The Austin Convention Hotel & Spa
Vitalizing enhancements underway
With a dedicated general manager and staff, The Austin Convention Hotel & Spa continues to blossom and flourish with recent renovations. Under the leadership of General Manager Carl Duncan, The Austin has undergone more $ 750,000 in improvements in just the past two years, and the changes seem to unfold daily.
These improvements have been directed at multiple areas of the hotel, and include bedding, multi- outlet lamps, paint, carpet, sinks, and more. But guest rooms aren’t the only areas receiving attention. Updates are taking place throughout the hotel.
The full- service restaurant, Jeni’s Vineyard, has been renovated and the menu updated. Mr. Duncan has personally selected an experienced team to oversee the restaurant and banquet area, and his guests are raving. Travelers and locals alike enjoy a variety of items from steak and seafood to Jeni’s renown Catfish, and the signature, Jeni’s Burger, a half- pound, flame- grilled burger with bacon, grilled onions, cheese and all the trimmings. During peak season, Jeni’s Vineyard is open Monday – Sunday for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Sunday’s are popular with many locals dining in for the Sunday Buffet.
The great food and service also attract many organizations, businesses, and weddings to The Austin’s conference and banquet facilities. With over 7,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space, The Austin is well prepared to accommodate their needs. The meeting and conference space, which was affected by a microburst in 2012, has all been repaired and remodeled, and the DeSoto Ballroom, which was unaffected by the storm, is scheduled to undergo renovations this year.
Adjacent to Jeni’s Vineyard is the popular Silver Fox Lounge. While the lounge is currently undergoing additional renovations it remains open for business and has recently seen record attendance with both its New Year’s Eve bash as well as with weekend crowds to see the live bands performing on Friday and Saturday nights during Race Meet.
With so many reasons to visit The Austin Convention Hotel & Spa, one might forget that The Spa in the Park is one of its many features. While many come to relax in its jetted tubs with the actual thermal water for which Hot Springs is known, others take advantage of the many pamperings the spa offers, such as massages, paraffin treatments, hot stones, and hair salon.
In an effort to support our great state and to encourage guests to take advantage of all the things this region has to offer, The Austin has partnered with many area attractions to offer discounts and packages directed primarily toward golfers, families, and those just looking to relax and unwind. Said Mr. Duncan, “We realize that, here in Hot Springs, we live in a unique environment where we are each dependent on one another. If one of us fails, we all suffer, and if one of us succeeds, we all prosper. It’s important for us to refer business to other area attractions and to educate our guests of the many things this area has to offer.”
Mr. Duncan’s passion and commitment to The Austin is demonstrated not only in the hotel’s recent renovations, it is also evident in the personalized attention he and his staff give to their guests. Mr. Duncan understands the importance of exceptional customer service, repeat business, and word of mouth referrals. “We are fortunate that we have the flexibility to develop our own character and to deliver a more personalized atmosphere and service.” Said Duncan, “that’s pivotal in bringing customers back, and we are certainly seeing the fruits of our labors with repeat guests and conferences.”