The best of the best in everything from luxury hotels to high-end design showrooms
HOME DECOR The Austin aesthetic is unlike anything else. ItCs modern and edgy, but pays homage to Texas traditions. Here is our guide to the best of AustinCs interior design retailers, luxury hotels and high-rise condominiums.
Annie Downing Interiors Interior designer Annie Downing’s flagship storefront and showroom bring a unique combination of vintage pieces and modern-day goods to downtown Austin. 509 Powell St., 512.524.0061, anniedowning.com B&B Italia The awardwinning Italian furniture brand opened its grand showroom downtown last year, filling a need for highend, modern furniture perfect for all of the new luxury homes and condos popping up across the city. 1009 W. Sixth St., Ste. 120, 512.617.7460, bebitalia.com Bay Hill Design + Showroom This showroom and design studio is Westlake’s resource for well-chosen art, accessories and home furnishings, including antiques and one-of-a-kind items. Lead designer Brooke Anderson has owned the business for more than a decade. The seasonal decorations and custompillow selections are worth a stop. 3663 Bee Cave Road, Ste. 4C, 512.374.0210, bayhilldesign.com Breed & Co. What started as a small storefront in 1970 has grown into a local institution. In addition to practical hardware, Breed & Co. carries the finest tableware, kitchenware and seasonal decor. Its expert staff can advise on everything from bridal registries to linens. 718 W. 29th St., 512.474.6679; 3663 Bee Cave Road, 512.328.3960, shop.breedandco.com Four Hands Home Four Hands’ furniture offerings are refined and classic yet innovative and cool. 2090 Woodward St., 512.225.0333, fourhands.com Hacienda Austin Curated for the modern ranch lifestyle, this eclectic, high-end shop in the Second Street District features custom furnishings and pieces by diverse local artisans, and an organic bodycare line designed by owner Jessica Beattie. 204 Colorado St., 512.436.8870, haciendaaustin.com High Cotton Opened last year by Tricia Dabney of Dabney Designs by Tricia, High Cotton is a furniture boutique and design center that offers everything from that hard-to-find piece to finish a room to top-tobottom design services. The store carries selections from more than 100 manufacturers of furniture, lighting, bedding, rugs and the like in varying styles. 10827 W. Highway 290, Ste. 110, 512.296.2423, highcottonhomedesigns.com James Showroom In her cozy, restored bungalow showroom on West Sixth Street, highly regarded interior designer Meredith Ellis stocks exclusive lines of fabric, wallpaper, rugs and lighting. Look for woven fabrics from Rebecca Atwood, Belgian linens from Lisa Fine Textiles and Mally Skok wallpaper. 1411 W. Sixth St., 512.236.1006, jamesshowroom.com
Jonathan Adler
It’s all about American glamour with this national brand. Beautiful, classic furniture and thoughtful accessories abound, all with a mod twist. 1011 W. Fifth St., Ste. 130, 512.296.2507, jonathanadler.com
Katie Kime
This local lifestyle brand of fashion, furniture and accessories revolves around designer Katie Kime’s Southern preppy-chic style and her celebration of prints. Her intimate boutique is stocked with clever accessories, from bar cart decor and stationery to clothing and design options. A slice of her store is dedicated to limitededition finds from around the world, so if you see a rug or accessory that you love, get it. 500 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 150, 512.358.4478, katiekime.com
PIRCH
The innovating pioneer in appliance and plumbing opened its first Austin showroom at Domain Northside this summer, PIRCH’s 10th showroom in the country. The interactive space is designed to let customers “test-drive” the most exclusive and premier brands, from the kitchen to the showers and laundry. Domain Northside, 512.518.5100, pirch.com
RH Austin, The Gallery at The Domain
You can’t miss it when you arrive at Domain Northside. What looks like a Tuscan villa is the new 62,000-square-foot store, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, with four floors, including one devoted to the RH Modern collection, and a stunning rooftop park that showcases its outdoor collections. Domain Northside, 512.342.0614, restorationhardware.com
Supply Showroom
This stylish showroom upped the design ante in Austin when it was opened by three New York City transplants: Kim West, Callie Jenschke and Kristin Gish. Tucked away in a 1930s bungalow, Supply has exclusive-toTexas trade lines, rugs, wallpaper, lighting and more. 2204 Lake Austin Blvd., 512.770.6211, supplyshowroom.com
The Menagerie
For almost 40 years, this beloved local store has been the go-to place for bridal registries, tabletop, jewelry and engagement pieces. Delightful owner Vickie Roan can expertly navigate you through your choices. 1601 W. 38th St., Ste. 7, 512.453.4644, themenagerie.com
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Twenty-plus years of business and a reputation as the master of organic luxury have solidified the boutique as Austin’s go-to spot for eco-friendly home flourishes. Expect to find curated offerings that include high-end furniture, accessories, gifts and a full line of natural bedding products. 524 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 101, 512.320.0449, wildflowerorganics.comvc
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The new, eight-story Archer Hotel Austin offers 171 luxury rooms in the heart of 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 special treats at turndown service such as Crave Artisan Chocolate, Fat Belly manchego-chili pretzels and an in-room Nespresso machine. 3121 Palm Way, 855.437.9100, archerhotel/austin.com
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Enjoy a chic stay in the hotel, nestled between The University of Texas Tower and the Capitol. Don’t miss its elegant restaurant, The Carillon. 1900 University Ave., 512.404.3600, meetattexas.com
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 guest rooms as well as a new pool bar and deck around the 1950s-style outdoor pool. 1220 S. Congress Ave., 512.447.1157, austinmotel.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. 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 a bevvy of other premium 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 near The University of Texas, offers 47 guest rooms, 10 of which are suites. 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
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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 North Italian cuisine, drives the feeling home. On Thursdays, enjoy happy hour Italian style, with themed live music, cocktails and regional bites. 320 S. Capital of Texas Highway, Building B, 512.306.6400, granducaaustin.com
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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 Drive, 512.852.2400, hotelsaintcecilia.com
Hotel San Jose
Nestled among the shops and restaurants on South Congress, this cool boutique hotel (the older sister of the Saint Cecilia) features a patio perfect for happy hour or a nightcap. 1316 S. Congress Ave., 512.852.2350, 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. 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., 512.542.5300, hotelvanzandt.com
,]EXX 6IKIRG] 0SWX Pines Resort and Spa
Located just outside of Austin on the McKinney Roughs Nature Park, the 491-room resort offers the perfect combo of luxury and family fun, with everything from kayaking and horseback riding to fishing, golfing at the 18-hole championship Wolfdancer Golf Club and indulging at the full-service Spa Django. 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Cedar Creek, 512.308.1234, lostpines. regency.hyatt.com
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin
This gem features a beautiful outdoor terrace on its second floor, which is ideal 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
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Nestled in the hills west of Austin, this luxurious resort will provide all the upscale amenities you crave from romantic weekend getaways to some of the best golf in the country. 18212 Barton Club Drive, 512.329.4000 omnihotels.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 Driskill
Experience a blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication in this 130-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
W Austin
The Second 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
HIGH-RISE LIVING
70 Rainey In addition to 164 stunning residences, this development will boast more than 20,000 square feet of outdoor amenity space, more than any other high-rise in town. With world-class design led by acclaimed interior designer Mark Zeff, 70 Rainey is now accepting reservations. It’s expected to open in late 2018. 70 Rainey St., 512.476.7010, 70rainey.com
Austin Proper
When it opens in the Second Street District in 2018, this 32-story complex will feature a hotel and 99 residences designed by the acclaimed Kelly Wearstler. 208 Colorado St., 512.384.1387, liveaustinproper.com Fifth & West This 39-story high-rise in the Market District will feature 154 boutique residences upon its opening in 2018. Highlights include a yoga studio, an indoor pet veranda and a resort-style pool. 501 West Ave., 512.872.6616, 5thandwest.com
Northshore
Overlooking Lady Bird Lake and Austin’s thriving Second Street retail district, Northshore luxury apartments lie in the heart of Austin’s most vibrant upscale dining and entertainment hot spots. Amenities include 24-hour concierge service and an infinity-edge pool with private cabanas. 110 San Antonio St., 512.559.7559, northshoreaustin.com
Seven
A modern highrise of 220 ultrachic apartment homes, Seven is located at the epicenter of Austin’s eclectic business and entertainment district, and features complimentary Whole Foods delivery, a dog park and terrace patios. 615 W. Seventh St., 512.265.7650, sevenapts.com
The Austonian
Austin’s first true luxury high-rise has set the bar for sophisticated urban living with 40,000 square feet of luxe amenity space. 200 Congress Ave., 512.827.2700, theaustonian.com
The Bowie
With the highest pool in Texas, located on the 31st floor, The Bowie features access to kayak and bike rentals for true urbanites. The luxury high-rise’s public spaces were designed by esteemed Austin architect Michael Hsu. 311 Bowie St., 512.514.3556, liveatbowie.com
The Catherine
Residents of the LEEDcertified luxury apartments at The Catherine can live a true outdoor lifestyle— whether going for a run at nearby Lady Bird Lake or walking to all the dining, entertainment and shopping options downtown. 214 Barton Springs Road, 512.354.4452, thecatherineaustin.com The Independent As the tallest residential tower west of the Mississippi River, The Independent, now under construction, is one of the most significant additions to the Austin skyline. Featuring an innovative architectural design and more than 20,000 square feet of amenities spanning two stories, The Independent is set to open in late 2018. 512.645.1245, independentaustin.com