HOTELS
ARCHER HOTEL
The new eight-story Archer Hotel Austin offers 171 luxury rooms in the heart of the new Domain Northside. For a true local touch, esteemed Austin chef David Bull and La
Corsha Hospitality Group chose the Archer for the second location of popular downtown restaurant
Second Bar + Kitchen. Thoughtful touches include locally made surprise treats at turndown service such as Crave Artisan Chocolate and Fat Bellyman chego-chilipretzels, and an inroom Nespresso machine for espresso anytime you wish. 3121 Palm Way, 855-437-9100; archerhotel/austin.com
UPDATED THE AUSTIN MOTEL
Favorite Austin hotelier Liz
Lambert’s Bunkhouse Group recently completed a light makeover of this local landmark, which it now manages. Opened in 1938, the South Congress mainstay still has its eclectic charm but now features refreshed guestrooms as well as a new pool bar and deck around the 1950s-style outdoor pool. 1220 S. Congress Ave., 512-441-1157; austinmotel.com
AT&T CONFERENCE CENTER
Enjoy a chic stay at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, nestled between the University of Texas Tower and the State Capitol. Don’t miss the elegant Carillon Restaurant. 1900 University Ave., 512-404-3600; meetattexas.com
THE DRISKILL
Experience a blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication in this 131-year-old property on Sixth Street. The rooms and much of the hotel were recently updated with modern touches while still maintaining a rich sense of history. 604 Brazos St., 512-439-1234; driskillhotel.com
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
On the shores of Lady Bird Lake, the Four Seasons is the classic, grand Austin hotel. With recently renovated ballrooms and other updates, the hotel is the premier spot for weddings, galas, and more. Its restaurant, Trio, is a pure delight. INSIDER TIP: Every Wednesday,
Trio offers its “Boug.e Burgers & Bottles” event, where you choose from three burgers, each paired with a selection of pours of Burgundy, Bordeaux, and other big wines. 98 San Jacinto Blvd., 512-478-4500; fourseasons.com/austin
HOTEL ELLA
With history dating back to the late 1800s, this historic renovated hotel, complete with a sweeping veranda and lawn by the University of Texas, offers 47 guest rooms, 10 of which are suites. INSIDER TIP: The hotel’s Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar is an under-the-radar spot for intimate happy hours; the Old Fashioned is one of the best in town. 1900 Rio Grande St., 800-311-1619; hotelella.com
HOTEL GRANDUCA
This beautiful hotel in the West Austin
hills recalls the Italian countryside. Like its sister hotel in Houston, every detail has been considered and easily transports you to another world. Visconti Ristorante, which features Northern Italian cuisine, drives the feeling home. INSIDER TIP: On Thursdays, enjoy happy hour Italian style, with themed live music, cocktails, and regional bites. 320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Bldg. B, 512-306-6400; granducaaustin.com
HOTEL SAINT CECILIA
Named after the patron saint of music and the arts, this boutique hotel combines elegance with rock ’n’ roll. Choose one of the indulgent suites, studios, or poolside bungalows. The well-appointed bar and patio are for guests only, making for a truly private escape. 112 Academy Dr., 512-8522400; hotelsaintcecilia.com
HOTEL SAN JOSÉ
Nestled among the shops and restaurants on South Congress, this cool boutique hotel (the older sister to the Saint Cecilia) features a patio perfect for happy hour or a nightcap. 1316 S. Congress Ave., 512-8522350; sanjosehotel.com
HOTEL VAN ZANDT
Enjoy music in all its forms at this bustling Rainey Street District hotel, which features 319 guest rooms, including 41 suites, and a fourth-floor pool deck. Its restaurant and bar, Geraldine’s, features live music every night. INSIDER TIP: There are playlists designed for each area of the hotel, including underwater, so take a dip in the pool for something truly unique. 605 Davis St., 512-5425300; hotelvanzandt.com
INTERCONTINENTAL STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
This gem features an outdoor terrace on its second floor, perfect for watching the hustle and bustle of Congress Avenue downtown. 701 Congress Ave., 512-457-8800; austin. intercontinental.com
JW MARRIOTT
The largest JW Marriott in the country,
this downtown property features 1,012 guest rooms conveniently located just two blocks from the Convention Center. Its restaurants and bars are always a fun scene. 110 E. Second St., 512-474-4777; jwmarriottaustin.com
SOUTH CONGRESS HOTEL
This hip hotel features cool dining and shopping options as well as a rooftop pool. Fun amenities include electric bike and motorcycle rentals, and each room comes equipped with Apple TVs and Google Chromecasts, with access to the movie library of Drafthouse Films (courtesy of Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse movie theaters). 1603 S. Congress Ave., 512-920-6405; southcongresshotel.com
THE HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES RESORT AND SPA
Located just outside of Austin on the McKinney Roughs Nature Park, the 491-room Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa offers the perfect combo of luxury and family fun, with everything from from kayaking and horseback riding to fishing,
golfing at the 18-hole championship Wolfdancer Golf Club, and indulging at the full-service Spa Django. The Crooked River Water Park, complete with a lazy river, offers an ideal escape from the Texas heat. 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd., Cedar Creek, 512-308-1234; lostpines.regency.hyatt.com
W AUSTIN
The 2nd Street District’s W Hotel puts guests in the thick of the sizzling music scene. Its popular Wet Deck is the perfect place to lounge in the sun. 200 Lavaca St., 512-542-3600; whotelaustin.com