The hotel that launched the Bunkhouse group empire in SoCo, this revamped 1936 motor court gets a lot of press for its Texas-meets-Tokyo design. There are nods to Austin—red Spanish tile roofs, native-pattern throw rugs, and Texas pine beds—but the dominant feel is Zen, with rooms so stripped down (white walls, cement floors) that they border on stark; seafoam green is the dominant color accent. Many rooms have pretty outdoor sitting areas, with Japanese-style landscaping. The swimming pool would be an oasis of tranquility too, if it weren’t for its popularity with guests. Locals like to gather in the afternoon at the courtyard lounge, with its vine-covered trellises and frosé (frozen rosé) cocktails; coffee and breakfast tacos draw the morning crowd to Jo’s. Right across Congress Avenue, the famous Continental Club has the best musical happy hour in town. Book a room in the back to avoid the Congress Avenue traffic noise and passing partiers.