Austin Motel
Retro-kitsch mid-century motor court. This is 'Keep Austin Weird' made physical — camp and color turned up just enough without crossing into theme-park territory. Bunkhouse nailed the balance.
Pool day passes are available to non-guests — great if you're visiting friends in Austin or just want a pool day without a full hotel stay
Why It Matters
One of Austin's oldest continuously operating properties (since 1938), with a neon marquee sign that's become a genuine city landmark. Bunkhouse Hotels preserved and amplified the kitsch character rather than smoothing it out. Now part of World of Hyatt. The Continental Club is literally across the street.
The Austin Motel has been holding down South Congress since 1938, and that phallic neon marquee sign — reading 'So Close, Yet So Far Out' — is still the most discussed landmark on the block. Bunkhouse Hotels renovated smartly: the mid-century motor court bones stayed intact while the rooms got vinyl-tufted beds, push-button phones, funky wallpaper, and vintage silkscreened music posters. The kidney-shaped pool is genuinely one of the best in the city and draws locals as well as guests all summer long.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Deluxe King
The most generously sized standard room, set in the original 1938 building. The king bed plus a daybed gives you real flexibility — reading nook, extra guest, or just a spot to pile your stuff. Retro character fully intact.
King · 34 sqm
Double Queen
The best option for two people who want separate beds without springing for a suite. Two plush queen beds and a writing desk, set within the original 1938 building on S. Congress. Good for families or friends traveling together.
Two Queens · 26 sqmFull
The smallest and most historically interesting rooms in the property. Originally built as carports when the motel opened in 1938, these spaces were later enclosed to become guest rooms for solo travelers heading down S. Congress. Cozy, playful decor, all the Bunkhouse signatures. Views vary.
Full · 13 sqmKing
Comfortable 290 sq ft rooms with a king bed and a work desk. Laid-back Bunkhouse style meets practical touches — enough room to decompress after a day on SoCo without feeling cramped. Views vary.
King · 26 sqmPool King
The rooms to request if the pool is your main reason for being here. Brimming with natural light, these 300 sq ft rooms overlook the iconic kidney-shaped pool and bar. The extra proximity to the action is the point — and yes, it can be noisy on summer weekends.
King · 27 sqmQueen
Comfortable rooms in the original 1938 building, with all the history that implies. The Bunkhouse design touches — funky wallpaper, vintage silkscreened music posters, custom beds — are all here. Views vary.
Queen · 18 sqmSuite
The one actual suite in the building. At 500 sq ft it's a genuine step up: high ceilings, a private bedroom with king bed, a separate sofa seating area, a table with chairs, minibar, and a semi-private patio with courtyard views. The extra breathing room is noticeable.
King · 46 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A summer classic car meet-up hosted with Tough Enuff, held every first Thursday evening at the motel. Part car show, part pool party.
The hotel's signature 1950s-style outdoor pool — kidney-shaped, over 7 feet deep, and ringed with midcentury furniture and classic red-and-white striped umbrellas. Open to non-guests via day passes. Swim Club Memberships also available for locals who want seasonal access with perks including priority event booking, monthly happy hours, and complimentary parking Mon–Thu.
Shaded cabanas with sofa seating and a fan, available noon–10 PM. Fits up to 5 people. Includes guaranteed seating, towel service, and complimentary water, with a $100 minimum bar spend required. 24-hour advance booking required.
Non-guests can purchase daily pool passes to access the iconic kidney-shaped pool and pool bar. Available 7 days a week. Reservations recommended as spots fill up on summer weekends.
The on-site retail store — open to everyone, not just guests. Stocks snacks, drinks, and Austin Motel merchandise including the famous shorty kimono robe, inner tubes, and vintage-style posters. The fridge is always full.
Full shuffleboard courts at Rocky's Bar in the courtyard. Open during bar hours (Thu–Sun). The vibe is competitive but casual — grab a cocktail or shave ice and rack up the points.
The pool deck hosts a rotating calendar of events throughout the year including movie screenings, live music sets, pool parties, and DJ nights (like the 'No Vacancy' honky-tonk hang and New Year's countdown events).
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Event spaces including the pool deck and outdoor courtyard for corporate gatherings, brand activations, and private events. No standard conference rooms — the spaces are as characterful as the rest of the property.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and in all guest rooms.
Free coffee and tea available in the lobby daily for guests.
Outdoor garden and courtyard spaces including the Rocky's Bar courtyard with shuffleboard. A quieter alternative to the pool area.
One complimentary parking space per room. A genuine perk on South Congress where street parking is scarce.
Well-behaved dogs welcome. The hotel provides a pet bed, bowl, and treats. Fee is $20 per pet per night.
Concierge services available for guests.
Mobile/digital check-in available through Hyatt.
Guest laundry facilities available on property.
Reception staffed around the clock. The hotel's longtime staff is a frequently praised feature.
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