Austin, TexasDowntown Austin
The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Centennial political redoubt
Downtown Austin Austin, Texas
Renovated
2000
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic SocialOutside the door
The house
SonestaCentennial political redoubt
Old-world Texas hospitality sets the tempo across Congress Avenue, drawing evening crowds and theatergoers into the bustling mezzanine and lobby lounge.
What it’s good at
Notable
A 1924 high-rise landmark preserving its original neoclassical facade, grand lobby staircase, and Texas political history.
Notable
Centennial Congress Avenue institution where state politicians and community leaders have gathered since the nineteen-twenties.
Listed
Stephen F's Bar features an open-air second-floor terrace overlooking Congress Avenue, paired with downstairs dining at Roaring Fork.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The historic Paramount Theatre sits directly next door, with the Texas State Capitol grounds waiting four blocks to the north.
The rooms
Vintage red doors lead to interiors finished in dark woods, with select rooms framing views of the Capitol and Paramount marquee.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool and hot tub
An indoor heated lap pool and circular whirlpool tub sit together under coffered ceiling moldings.
The gym
Peloton bikes and strength machines line the fitness room beneath mirrored walls and blue neon pulse lighting.
Dogs stay too.
Stephen F's Bar & Terrace
Red velvet seating surrounds the indoor lounge, and the open-air terrace looks out toward the Paramount marquee.
At the table
Roaring Fork serves wood-fired steaks and rotisserie poultry across a ground-floor dining room with leather booths.
How it began
Lyndon B. Johnson ran his 1937 congressional campaign from the property, which debuted in 1924 as the city's first high-rise hotel.
Good to know
Stay here
The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Austin
More like this
The Driskill
“Romanesque cattleman citadel”
Austin Motel
“Retro roadside showpiece”
Carpenter Hotel
“Mid-century union revival”
Austin Proper Hotel
“Maximalist design stage”
The LINE Austin
“Lakeside creative pulse”
Fairmont Austin
“Skyline social outpost”
Hotel Van Zandt
“Music-steeped boutique showcase”
Hotel ZaZa Austin Downtown
“Theatrical downtown hangout”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.