Hotel San José

OUR ARTICLE

Austin is the hip uncle of the South. He knows all the coolest bands at South by Southwest, makes a mean taco, and takes men under his wing to show them a damn good time. Austin is cool and knows it, and it’s no surprise that the hotels on offer here are the same. If Austin is the hip uncle of the South, then Hotel San José is his free-spirited lady friend you’ll want to go to bed with, if she’ll have you.

Built in 1936, Hotel San José is an old-fashioned motor court property that has been transformed into a bungalow-style hotel with a minimalist design of stucco walls, concrete floors, handmade furniture, and Austin-inspired textiles. Rocking lush garden courtyards and a dip pool, it’s the perfect place for the laid-back traveler looking to connect with the South Congress scene in Austin, a neighborhood that’s notorious for being trendy and unique and full of great restaurants, music, nightlife, and shopping.

Austin may like to keep things weird, but Hotel San José knows how to take that vibe and transform it into a chill, laid-back atmosphere and a top-notch stay for any CYTIES traveler.

Rooms here range in size, but all feature top-notch quality furniture and design pieces that make it easy to relax. The leather saddle chairs, beds made of reclaimed hardwood, custom-made kimono bathrobes, and the Malin + Goetz toiletries, all seek to prove that Hotel San José knows how to treat the male adventurer right. Minibars with drinks and snacks, room service, and free Wi-Fi add value to the rooms, while typewriters and Polaroid cameras to borrow seal the deal.

Connecting to the South Congress scene is easy enough by heading to the hotel’s parking lot, home to Jo’s, a coffee shop serving coffee, beer, breakfast tacos, and pulled pork sandwiches. From here, grab an espresso or beer, listen to music, and chill with locals on the patio while taking in the Austin scene. When you tire of Jo’s, head to the hotel’s courtyard lounge to sip on Micheladas and snack on cheese plates.

Austin may like to keep things weird, but Hotel San José knows how to take that vibe and transform it into a chill, laid-back atmosphere and a top-notch stay for any CYTIES traveler. Give her a call, lads. She’s worth it.