South Congress Hotel

"De-stress at the rooftop oasis at South Congress Hotel. Lush greenery offers sun or shade, and poolside bites from Café No Sé are available all day. Upgrade with a cabana (complimentary champagne or seltzers included). Day passes and cabanas are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, while Sundays bring poolside fun with discounted passes, drink specials, and DJs (1-7 p.m.). The hotel validates parking for a hassle-free day. Day Passes $40 Monday to Thursday, $75 Friday and Saturday; Cabanas (up to 4 people) $250 Monday to Thursday, $350 Friday and Saturday; Summer Sundays $20 Book online" - Darcie Duttweiler

"Not that we needed another reason to visit South Congress Hotel, Central Standard tops the list of classic American bar and grills in Austin. The raw bar features oysters, lobster, crudos, other shellfish, and seafood towers. While the seafood tower was the showstopper of the night with raw oysters, clams, and maine lobster, I absolutely died over the uni butter toast." - A Taste of Koko

"South Congress Hotel is Austin's hottest new hotel on South Congress Ave. With 83 cool, minimalist-chic rooms, Paul Qui's Otoko, Café No Sé, Central Standard, Sunroom Boutique, and a rooftop pool, South Congress Hotel is the spot to be." - A Taste of Koko

"This compound-like hotel, set in a low-slung, white-brick building, takes up an entire block in Austin's hip South Congress neighborhood—and it draws all the artfully tattooed area creatives into its orbit. The spacious lobby is broken up into several semi-private seating areas, but the lively bar—outfitted with mid-century modern furnishings—is where you'll want to camp out from morning 'til night. Rooms are stylishly minimalist, with polished cement ceilings, hardwood floors, and deep turquoise-and-gray color palette—but it's the his-and-hers "love kit," along with the cool brass bottle opener you'll want to pocket. The hotel's amenities are so inviting that you could spend your entire stay inside this mini-compound. There's a well-edited women’s clothing boutique, Sunroom, and six restaurants and bars, including high-end omakase cocktail experience, Watertrade." - Mandy Ellis, Allison Bagley

"The South Austin hotel is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with sparkling wines, DJ sets, cocktails, and a live performance by Jane Leo. It runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Advance tickets are $45, which includes a small Champagne bottle and party favors. Door tickets will be $60. There are indoor areas." - Nadia Chaudhury