The 7 best hotels with hot tubs in Austin

Built in 1886, this stately hotel exudes cowboy cool. The longhorn busts, cowhide rugs and leather sofas might be a holdover from the Driskill’s cattle baron founder, but the decor scheme still works. And since this is Texas, the bigger-is-better mentality extends to the accomodations. Spring for one of the suites to lounge in an in-room Jacuzzi: Stay in Lyndon B. Johnson’s favorite bedroom in the Heritage Suite to take advantage of the hot tub built for two or upgrade to the ultra-luxe Cattle Baron suite to enjoy the hot tub in the master bathroom.

Texas Hill Country might seem like an unlikely place to find an Italian villa, but the opulent Hotel Granduca doesn't feel out of place at all. Reserve one of the rooms with balconies overlooking the pool deck, since that’s likely where you’ll want to spend most of your time anyway. Order a glass of something sparkling at the outdoor bar, post up in a chaise lounge and alternate between the pool and outdoor hot tub for a languid and lovely afternoon.

Its location right next to the Convention Center makes this Hilton an exceptionally convenient option for business travelers, but it's plenty of fun for vacationers, too. Two restaurants, a biergarten, a Starbucks, a fitness center and a spa with a sauna and steam room sit within the hotel’s walls. And we haven’t even mentioned the outdoor swimming pool. Grab a drink at the poolside bar, lie out on the sun deck or soak in the hot tub during your stay.

Located inside the Domain, a high-end shopping and residential community, this sleek, upscale Westin caters to guests’ every need. Forgot your gym clothes? No problem; you can rent a full New Balance outfit and running shoes for a steal. Need to print a last-minute concert ticket? Just pop down to the business center. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, an evening swimming in the outdoor heated pool and soaking in the hot tub will certainly help you relax.

Though all of the 392 guest rooms and suites at this luxury hotel are undeniably lovely, the rooftop swimming pool puts them all to shame. The latchkey-shaped pool looks out over downtown Austin, a vista that’s particularly lovely at sunset. After swimming a few laps, sink into the nearby whirlpool for some much-needed R&R.

On a budget? This Best Western Plus in South River City might be your best bet. A 2013 renovation left the hotel looking much more modern than some of its franchise cousins, although it still features the standard complimentary breakfasts that Best Western properties are known for. Take advantage of the pool deck—complete with a waterfall, native plants and a hot tub—to get the most out of your stay.

The serene setting on the shores of Lake Austin permeates every inch of this all-inclusive spa resort. The pale blues and greens of the hotel decor reflect the natural color palette, the meals favor healthy, fresh ingredients and the preferred activity among guests is kayaking and hydro-biking on the lake. Visitors looking for a little more pampering might want to reserve one of the hot tub cottages. The bedroom looks out into a private garden with an outdoor hot tub, while the sunlit bathroom features yet another tub.