Cheap Hotels for SXSW 2026 Austin — Real Prices During the Festival
SXSW 2026
March 13-22, 2026
Price spike: 200-400%
Budget hotels that normally run $65-102/night jump to $160-400+ during SXSW. Hotels near the Convention Center and 6th Street see the worst spikes. Many properties also add minimum-stay requirements of 3-4 nights.
💡 Tip: Book 4-6 months ahead and consider staying in north Austin or near the airport. A $15 Uber beats paying $150+ extra per night downtown. Also check if your dates overlap with only the first or second weekend — midweek rates are slightly lower.
South by Southwest is Austin's massive annual convergence of music, film, and interactive media festivals, drawing over 300,000 attendees to downtown Austin. It's the single biggest hotel price spike of the year, transforming every budget hotel into a premium property for 10 days.
Motel 6 Austin Central
1.8 mi from 6th Street
No frills, no surprises. Recently renovated. Need a car to reach 6th Street.
Super 8 Austin Downtown
0.6 mi from 6th Street
Looks cheap until $30 in fees hit. Basic rooms, OK for a crash pad. Parking extra.
La Quinta Inn Austin Capitol
0.4 mi from 6th Street
Best value near 6th Street. Pet-friendly. Free breakfast is solid. No resort fee.
Comfort Suites Austin Airport
4.5 mi from 6th Street
Far from downtown but spotless. Suite setup is great for groups. Free shuttle.
Holiday Inn Express Austin South
3.2 mi from 6th Street
Reliable chain quality. Good breakfast. Short Uber ride to the action.
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This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Prices shown were last verified on 2026-02-13 and may have changed. Event pricing reflects our best estimates and may vary.