The most romantic hotels in Austin, Texas

Treat your lover to a dream vacation at Miraval Austin; perched up on 220 acres of protected land that overlooks Lake Travis. As a wellness resort, this is the best place to switch off and reconnect with each other. Stays include nutritious meals; activities themed to fitness, yoga and meditation; use of on-site amenities like their two infinity pools and the spa’s quiet room; shuttle or valet parking; and of course, overnight accommodation in one of their 117 zen guest rooms and suites. The natural surroundings are simply breathtaking, and you can upgrade with a long list of spa treatments.

This recent SoCo addition is a Texas-sized, boutique-accented hotel that feels more home away from home than anywhere else in town—ideal for short and long-stretch stays over SXSW. There are 80 big suites, so guests have ample room to bask in Patrice Rios-designed interiors adorned with local artwork and plush Serta king-size beds, from studios to one-, two- and three-bedrooms (since not all couples can leave the kids behind). Each ticks the residential comfort box in terms of kitchen, dining space, living room (with super-smart TV), and washer/dryer in select units. Tip: for tranquility, avoid roadside-facing options. Notable Colton amenities include a breezy 5,000 square feet hangout peppered with oak trees, a heated outdoor swimming pool sided with chandeliers, and relaxed on-site coffee and cocktail bar Simona’s, where y’all can espresso and chill on their beautiful furniture.

Guests staying at the Four Seasons will find a luxurious hotel nestled up against the Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trails, making it a stellar gateway to one of the city’s most iconic natural amenities. Couples can take lakeside jaunts, enjoy breakfast in bed and spa treatments, roast marshmallows on the back patio and take naps in the lawn hammocks on sunny days. But let's be real—the beds are so comfy here, you'll probably be spending plenty of time in your room, too. On-site restaurant Ciclo is a must for elevated wine and dine or brunch, or take sweetie to weekday afternoon tea (dubbed ‘A-Tea-X’) at Live Oak for romantic tiered treats.

This 1960s jazz club turned hotshot boutique hotel is one of ATX’s greatest stays for a number of reasons. The location by Lady Bird Lake (literally, steps to) makes it one of the most scenic hotels, not least if you have a lakeside room or suite. Even better, it’s next to Congress Avenue Bridge so you can see the bats fly without waiting out in the heat. Its historic heritage can be felt throughout, making it a particular romantic stay with modern members’ house touches. Think crescent sofas, bulb chandeliers, and bathrooms with Cowshed amenities. And finally, it’s got some of the most exciting amenities along the river, including Veracruz tacos, Arlo Grey (Kristen Kish’s beautiful restaurant), and P6 (an open-air rooftop bar perfect for sunsets). Oh, and it smells great too, especially when you light up the complimentary palo santo incense sticks. Swoon.

Built in 1886, the Driskill exudes old-school Texas elegance in downtown Austin: think vintage crown molding, calming desert gold and tan linens, and framed treasures. That’s not to say 21st-century comfort is compromised—Netflix, Nespresso and chill. There are 189 guestrooms, but book a balcony suite if you want to turn romance up a notch, for there is no better place to enjoy the hotel’s welcome beverage or a pastry from 1886 (the café and bakery), a legendary destination for afternoon high tea. Live music on sixth, a museum-esque lobby, and rustic Driskill Bar complete the magnificent fairytale stay.

Though just a 20-minute drive, the sprawling Omni resort feels a world away. Not only is it one of the most popular places to play golf in the entire state, but the Hill Country gem has a stunning full-service Mokara Spa full of sumptuous treatments, an infinity pool, and a nutritious eaterie. When the well-being journey is done, stroll out on the 4,000 acres of family-friendly playground (tip: come outside of holidays to avoid kids), dotted with pools, gardens and fireplaces, and cap off the night at one of their fine dining restaurants or bars. Our pick is Bob’s Steak and Chop House, famous for their er, steak and chops. Omni Barton Creek is also a location for weddings.

One for the couple who likes to turn it up. The W is located adjacent to the Moody Theater (date night show, perhaps?), and serves as a cornerstone of the posh 2nd Street District. The Living Room bar is one of the best places in town to make memories, and the summer rooftop pool parties are the stuff of legend, especially popular with the fabulous LGBTQ+ crowd during Pride season—it's safe to say the W welcomes all with love year-round. The rock-star atmosphere doesn’t stop at poolside DJ sets. Twiggy floor lamps, suede sofas and ultra-high-end McIntosh McAire sound systems mean the “Extreme Wow Suites” live up to their name (and make for a sexy-celebratory experience). Relax at the full-service spa before heading to the hotel's farm-to-table restaurant, TRACE.