Fairmont Austin is one of the city's largest hotels, at 101 Red River Street on the lake side of downtown, and it works like a resort that happens to sit in the city center. The hotel lists 1,048 rooms and a long amenity roster: six restaurants, two bars and lounges, a coffee shop and a poolside bar, plus a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub and a rooftop terrace. A full-service spa with sauna and steam room sits alongside a twenty-four-hour gym, which makes the hotel a good fit for travelers who want to unwind between sightseeing days. Guests rate it very highly, with a 9.4 out of 10 across more than 2,400 reviews. The hotel's greatest strength is location: Rainey Street's bars and food-truck patios are about a two-minute walk, Lady Bird Lake and the hike-and-bike trail are five minutes, and Sixth Street is five minutes in the other direction. South Congress is about twelve minutes on foot and ACL Live at the Moody Theater roughly the same, and the airport is about a fourteen-minute drive.
Staying at a large convention-style hotel has its trade-offs, and the Fairmont is honest about them. The size means choices, from restaurants to pools, and a lobby bustle during big events, but it also means a long walk to some rooms and busy elevators at peak times. Ask for a high floor with a view of the lake or the downtown skyline, and book early if a major festival or conference is on, because the hotel fills with event guests.
The practical details to know before you book: the hotel lists covered self-parking and covered valet as nightly charges, with height restrictions, so check the current rates and plan on rideshare if you do not need a car. No resort fee is listed. Pets are allowed for a fee per stay, and service animals are exempt. The hotel is a short walk to Downtown Station, and the Austin-Bergstrom airport is a quick drive away, so it works well for short trips with an early flight.
As a base, the Fairmont suits first-time visitors, families who want a pool and variety, and travelers coming for events at the Moody Theater, Lady Bird Lake or the Convention Center. Couples can use the spa and the rooftop for a more relaxed stay, and groups benefit from the choice of restaurants under one roof. If you want a quiet boutique atmosphere, look at the smaller hotels elsewhere in this guide; if you want everything within a few minutes' walk, this is a strong option.
Why stay here
- ✓1,048 rooms
- ✓Heated outdoor pool and hot tub
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Full-service spa, sauna and steam room
- ✓Six on-site restaurants
- ✓Two bars and a poolside bar
- ✓24-hour fitness center
- ✓Steps from Rainey Street and the lake
Good questions
How close is the Fairmont to Sixth Street and Rainey Street?+
Rainey Street is about a two-minute walk and Sixth Street about five minutes. Lady Bird Lake is also about five minutes away.
Does the Fairmont have a pool and spa?+
Yes. There is a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, a rooftop terrace and a full-service spa with a sauna and steam room.
Is parking available?+
Covered self-parking and valet are offered for a nightly charge, with height restrictions. Check current rates, or use rideshare and the nearby station.
