As the sweltering days of summer begin to creep closer and closer, it’s time to start mapping out a relief plan. Thankfully, Austin’s got plenty of places that are ideal for a refreshing dip. Whether you’re seeking a day pass to sparkling pool where you can swim and lounge for a few hours or looking for a local staycation to get away for a night or two, options abound. Here are five ideas for hotels that offer splashy summer fun in the Austin area.
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Lake Austin Spa Resort
Lake Austin Spa Resort is ideally situated on the shores on Lake Austin. Contributed by Lake Austin Spa Resort
If there’s one thing to know about Lake Austin Spa Resort is that here, it’s about the water. Its location on the shores of Lake Austin, where lakeside yoga and stand-up paddleboarding are among the activities on offer, makes it ideal for a summer refresh, as do its three on-site pools. Book an all-inclusive package that includes meals, accommodations and unlimited fitness activities, then take your time exploring the grounds, which also feature a sprawling organic garden and hammocks around every turn. https://www.lakeaustin.com/
Hotel Granduca
Hotel Granduca is minutes from downtown but feels like you’ve been transported to an Italian villa. Contributed by Hotel Granduca
Nestled in West Austin and inspired by a 16th-century Italian palace, Hotel Granduca offers a sparkling pool perfect for an afternoon respite. Whether you’re sipping a glass of bubbly at a poolside cabana or enjoying artisanal gelato from a lounge chair, you’re sure to find yourself transported to Tuscany the minute you set foot on the property. Even better? The hotel is just minutes from downtown Austin, making it easy to access your day or two of respite. https://www.granducaaustin.com/
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Miraval Austin Resort and Spa
Miraval’s infinity pool overlooks Lake Travis. Contributed by Miraval
The blue of the wide-open Texas sky blends seamlessly with the blue of the gurgling infinity pool to create a panorama so tranquil that you can almost physically feel the weight of the world lifting from your shoulders as you sink into a lounge chair at Miraval Austin. Naturally, that’s by design. To wander the 220-acre natural sanctuary and wellness resort that overlooks Lake Travis and is only 40 minutes from downtown Austin is to escape to a place where sacred spaces are marked by stacked stone cairns, horses are used to help us discover ourselves, and ropes courses, axe-throwing and bee-keeping are regularly on the menu, right alongside yoga and meditation. Book a stay, or snag a day pass, which includes full access to the property, including its restaurant, spa, fitness center, zip line, walking trails, farm and two infinity pools. https://www.miravalaustin.com/
Hotel Magdalena
Hotel Magdalena was inspired by Austin’s lake house culture. Contributed by Hotel Magdalena
Brought to you by the same crew in charge of Hotel San Jose and Hotel Saint Cecilia, Hotel Magdalena on Austin’s Music Lane is another centrally located property that’s perfectly situated – and designed – for a summer getaway. The entire hotel takes its inspiration from the city’s lake house culture, from the furniture and decor in its 89 guestrooms to the 900-square-foot sunken swimming pool reminiscent of Barton Springs. Take a dip, then enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, Summer House on Music Lane, where the menu is inspired by the “sophisticated simplicity that defines a lake house weekend.” https://hotelmagdalena.com/
Austin Motel
Austin Motel offers three-hour pool passes throughout the summer. Contributed by Austin Motel
So close, yet so far out. That’s the slogan at this classic Austin property nestled in the heart of South Congress that was once a seedy motor court and is now one of the city’s most beloved places to kick back and relax. In the summer, the motel, which is part of the Bunkhouse Group, offers pool passes in three-hour blocks to its kidney-shaped pool, where you can relax with a cocktail under a vintage-style red-and-white umbrella. Passes are available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $25 per person Monday-Thursday and $45 per person Friday-Sunday; reservations are required. Kids under 5 are free. Adult night swim passes are also available for a discounted price from 5-10 p.m. https://austinmotel.com/regular-event/pool-passes/
