Discover the Texan capital's cowboy charm with trips to honky-tonk bars, plaid-shirt-stuffed stores and Mexican-influenced eateries. Austin is a city for the ears as much as the eyes - follow the guitar-twanging strains of country music wafting from 6th Street, and sip a Shiner Bock Beer in one of the dance halls. In March, Austin hosts America's largest music festival, South by Southwest, graced with the likes of Van Morrison, the Killers, Bloc Party and the Fratellis. Relax in your own rock star retreat by checking into one of two cool and characterful Austin hotels, hand-picked by the boutique-hotel experts, Mr & Mrs Smith.
Named after the patron saint of music, Hotel Saint Cecilia's historic house, stylish studios and boho bungalows emanate rebellious rock 'n' roll character. Drawing inspiration from Warhol, Miro and the Stones, this boutique Texan hotel has sensual, sultry decor and a leafy tranquil setting, just off the SoCo strip. The 50ft outdoor pool is lit up by a big neon 'SOUL' sign; very Austin, and very fabulous. Suite Five's private porch, kitted out with two vintage tan leather club chairs and a cocktail table, is the perfect setting for midnight mischief. When you get hungry, head to La Condesa. This hip Mexican restaurant boasts more than 80 varieties of blue agave tequila.
A magnet for music lovers and arty types, Hotel San José is a masterclass in stylish understatement, with chilled-out charm on South Congress Avenue. Stay in the retro bungalows and borrow a bicycle, tinker on a typewriter, or purloin a Polaroid. The spacious Courtyard Suites have lofty ceilings, arched windows overlooking the pool, vintage BB King posters and cow-hide rugs. At night, the courtyard twinkles with lamps, and musicians play alfresco. On Wednesdays, house DJ Waxploitation draws in the crowds, and Rock 'n' Reel events are equally popular, teaming live music with a movie under the stars. As if that wasn't enough, the legendary Continental Club is just next door.
