The Vibe: Start-up, including the crowd.

The Area: On the edge of both hip East and downtown Austin.

The DNA: Native Hostel and Bar & Kitchen occupies a two-storey stone building dating to 1897 and a brick warehouse that was added in the 1940s. The site originally housed a boarding house for railway workers, a brewery, and later, a series of shops and factories. Given the lack of historic buildings still standing in Austin, the property was highly sought-after when the owners purchased it several years ago, despite its dilapidated condition. Much of the building was neglected or covered over with plaster, gypsum ceiling panels, sheetrock and carpet. The new venue contains an “experiential hostel” with a variety of sleeping quarters, a restaurant, a bar and an event space. It is meant to serve as a stylish yet affordable alternative to the pricey boutique hotels popping up in Austin.

Suite-Me-Up: In total, the hostel offers 65 beds spread across 12 rooms, including the ultra-communal Romper Room, which has eight bunkbeds and a king bed. “A space limited solely by our imagination, the Romper Room is a place for free play and privacy,” the hostel states on its website. The dorm rooms contain hand-crafted bunk beds made of steel and stained plywood panels. Each has a privacy curtain and a lamp.

Seen: archdaily, dezeen, WeHeart

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 65 beds in 12 rooms • hotel opened: 2017 • architecture: Black Rabbit • interior design: Joel Mozersky Design • bathroom amenities: custom ✅ free on-site parking • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk