The hype
Design and service are top-tier, but the rooms can feel tight and the price tag is aggressive.
Austin Proper Hotel Austin a Member of Design Hotels
$300-700+/ night
Book this if You want to be the main character in a Kelly Wearstler-designed movie set and don't mind paying for the privilege.
Why People Love It
- Interiors are a texture-rich visual feast (Insta-gold)
- The rooftop pool scene at La Piscina is a whole vibe
- Goldie’s sunken bar feels like an exclusive secret club
Quick Take: A stunningly designed vertical playground that charges you for the aesthetic while construction noise rumbles outside.
Reviewed by @hey_mrzedd: I stayed at the Austin Proper and honestly, the design details are next level. Waking up to that Lady Bird Lake view with the automated shades was the perfect start to my morning. The Aesop products in the shower were the cherry on top.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will hear the AC unit cycling on and off, and if you're on a lower floor, the street noise cuts right through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
- You appreciate high-design interiors over square footage
- You want a hotel bar scene that locals actually envy
- You're traveling with a dog (very pet-friendly)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable and thorough.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate marble and grout; no mold issues reported.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though some complaints about 'dirty windows' from exterior dust.
- Linens & towels: Crisp Fili d'Oro linens and fluffy towels; high tactile quality.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells expensive (custom candle); rooms are fresh.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud in-room air conditioning cycling
- Nearby Convention Center demolition/construction
- Street noise through glass walls
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet is ~$65/night and garage fills up; self-parking options nearby are scarce.
- Goldie's Sunken Bar is exclusive to hotel guests and residents—flash your key card.
- The 'Destination Fee' (~$52) covers bike rentals—use them to ride the trail nearby.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for the AC and construction)
- Designer swimwear (the pool is a runway)
- Walking shoes (Lady Bird Lake trail is steps away)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premier King Lake View (High Floor) for actual scenery and less street noise
- Corner Suites for dual-aspect views and slightly more space
Rooms to avoid
- Standard 'King Room' (often code for 'Parking Garage View')
- 5th-floor rooms near the pool bar if you hate bass thumping at 2 PM
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on a high floor (10+) facing Lady Bird Lake to avoid the parking garage view and minimize construction noise from the Convention Center project.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the rooftop pool is heated and open year-round, 8am-10pm.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, up to 2 dogs (max 35-45lbs) for a $100 non-refundable fee per stay.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, a 'Destination Fee' of ~$52.65/night is added to your bill.
What is the parking situation?
Valet only at ~$65/night. It's expensive and can be slow during peak times.
How close is the construction?
The massive Convention Center project is just blocks away; demolition starts May 2025.
Is breakfast included?
No, and it's pricey (~$14-32/person), but the coffee bar in the lobby is excellent.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Goldie's serves a killer Afternoon Tea Fri-Sun that most guests miss.
- ✨
The gym has Peloton and Tonal machines—better than your average hotel fitness center.
- ✨
Ask for a 'Lake View' specifically; 'City View' might just be a view of a crane.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Omakase' at Kappo Kappo is actually a French-Japanese tasting menu, not traditional sushi.
💡The windows are floor-to-ceiling but can get dirty quickly due to city dust/construction.
💡You control the blackout curtains via a touchscreen wall unit that can be finicky.
💡The shower is open-concept in some rooms, which can feel drafty.
💡Room service pancakes are legendary (soufflé style).
Local Playbook
Map
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