impairments. All floors are equipped with elevators. 

In the hotel’s rooms and restaurants, only paper and cardboard is used. There are recycling bins located throughout the property. The hotel plans to provide reusable water bottles for all guests in the coming year. The guests have access to chargers for electric vehicles.

South Congress Hotel sponsors food drives and fundraisers in partnership with local non profit organizations. Past events included Caritas of Austin whose mission was to end homelessness and support mental health initiatives in the city. 

Location

South Congress Hotel, located just nine miles from airport. Both taxis and ride-sharing services are available. Valet parking is available for guests driving.

The Best Value for Your Stay

South Congress Hotel doesn’t have a program of loyalty. The hotel offers special discounts and offers when booking directly through its website. website.