Staying in downtown Austin on a budget ain’t easy, but one way to significantly decrease the damage of a weekend trip is to score one of the few rooms at the Firehouse Hostel. It isn’t The Peninsula, but the oldest-standing fire station in Austin has been transformed into a cozy respite for budget travelers just feet from the fray of Dirty 6th Street. Standard and deluxe dorm offerings are great for large groups, but for those who’ve outgrown the charms of sleeping in the bunk beds, they also offer a pair of more conventional suites with private baths. Bonus points for a cocktail lounge that you enter through a secret sliding false bookshelf.
Austin is far from an affordable city to visit these days, which is why it's important to do your research early on the best cheap hotels. Austin, like any city, is dealing with inflation, increased domestic tourism and events like SXSW that spike room prices like you've never seen. Thankfully, we’ve done the groundwork so you don’t have to. These nine stays are not only a bargain but do the job excellently. After all, sometimes you just need a clean and comfortable base from which to explore the city—no frills, just a solid night’s sleep, right? Many of these gems are right downtown too, meaning they're within walking distance from all the best attractions in the capital, while others are a short ride away and throw in some sweet amenities like free breakfast or fun communal spaces to make new travel buddies. If you’re the type who values splashing your cash on travel experiences over a fancy bells-and-whistles hotel, these are definitely the digs for you.
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