Texas’s one-of-a-kind Capital is filled with history, charm and culture that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Austin is the ideal travel destination for musicians, artists, nature lovers, adventurers and historians alike. Nothing about Austin is ordinary, including the long list of accommodations available around the city. If you’re going to stay in the weirdest city in the world, why choose a conventional chain hotel when you can immerse yourself in real Austin life and experience a piece of the city’s rich history. So whether you’re in town for the music, the food or the sights, next time you’re visiting amazing Austin, escape convention and check in to one of these refreshingly unique and ridiculously charming bed and breakfasts that offer way more than just accommodations!

Austin’s Inn at Pearl Street

Rate: $145-$245/night
Located in the heart of downtown Austin’s cultural district, The Inn at Pearl Street is a luxurious yet cozy bed and breakfast that offers all the modern amenities of a self-service boutique hotel. Winner of several travel accolades and style awards including Wedding Style Best of Austin Award, this opulent estate includes two distinct historical homes: The Victorian and the Burton House.

Inside the Victorian House you’ll find oodles of ambience and charm in the form of rich wood floors, grand fireplaces, crown molding and a sprawling outdoor patio where you can relax under the shade of mature Pecan and Oak trees. There are 8 total rooms available for rent between the two houses, plus 4 private rentals, each with a distinct and inviting theme that beckons you inside.

At the Victorian House you’ll find the five rooms: the French Room features Schumacher wallpapers, elegant fabrics and a plush queen sized bed. The European Room has an abundance of floral patterned fabrics and golden walls. The Gothic Suite is a guest favorite with dark, luxurious colors, marble floors, a jacuzzi for two and an iron bed with a canopy. The Far East Room is Asian themed with a salmon colored walls, a private balcony and ornate oriental wall screen above the bed. And the first-floor Library is accented with shelves of books and an original brick fireplace.

Inside the Burton House are three guest rooms: The Venetian Room is decorated with old world antiques, warm yellows and gold patina, The Safari Room offers an exotic escape complete with an mesquite net canopy bed, African artifacts and faux leathers, and the Oxford Room has bold prints, hardwood floors and an iron-post queen size bed. If you’re looking for a little more privacy there’s also four extended stay suites that have been added to the original property, including the Old West style Texas Hideaway, the second-story apartment Treehouse, the Bombay room connected to the Treehouse and the first-floor Cottage. The Pearl also offers various hospitality packages to add an extra layer of pampering, including bubbly, strawberries and chocolate upon arrival, warm breakfast served in your room, limousine service, in-room massages by appointment and romantic carriage rides and dinners for two. The Pearl is just far enough away to offer a private reprieve from the city but close enough that it’s just a short drive to downtown Austin. So you can rock out to live music all night then sleep in and enjoy a quiet breakfast al fresco while you recoup and recover.

Casa Del Sol at Lake Travis

Rate: $129-$195/Night

Right next to the crystal Lake Travis, the Casa del Sol is a romantic southwestern style retreat that’s perfect for couple’s getaways, solo escapades and sublime staycations. This lakeside property offers hours of relaxation, pampering and pure bliss with a pool, two hot tubs and unbeatable views of the lake from the private decks. There’s a plethora of little outdoor nooks and seating areas surrounded by leafy trees, deer antlers, singing birds and fecund gardens. The Casa Del Sol, or House of the Sun, is best enjoyed during the warmer season, since many of the property’s amazing amenities are outdoors. The private pool overlooks the greenbelts and waters of Lake Travis and has a massive deck with loungers and a small dining table next to a mature tree with a chandelier hanging from it.

This lakeside paradise can make for an uber romantic and secluded getaway or a therapeutic retreat for the mind and body. There’s an entire acre of gardens, grottos and grassy yard that’s great for early morning yoga sessions or sunset gazing with a glass of wine. There are five rentals available at Casa del Sol which can accommodate up to 14 people. The Lavender Suite is the largest suite in the home and has a spacious living area with plush leather seating arranged around a natural fireplace, a dining room with a 6 seat Mexican pine table and master bedroom with a king canopy bed. The suite also has a terrace with lake and pool views and a full bath with an Italian glass vanity. The Moonlight Suite is sunny and spacious with an iron king size bed, whimsical chandelier, kitchenette with a mini fridge and microwave and bathroom with blue-tile shower. But the best feature of this suite is the private hot tub tucked in a grotto with a walking path that leads straight to the pool. The Cowboy Room is cute and rustic chic with a king bed, separate room with a kitchenette and small bistro table and a full bath. The room’s double french doors open onto a private terrace with a fountain and dining area. The Golden Cottage is adorned with sunny yellow walls and contains a Mexican iron king bed overlooking the pool and garden, a full kitchen with stove and fridge and a bathroom with a shower. The room’s private covered patio has a Mexican iron patio table and rocking chairs to kick back after a long day. The quirkiest of all the accommodations is the airstream Armadillo. This tiny trailer has been renovated to include a double bed, large couch, kitchenette and a bathroom with working shower and toilet. The fun 21′ Vintage Airstream also has an attached private deck under mature oaks with a prime view of Lake Travis. Each rental comes with WiFi, spa towels, yoga mats, toiletries, robes and continental breakfast that you can have anywhere you want. The Casa Del Sol is the kind of place you book when you want to get away from the city and reconnect with yourself or your significant other while you relax and soak up all the romance of this nature-filled hideout.

Park Lane Guest House
Rate: $169-$249/Night
Nestled in a quite neighborhood in the South Congress district, Park Lane Guest House is one of Austin’s only eco-friendly B&B’s. Founded by a former carpenter and midwife with like-minded visions, this one-of-a-kind B&B is dedicated to creating a sustainable, symbiotic environment where you can rest your body, mind and soul. Known as “The Greenest Little Hotel in Texas”, the Park Lane Guest House definitely has a hippie-dippy vibe that fits perfectly into Austin’s unconventional culture. Wholesome activities such as bicycling, eating locally and shopping sustainably are all highly encouraged when staying at this cruelty-free, environmentally conscious abode.

The property includes four private guest cottages that sit on a gorgeous 1/2 acre of property abundant in towering Live Oak trees and garden greenery. The Vicky House is a Victorian house custom-made with recovered period pieces and materials. Every detail of this antique rustic cottage is hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind, from the stained glass windows and antique wood interior walls to the antique pedestal tub and shower. It’s like sleeping in an authentic 19th century cottage where you can be spoiled rotten by in-room breakfast served inside the cottage or on your private porch. The Garden Cottage sleeps 2-4 and features antique pine wood floors, stained glass windows, Persian carpets, a spacious and sunny layout and art-deco style bathroom. Breakfast is served on your private deck with a pool view or at your breakfast bar. The poolside Carriage House is ideal for a romantic retreat for two, with a plushy organic king size bed and hand wrought iron bed post and ensuite bath with antique clawfoot soaking tub, hand-held shower head and sensual velvet curtains. In the morning you can have your breakfast at your personal breakfast bar or poolside. The SoCo Room is located inside the main house and features a private keyed entry hall with queen size bed and ensuite tiled bathroom. Breakfast is served in the main dining room, at the main breakfast bar or on the quiet garden patio. Guests also have access to the property’s lush garden and private pool, where you can dip your toes in the afternoon or maybe even go skinny-dipping after dark if the mood strikes! The hearty homemade organic breakfasts served at Park Lane are available in vegetarian, vegan or omnivore options and made with fresh produce from the owner’s hens and ingredients straight from the garden. Even the bedding is all made with soft organic sheets, pillows and comforters. So you can relax in luxury and style and give yourself a pat on the back for doing your part to save the planet! When you’re ready to venture out into Austin, the vibrant and vivacious South Congress street is just a few blocks away. And you can even rent a bicycle on site to enjoy Austin like a true local.

The Fairview
Rate: $199-$309/Night
Built inside the historic Gullet House in the South River City district, The Fairview is a stately bed and breakfast that’s preferred by business travelers, solo adventurers and honeymooners from all around. Originally built in 1910 by a local cattleman, this City of Austin Landmark has since been fully renovated to include all the modern amenities of a boutique hotel while still preserving the house’s original integrity and history.

The Fairview offers 6 luxury guest rooms including three suites, each equipped with ensuite baths, free HiDef Google TV and Netflix and free WiFi. You can even bring your dog with you if he’s a member of the Lucky Dog club, which adds $50 to your room rate per stay. The Live Oak Suite sleeps 4 and has a King bed and two twin beds. The Sunday House is a complete private apartment with separate outside entrance and features a queen bed and king bed with organic mattress, a bathroom with small clawfoot tub, windows in every room and treetop and garden views. The Pecan Room features one king bed, private bath with giant clawfoot tub and a private screened terrance. The Bluebonnet Room has a four poster queen bed with Italian cotton sheets and rich blue walls. And the ground-floor Carriage House apartment offers a queen bed with organic bedding, separate living room and bathroom with walk in shower and Turkish cotton towels.

Breakfast is offered as a self-serve buffet from 7:30 AM to 11 AM, so the early birds can grab a bite before heading out and the night owls can sleep in a little and turn breakfast into brunch. This delectable, gluten free organic breakfast buffet has dishes like homemade granola made with organic, gluten free oats, homemade bread made with gluten free flour, fresh fruit salad prepared with seasonal fruits each morning, hard boiled eggs organic, pasture raised eggs from Coyote Creek Farm in Elgin and baked goodies for a little sugar in the morning. Also available for breakfast are nut free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, paleo and SCD options. So even the pickiest of eaters can indulge in something delicious at this hospitable B&B. Coffee and organic tea are on hand all day for an early-morning kick starter or afternoon pick me up. For the outdoorsy types, Lady Bird Lake is nearby where you can find kayaking, walking trails and more outdoor fun. And for great shopping, dining and people watching, South Congress is right down the road, where you can hoof it all day and never get bored!

Brava House

Rate: $179-$209/Night
Located in unique Old West Austin, the Brava House is technically the only bed and breakfast that’s right in the middle of downtown Austin. Built in the late 1880s, the former Southard House is a relaxing abode that’s just steps away from bustling downtown Austin. Inside the home, you can enjoy a plethora of modern amenities including complimentary internet, daily housekeeping, a private back deck with a tranquil garden and pond, and, of course, complimentary breakfast. The Brava House has 5 old-timey suites, each named after a historic figure or film. The adorable first-floor Van Gogh Room for two is right off the garden and includes a queen bed and small armchair by the bay windows where you can muse and meditate.

The Casablanca Room, located on the second floor, sleeps 3 and boasts hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, large windows, a full sized sleeper sofa and private bathroom with classy clawfoot tub and shower. The Garbo Suite sleeps 4 and is decorated in refined 1930’s style, with a floor to ceiling wood bookcase and fireplace. It also has a queen size tempurpedic sleeper sofa in the living room and a queen size curved antique bed, working fireplace and bathroom with clawfoot tub and shower in the master bedroom. The Fitzgerald Suite is well-appointed and elegant enough to for The Great Gatsby himself! It sleeps 3 and offers matching bay windows, mahogany antique furniture, parlor fireplace and queen size sleeper sofa in the living room and a separate bedroom with a queen size bed and private bath with a humongous double-head shower. And the roomy second-floor Monroe Suite is great for families or groups, with a bedroom with queen size bed, kitchen and dining area and queen size tempurpedic sleeper sofa in the living room.

Complimentary breakfast is served every day in the house’s spacious main kitchen where you can have a hearty vegetarian meal at a communal table, breakfast bar or back patio. You can also amp up the pampering even further by ordering one of the Brava House’s special guest packages including breakfast in bed, a rose on your pillow, cheese trays, in-room massages and an enchanted evening for two with sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries and mood-setting candles. And since downtown is right outside, you can grab your shoes and head out for sightseeing at HOPE outdoor gallery and the State Capitol, barhopping on dirty sixth street and Rainey street and even more delicious food at local spots like Cafe Josie, Clark’s Oyster Bar and Counter Cafe.

Adams House

Rate: $149-$179/Night

Set up inside a restored 20th century bungalow in historic Hyde Park, The lovely Adam’s House has been housing travelers and tourists from all around since 1997. Winner of several local accolades including Top 8 on bedandbreakfast.com’s National Breakfast Contest and Austin Chronicle’s Best Bed and Breakfast of Austin, this city landmark is a piece of Texas history that’s been updated to include every convenience of an upscale hotel.

The Adams House includes five individual suites that are dressed to the nines in amenities, luxury and leisure. The William T. Adams Suite holds a regal 4 poster king size bed, walk in closet and completely renovated bathroom with slate floors, granite countertops and a large soaking tub. This majestic suite also boasts a spacious sun porch with central AC/heating, sleeper sofa and antique wicker chairs, so you can wake up with the sun any time of the year. Named after a historic Austin figure, the Elisabet Ney Room has a queen size bed, desk and walk in closet. There’s no ensuite bathroom, but the full bathroom right outside the door is exclusively reserved for this room. If you’re shy about walking outside your room in the buff to take a shower, the suite also has robes and a privacy screen set up in the hallway so you can make it from point a to point b without anyone seeing you.

The Hyde Park Room features a Pine queen size four poster bed and antique armoire. This room is charming and quaint with lots of light and an ensuite bath with pedestal sink and shower. The Monroe Shipe Room is inviting and homey with a queen size iron post bed and antique side table, desk and armoire. The ensuite bathroom contains a pedestal sink and tiled shower. The ground-level Sidney Suite is decked out with a king size bed, TV with cable, armoire. The ensuite bath has everything you need with a super relaxing jet tub and shower. There is also a main entry room connected to the Sidney Ship by a historic pocket door that has a small desk and queen sleeper sofa. Other free bonuses at the Adams House include Wifi and bottled water as well as access to the house’s main living area with sofas, a TV and a DVD player. But you probably won’t be spending much time at the house since it sits just minutes away from great museums like the Elisabet Ney Museum, parks like the Shipe Park, live music venues and delicious dining at Asti, Julio’s, Hyde Park Bar & Grill and Antonelli’s Cheese.

Casa Kenwood Guesthouses

Located in a residential neighborhood in urban chic south Austin, Casa Kenwood is the epitome of adventure accommodations and Austin weird. This eccentric little hideout has two quirky self-serve cottages, each with an uber unique and modern style. Both cottages have a modern urban design and architecture, with open floor plans and lots of windows.

The Studio Azul is roomy and hip, with interesting wall textures and colorful local art all around. This snazzy suite has a big bed, small living area with couches and a coffee table, sheer blue curtains covering the windows and a kitchenette with a fridge and bistro table. The ensuite bathroom in the Studio Azul is freakin awesome! It has unusual light fixtures, a pedestal sink and a custom tiled standing shower with a kooky shower curtain. The Casita Roja is just as funky as its sister, with Christmas lights and a kitschy bathroom with multi colored shower and fixtures. This room also has a kitchenette with a stove top, microwave, fridge, sink and dining table and a queen size bed.

The property has plenty of neat little areas to mess around and hang out away from the city. But what people love most about Casa Kenwood is its proximity to South Congress and Riverside. There’s no breakfast in bed, but at this autonomous B&B you’re free to do what you want, when you want! You can literally walk to downtown Austin and explore the best of the city on foot then head back to your home away from home when you’re ready.

Star of Texas Inn

Rate: $130-$150/Night
Set in residential West Austin, the Star of Texas Inn is a popular bed and breakfast with lots of space and a ton of charm. Winner of Austin Chronicle’s readers choice awards for Best B&B several years running, this successful inn has grown to include three separate buildings, two of which are situated adjacent to one another. The original Star of Texas Inn has three welcoming suites available and include a fantastic breakfast.

Room 10 is the only room with an external entrance, providing additional privacy and seclusion. It has a queen bed, private bathroom with shower and several large windows that provide an abundance of natural light. Located on the ground floor, Room 11 is elegantly appointed with an iron queen bed, desk and wardrobe and bathroom with beautiful claw foot tub. Room 12 is by far the best in the house in both size and comfort. It contains a king size bed, granite top dresser, antique wardrobe, ensuite bathroom with an antique claw foot tub and, the piece d’resistance: a private balcony. The property also include a spacious porch that’s perfect for sipping wine in the evening and having your coffee in the morning. As well as an impressively large dining room that can easily seat 16 people. What makes this Austin gem so great are the personal touches and antique accessories that adorn it. Like the antique wood mantel fireplace where free cookies and treats are served to the dainty wrought iron tables and chairs on the porch. For breakfast, guests can pick from a homemade buffet or have their breakfast made to order. Buffet items usually include something savory, something sweet, fresh fruit, bagels, OJ and coffee. And when you’re in the mood to explore Austin, the Star of Texas is just a short drive from downtown’s historic district and bustling city center.

Strickland Arms

Rate: $145-$160/Night
Tucked in the quiet Patterson Heights neighborhood, Strickland Arms is an idyllic bed and breakfast in central Austin. This adorable escape is built inside the historic Patterson house, which was built in 1904 for Judge McCamy Patterson – who obviously was influential enough to have both a house and a neighborhood named after him! This stately estate covers 1 acre of lush green private property, with romantic gardens and greenery all around. The front and side of the house is surrounded by a gorgeous covered antebellum porch that looks like it’s straight out of a movie, and there’s several private decks throughout the house to take in the many magnificent views Patterson Heights provides. Out back you can find a secluded Italian garden styled yard with a private pool for hours of sunning and relaxing. This gigantic 5,000 ft property has a formal dining room that’s open to guests, a shared formal living room and 5 Victorian style suites that have all been renovated to include a private bathroom. Lady Mae’s Room has a fireplace with wooden mantel, an antique king bed and a private bathroom with spa tub. Lady Stephanie’s Room has one king size four poster bed and a private bath with shower. Sir Soren’s Room is great for friends or families, with two queen size four poster beds and a private bath with shower. And Sir David’s Room is comfy with a queen size four poster bed and private bath with shower. Located in the sun room, Lady Aisling’s Room can be rented in combination with Sir Soren’s or Lady Stephanie’s room and contains an antique double bed and half bath. Each bedroom is decorated in classic 19th century style, with lots of wood furniture, floral fabrics and lace. A hearty continental breakfast comprised of fresh fruit, fresh baked biscuits, muffins, orange juice, coffee and tea is served every morning. And there’s plenty of comfortable seats with views to complement your meal. Around the neighborhood you can find family friendly Hyde Park, the Elisabet Ney museum and several coffee shops and restaurants to take a snack break and refuel between adventures.

South 20 Austin

Rate: $195-$210/Night
Located in far south Austin, the South 20 offers the ultimate private and relaxing hill country retreat. This gorgeous private property is set on 20 gorgeous green acres and includes two luxury casitas, each fully stocked and overflowing with amenities and charm. The South 20 makes a great getaway for just about any Austin occasion. Whether you’re in town for SXSW, touring the city or just looking for a refreshing break from the everyday, you can find everything you need at this beautiful central Texas estate. The property is right next to a sprawling greenbelt that provides both privacy and amazing views from the casitas. The grounds are immaculately maintained and accented with vibrant flowers, graceful wall vines and potted plants. And are welcome explore the garden-like yard and unwind under the mature trees. The property also has a dreamy treehouse-style retreat center that can be rented out for special occasions or events.

If you came to South 20 to hide away and catch up on some much needed R&R, then you can find everything you need inside each amazingly comfortable casita, which is a like a five star hotel unto itself! They contain a plush king size bed with premium bedding, a cozy sitting area with fireplace, extra large bathroom and kitchenette with basic appliances like refrigerator, microwave, toaster and coffee maker. Some other nice perks of this thoughtful B&B include soft robes in the bathrooms, quality Paya toiletries and an in-room continental breakfast, so you don’t even have to get out of bed to enjoy all that this place has to offer! But if you do feel like leaving the incredible cocoon of your casita, there’s plenty to do and see in every direction. You can head west toward the adorable Texan town of Dripping Springs, where you can find brewery tours, nature trails and local shops. And if it’s Austin you’re here for, then head 15 minutes the other direction and you’ll be in the live music capital, with infamous east 6th street, renowned eateries and street art and culture that’s unlike anywhere else in the world!