HOTEL SAN JOSE
A Matter of Taste & Preference

Hotel San Jose, former flop house, flea bag, pay by the hour pit; renovated to hip, funky, free spirit, not for everyone, hotel. Photo/newandrew

Hotel San Jose :: $$$$
1316 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-7322; (800) 574-8897; www.sanjosehotel.com

My husband thinks this hotel is better than barbecue on a winter day. I'm not as enthusiastic about what was once the most infamous of all Austin, Texas hotels. But I do like it, though I believe it's a tad overpriced for the minimalist services and amenities offered.

The entire South Congress (SoCo) neighborhood was rejuvenated when this World War II motor motel was renovated and reborn.

Sitting in the heart of the cool and funky SoCo shopping district, a welcome break from the mega mall, sameness disease. Folk art, vintage memorabilia, music, unique shops adorn this five block area of thumb-your-nose-at-conformity eclecticism.

Just across the street is the legendary Continental Club. Host to Texas' best music since 1957.

This hotel has 40 bungalow style rooms. Various layouts include, Standard, Grand Standard, Double Queen, Petite Suite, Grand Suite and Courtyard Suite.

This should not be considered one of Austin's historic hotels. Minimalist yes, historic, no.

Courtyards, gardens and a genuine laid back attitude makes it a unique and different hotel experience.

Hotel San Jose draws artists, musicians and folks from the film industry. That's why this hotel is way up on the celebrity watch list.

The pool is great and the outdoor ambiance is refreshing.
Noise is a factor and the hotel doesn't seem to
mind late night revelers (like my husband…). Photo/gin_e

Again, don't expect a spa, luxury hotel experience even though the rates suggest it!

What you pay for at Hotel San Jose is personality, location, convenience and character. They deliver no nonsense big time Texas chic in a very nostalgic and minimalist way.

I'm certain some guests will depart disappointed. Feeling they got very little for what they paid. My husband says the rooms remind him of his army barracks.

On the other hand, the hotel makes no apologies for what it is or how it does it.

I will summarize this way. The Hotel San Jose is the best pet friendly hotel in the city. I feel at home here. It's a good place to escape from the world, kick back and take it easy. If you can afford it.

It is NOT about taking care of your every need in oppulant surroundings. It IS about you doing your own thing with the least amount of interference.

If you're visiting Austin for a good time, give this hotel a shot. Just bring your own slippers, robe, hair dryer and other essentials. Not a five star luxury downtown Austin hotel. Just a five bong, old hippie hideaway that's almost perfect for what it is. Austin's most fun, weird and funky hotel… remember the words groovy… bitchin'… far out… too much fun…? Yeah, you got it.

Step out of your room and stroll the shaded green grounds.

LOCATION: Ten miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport. On S. Congress Ave., a half mile south of Lady Bird Lake in the trendy SoCo area, across the street from the Continental Club. It's a little bit south of downtown attractions - walking distance for some, or a short cab or bus ride for others.

HOTEL FACILITIES: Courtyard pool, room service breakfast, bike rental, high speed Internet, music/video library, on-call massage, voicemail, laundry/dry cleaning, shoe shine service, typewriter and camera. Additional charges may apply. This is a non-smoking hotel.

DINING: Jo's Coffee Shop serves sandwiches. Open everyday, closes at 6 pm Sunday and Monday, 9 pm Tuesday - Friday and 10 pm on Saturday.

The Courtyard Lounge serves beer, wine and a cheese plate everyday from 5 pm to midnight.

ROOMS: Forty rooms and suites. From rooms with shared baths to the Petite, Grand and Courtyard Suites.

MEETING/CONVENTION SPACE:

HOTEL LINK: Opens and new window and takes you to Hotel San Jose.

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