This list covers Austin hotels that combine a confirmed, operational pool with a verified third-party sustainability certification. Every hotel was selected on the basis of a LEED rating issued by the U.S. Green Building Council, the most widely recognized independent standard for building-level environmental performance.
What LEED certification means for your stay
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) scores buildings on energy efficiency, water use, indoor air quality, materials, and site management.The certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council after a third-party audit, so it reflects actual building performance rather than a brand pledge.
For guests, that typically translates to lower-VOC interiors, more efficient HVAC, and reduced water consumption in rooms and landscaping. None of the three hotels on this list hold Platinum, the highest tier, because no Austin hotel in this pool has reached that threshold.
Eco hotels with pool in Austin: key facts at a glance
| Hotel | LEED rating | Pool type | Star rating | Rooftop bar | Spa | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels | Gold (60 pts, NC v2009, 2021) | Rooftop saltwater, 5th floor, 8am-10pm | 5 | La Piscina (5th floor) | Verbena Spa | Valet only |
| JW Marriott Austin | Silver (51 pts, NC v2009, 2016) | Outdoor rooftop, heated | 4 | Edge Rooftop + Bar | Spa by JW (5th floor) | Valet only |
| AT&T Hotel & Conference Center | Gold (NC v2.1, 2009) | Outdoor, heated | 4 | None listed | None listed | Self-park and valet |
Practical tips for eco travelers in Austin
- Route 20 Riverside runs from downtown to Austin-Bergstrom Airport every 15-30 minutes for $1.25 a ride ($1.50 from January 10, 2027), so you can skip a rideshare entirely on arrival.
- Austin's hotel tax is 17% (state 6% plus city 11%). Hotels with 100 or more rooms may also add a 2% Tourism Public Improvement District fee on top of that, so check your bill.
- Tap to Pay with a contactless card or phone works on CapMetro buses but not on MetroRail. For the Red Line, use the Umo app or a Reloadable Fare Card.
- Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park is spring-fed and stays 68-70 degrees year-round. Adult admission is $9 for non-residents. It is a low-impact alternative to a hotel pool if you want to spend time outdoors.
Getting around Austin without a car
All three hotels on this list are in or near downtown, which is the most transit-accessible part of Austin. CapMetro's local fare is $1.25 a ride ($1.50 from January 10, 2027), capped at $2.50 ($3 from that date) for the full service day after two paid trips. MetroRapid Route 801 runs along North Lamar and South Congress through downtown, and Route 803 connects The Domain to Westgate via the same corridor.
The MetroRail Red Line has 10 stations from Leander to Downtown, though it does not reach the airport. For the airport, Route 20 Riverside is the direct bus link, stopping at the neon guitar bus stop on the lower level outside baggage claim.
The hotels
Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels
600 West 2nd Street
9.4360 reviews
3 min walk to Seaholm Station (MetroRapid 803, Route 3, Route 111)A rooftop saltwater pool on the 5th floor, open daily 8am-10pm, at a 5-star hotel with LEED Gold at 60 points, the highest certification here.
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JW Marriott Austin
110 E 2nd St
9.0503 reviews
8 min walk to Downtown Station (MetroRail Red Line)JW Marriott Austin earned LEED Silver at 51 points in 2016 and has a confirmed outdoor rooftop heated pool with cabanas available for rent.
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AT&T Hotel & Conference Center
1900 University Avenue
9.0916 reviews
4 min walk to Museum Station (MetroRapid 801, MetroRapid 803)A heated outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym on your room key, and LEED Gold under NC v2.1 since 2009, one of Austin's earlier certified hotel buildings.
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Frequently asked questions
Which Austin hotel on this list has the highest LEED certification?＋
Austin Proper Hotel holds LEED Gold with 60 points, the highest score among the three hotels. The AT&T Hotel & Conference Center building also holds LEED Gold, and JW Marriott Austin holds LEED Silver. No Austin hotel in this group has reached LEED Platinum.
Do all three hotels have an outdoor pool?＋
Yes. Austin Proper has a rooftop saltwater pool on the 5th floor, open daily 8am-10pm. JW Marriott Austin has a heated outdoor rooftop pool with cabanas. AT&T Hotel & Conference Center has a heated outdoor pool with tables and lounges. All three are confirmed on each hotel's official amenities pages.
What does the Austin hotel tax add to my bill?＋
The total hotel tax in Austin is 17%: Texas state tax of 6% plus a city occupancy tax of 11%. Hotels with 100 or more rooms may also charge a separate 2% Tourism Public Improvement District fee on top of that, which is a fee rather than a tax. Check your folio to see whether your hotel applies it.
Can I get to these downtown hotels by bus from the airport?＋
Route 20 Riverside runs from Austin-Bergstrom Airport to downtown every 15-30 minutes, seven days a week, for $1.25 a ride ($1.50 from January 10, 2027). Pick it up at the neon guitar bus stop on the lower level outside baggage claim. All three hotels are within a short walk of downtown bus stops on Congress Avenue or Guadalupe Street.
Does the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center allow pets?＋
No. The hotel does not allow pets due to University of Texas at Austin regulations. Service animals are excepted. If you are traveling with a dog, Austin Proper Hotel accepts up to two dogs under 45 lb each for a $100 non-refundable fee per dog.
Is the Austin Convention Center available for events near these hotels?＋
No. The Austin Convention Center at 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street closed in April 2025 for demolition and redevelopment and will not reopen until the 2029 spring festival season. Palmer Events Center at 900 Barton Springs Road remains open and bookable for events in the meantime.
