City: Austin, TX

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (512) 444-7322, (800) 574-8897

Address: 1316 South Congress Ave.

Description: Hip is the word most often used to describe this restored Congress Avenue motel, and it suits not only the San José but also the neighborhood. No wonder it is favored by visiting musicians and artists, since it is just across the street from the famed Continental Club and in the midst of the dynamic South Congress scene. The hotel was built in 1939 as a “court hotel,” the forerunner of the motel, with rooms built around a central courtyard. Forty rooms and suites in assembled bungalows make up the San José, all decorated in retro-style but with up-to-date conveniences like high-speed Internet service. The courtyards and gardens have been decorated in Texas-style with cactus, aloes and yuccas; gravel pathways; and outdoor seating areas. One public area of the hotel is dedicated to the works of local artists. Prices have increased since the traveling salesmen days, but the hotel offers top-notch services including dry-cleaning, bike rental, access to a music and video library, plus a swimming pool. On the first Thurs the hotel hosts a live band, while other musical events are held each week on Wed. The popular Jo’s Coffeehouse is on the premises. The lower-priced rooms at this hotel are for a shared bath.