Set in a former firehouse, right across from the historic Driskill hotel in downtown Austin, this spiffy hostel has been open since 2013 but feels as fresh as ever. As well as ‘economy’ and ‘deluxe’ dorms, it offers private rooms with and without en-suite bathrooms. And the downtown location is as perfect as you can get.
Best of all is the stylish lounge, with red walls, flickering candles and bespoke cocktails. Its concealed entrance lies behind a sliding bookshelf, next to the check-in desk.