Hotel Magdalena
1970s Texas lake house meets mid-century modern. Exposed timber ceilings, bold Spanish tile in four colorways, walnut built-in beds, and SFERRA linens. Indoor-outdoor living is the whole point — rooms open onto wooden porches, there's a sunken pool inspired by Barton Springs, and a basement vinyl bar channels Japanese jazz kissa culture.
Book direct and use code LOCALSONLY if you have Texas ID — up to 10% off plus two welcome cocktails and late checkout
Why It Matters
First mass timber boutique hotel in North America. Named to Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List 2021 and Travel + Leisure's best new hotels list. Built on land once owned by Willie Nelson where the Austin Opry House stood. The mass timber construction achieved a 38% reduction in global warming potential vs. concrete — equivalent to 882 acres of US forests sequestering carbon for a year.
Hotel Magdalena is Bunkhouse's fourth property on South Congress and the only one built from scratch. Opened in October 2020 on the former site of Willie Nelson's Austin Opry House, it's the first mass timber boutique hotel in North America — designed by Lake|Flato using dowel-laminated timber instead of concrete or steel. The 89-room property spreads across four buildings gathered around a courtyard of heritage Live Oak trees, with open-air corridors that feel more like a lakeside compound than a traditional hotel.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Double Queen
Adjacent to Music Lane with city views and natural light. The roomiest standard category — two queen beds plus a lounge area. The best option for families or groups of friends splitting costs.
Double Queen · 35 sqmJunior Suite With Balcony
Westward-facing suites that catch the Austin sunset. The screened-in private balcony adds 65 square feet of outdoor living space and keeps bugs out — a thoughtful touch. Spacious seating area rounds it out.
King · 35 sqm
King
The entry-level room and it's done well. Lake house-inspired design with exposed DLT timber ceiling, built-in walnut bed, bold Spanish tile, and SFERRA linens. Smaller footprint but not cramped — the design does a lot with the space.
King · 28 sqmKing Suite With Patio
450 square feet inside plus a private porch for baking in the Texas sun. Eligible for World of Hyatt standard suite upgrades. Breezy, well-lit design with a generous seating area. Good step-up from the junior suites.
King · 41 sqmKing Suite With Terrace
The top of the house. 700 square feet inside plus an additional 600-square-foot private outdoor terrace — that's more outdoor space than many Austin apartments. King bed, a proper lounge area, and all the signature finishes. Also used as a corporate meeting/event space when booked accordingly.
King · 65 sqmKing With Balcony
Same footprint as the Upper King but adds a private balcony. Good for morning coffee in the Texas air or a nightcap after Equipment Room.
King · 30 sqmUpper King
Positioned among the tree canopy with views of the Austin downtown skyline. Same finishes as the King but a slightly larger footprint and the elevated setting gives it a treehouse quality. Worth the small premium.
King · 30 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Monthly water aerobics class led by Callie Milbrandt of Bloom by Callie, held in the hotel's 900 sq ft pool. Good for a mid-trip workout that doesn't feel like a workout.
The hotel provides complimentary bicycles for guests to explore the neighborhood — South Congress shops, Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail, and Zilker Park are all rideable from Music Lane.
An in-lobby curated shop selling Hotel Magdalena branded goods and select curiosities — sweatshirts, hats, and the iconic Summer on Music Lane glass fish water bottle.
Ticketed guided listening experience where Equipment Room and Breakaway Records walk guests through a classic album from front to back on the custom hi-fi system, followed by conversation. Recent sessions have covered Bill Evans' 'Waltz for Debby', Massive Attack's 'Mezzanine', and Björk's 'Homogenic'. Two seatings per event.
The 900 sq ft sunken pool is inspired by Barton Springs in both shape and the surrounding quarry rock. Planted with native Texas species including Bigtooth Maples, Yaupon Holly, and Little Gem Magnolia. Pool hours are 8am–10pm. Day passes available to non-guests via Resort Pass.
Weekly Wednesday special at Summer on Music Lane: $35 steak frites with bottomless fries, $5 Caesar salads, and 50% off select bottles of wine.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Three event venues: Terrace Suite (board meetings/small gatherings), Magdalena Bar (pre-function cocktails), and Bobbie Nelson Room + Lawn (up to 150 guests, indoor-outdoor with sliding doors). Also used for weddings.
Complimentary wireless internet throughout property.
On-site concierge service.
In-room dining available from Summer on Music Lane.
Every room has a 42-inch Smart TV with Chromecast.
Dogs welcome. Hotel provides a bed, bowl, and treats. In-room pet menu available. Fee: $25/night per pet.
900 sq ft sunken pool designed as an homage to Barton Springs, complete with quarry rock edges and shaded by native plantings. Open 8am–10pm. Day passes available to non-guests via Resort Pass.
Bicycles available to borrow for exploring the neighborhood.
In-lobby shop with branded merchandise and curated goods.
$55/night with in/out privileges. Complimentary 2-hour parking with restaurant validation at Summer on Music Lane.
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