Whether you’re making accommodation recommendations for out-of-town visitors or planning a staycation for the family, these hotels consider fitness and wellness top amenities.
By Gretchen Goswitz, Photos courtesy of Westin Austin Downtown, Element, Hyatt Lost Pines, Neil Gandhi and Omni Barton Creek
The Westin Austin Downtown
A weekend getaway doesn’t necessarily mean a vacation from your workout routine. For dedicated runners and active travelers, The Westin Austin Downtown is an optimal choice. Although the workout room is stocked with state-of-the-art treadmills and a variety of strength-training equipment, this hotel also takes great pride in hosting its RunWestin program. Tour the city while enjoying some fresh air on a guided group run, or just grab one of the running maps and take in the sights at your own pace. Additionally, the hotel’s partnership with New Balance means you can pack lighter. For only $5, guests can rent New Balance clothing and shoes for any of their active needs.
Rooms start at $158 per night.
Element Austin Downtown
With a light, clean and modern touch, Element Austin Downtown is beaming with eco-wise sensibilities. Aimed at guests looking for a balance between business and pleasure, the hotel provides amenities that cater to a healthy lifestyle. Rather than serving the typical pastry-laden breakfast buffet found at many other hotels, Element Austin Downtown guests can start the day right at the Rise Breakfast Bar, stocked with complimentary food that’s individualized and full of health-conscious options. Thanks to the hotel’s partnership with Austin B-cycle, guests are encouraged to take advantage of the borrow-a-bike program and explore the neighboring localities on two wheels.
Rooms start at $191 per night.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
For a holistic and experiential stay, book a few nights in this tranquil Bastrop-area destination, located only 30 minutes outside downtown Austin. Deviate from the traditional exercise offerings by signing up for onsite activities like horseback riding, kayaking, archery, tennis and golf. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines is an especially great stay for families with kids; young travelers can take part in games and sports at the kid-exclusive Camp Hyatt, as well as pony rides for guests ages of 2 through 10. Plus, the hotel hosts daily tournaments specifically for families with a bit of a competitive edge. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines has multiple cafés and upscale and casual restaurants on the property offering fresh fare from the hotel’s herb garden.
Rooms start at $189 per night.
South Congress Hotel
Aside from having incredible walkability—a fantastic way to get your step count in, for those who are counting—a few days at South Congress Hotel provide the fast track to an immersive Austin experience. A clean start to each day is practically guaranteed if you stop by Café No Sé or Mañana Coffee & Juice, both located on the property. After you’ve had your avocado toast and ethically sourced cup of joe, check out the Faraday electric bikes available for rent to all South Congress Hotel guests. Depending on when you stay, you might be able to jump in on the widely popular Sunday Ritual, a monthly series offering a 75-minute yoga and meditation class.
Rooms start at $203.15 per night when booked 30 days in advance.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
A hotel with an 11,000-square-foot fitness center is serious about its guests’ exercise needs. From TRX bands, Pilates and one-on-one yoga, to more obscure classes like prenatal yoga and aqua training, Omni Barton Creek has all the amenities for every fitness level. Sign up for nature hikes, miniature-golf tournaments and scavenger hunts to keep you and the kids busy, or play a round on one of the four nationally recognized championship golf courses. Following a day full of outdoor recreation, you may be ready to wind down with some self-care. Recovery {is} part of a well-rounded health routine, after all. For this, the property offers body, facial and massage spa treatments, and even seasonal specials that change month to month.
Rooms start at $242 per night.