The Vibe: Texas Cool.

The Area: South Congress

The DNA: For Liz Lambert, owner Bunkhouse Group’s founder and chief creative maven, the bones of the 1938 Austin Motel landmark were in perfect shape. “I was influenced by three decades in the motel’s history – the 1930s when the property was built, the 1950s when it was in its heyday and significant additions were made, and the 1980s which was a sort of last hurrah for old Austin and South Congress, when Austin was sort of at the end of its cosmic cowboy era, before the neighbourhood started changing.” There is a kidney-shaped swimming pool, a bar and a food truck.

Suite-Me-Up: Individually decorated rooms have design touches such as Burgundy laminated desks, tufted beds sheathed in Sfera sheets, push button phones and vintage music posters. Facilities include a TV, and bathrooms have showers – some with whirlpool tubs.

Seen: Wallpaper*

Accolades: Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2018

✅ free Wi-Fi throughout • size matters: 41 rooms (15-46m2) (161-495 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2017 (originally 1938) • interior design: Liz Lambert • bathroom amenities: Alaffia ✅ free on-site parking • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk