One of my favorite things to do in the summer is lounge by the pool! There’s just something so relaxing about being by the water, listening to music and having a cold drink in your hand.
Even though our apartment complex has a pool, every once in a while I love to pack up my bag, throw on a cover-up and venture out into the city for a pool day. One of my favorite spots to go is the Austin Motel Pool. It’s one of the few hotels on South Congress that offers a pool pass 7 days a week and the vibe there can’t be beat.
THE PASS
Once you arrive at the hotel, you’ll head into the lobby to grab your pass. You can check-in as early as 8am and passes are $20 per person and it’s yours for the full day. The check-out counter is in the midst of the Austin Motel gift shop and, word to the wise, don’t even look at it because you’ll want one of everything. Picture fun pool floats, heart shaped sunnies, Austin memorabilia, swimsuits, canned rose, snacks and so much more.
Pro Tip: They tell you not to bring your own drinks, but definitely bring some water and snacks if you can. The items in the gift shop are v expensive {a can of rose is $20 to help put it in perspective}, so it’s worth it to pack the necessities if you plan to be out there a while!
THE VIBE
The Austin Motel was recently remolded, but it has been the heart of South Congress for 65 years {read the history of it here}. The 41 room motel is known for its funky decor and photo worthy exterior and is a true Austin staple. Guests of the motel range from young professionals to growing families and those out by the pool tend be pretty laid back and mellow #mypeople. With pops of red and old school pool furniture, you’ll feel like you’re in the midst of a 1950’s postcard.
THE POOL
The pool at the Motel is in one word, awesome. There’s typically bright and branded floats in the water, plenty of chairs to go around and the water always seems to be the perfect temperature. If your days are too packed for pool time, the motel hosts special events in the evening as well. One of the most popular is the Full Moon Swim which is free to attend!
THE FOOD
If you get hungry while you’re out getting your tan on, you can grab a snack at Joann’s. Joann’s Fine Foods is attached to The Austin Motel and you can either grab a seat at the restaurant {the patio is legit an oasis} or you can order some snacks and drinks from their courtyard bar and bring it back to your chair!
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re looking for a little staycation or daytime adventure, the Austin Motel pool is a must. Within minutes of arriving you’ll be kicked back, relaxed and feeling so authentically “Austin.”
