We didn't exactly travel to all of the hotels in Austin when making our decision, since we've lived here for so long--in fact, I've actually had drinks in most of the bars of the nicer hotels here at some point or another. The Dude and I talked about our top choices and then narrowed it down to one. Here's a breakdown of (in my opinion) the four coolest hotels in Austin, ending with our final choice.
The Four Seasons, Austin
This is the only national chain hotel on our list. It merits discussion because it is, by all accounts, the fanciest, most luxurious hotel in Austin. It's where a lot of the really big celebrities stay while they're here. You can't get a standard room there for less than $300 a night. They don't post the the rates for their suites, but they're a wee bit out of our price range, to say the least. That said, the place is beautiful. It's right on Lady Bird Lake, so the views are incredible. It's also in a great location--right next to downtown and just across the bridge from the trendy South Congress (SoCo) area. We ruled the Four Seasons out pretty quickly because of budget constraints and the fact that we'd rather stay at a more "Austiny" place. Still, check out the lovely pics.
Paradise!
I want to eat here.The Driskill
SourceThe Driskill is pretty famous in Austin. Here's what their website has to say about it: "Built in 1886 as the showplace of a cattle baron, The Driskill remains a landmark of legendary Texas hospitality. Located on Sixth Street in the heart of downtown Austin, the luxurious, historic hotel is convenient to all that the city has to offer, including the Texas State Capitol, convention center, opera, symphony, fine dining and shopping."
I would describe the Driskill's character as "vintage opulence, with a Texas twist." It's definitely an "Austin" place, but it's not exactly quirky. The rates range from about $240 for the smaller standard rooms, to $489 for the largest "executive" suite. Not terrible, but not great considering how tiny the rooms are. Mostly, it just doesn't feel like us--a tad too fancy-schmancy. And perhaps a bit Western for our tastes, too. But still, check out the sweet decor.
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The other side says, "So close, yet so far out."
I would describe the Driskill's character as "vintage opulence, with a Texas twist." It's definitely an "Austin" place, but it's not exactly quirky. The rates range from about $240 for the smaller standard rooms, to $489 for the largest "executive" suite. Not terrible, but not great considering how tiny the rooms are. Mostly, it just doesn't feel like us--a tad too fancy-schmancy. And perhaps a bit Western for our tastes, too. But still, check out the sweet decor.
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The other side says, "So close, yet so far out."With standard rooms starting at $80 and suites at $160, the Austin Motel is definitely the most affordable option on our list. It's also the kitchiest. It's got a rich history, which is recounted in detail on their website. The motel opened its doors at 1200 S. Congress in 1938. This motel is located in the previously mentioned SoCo area of Austin. Now, it is a fun, funky 'hood, populated with upscale boutiques and cute restaurants. But less than twenty years ago, it was a notorious hot-spot for prostitutes and other various illicit activities. The Austin Motel has stood through it all, and it remains locally owned and operated.
Even though it's a "motel," it's not your typical roadside motor lodge. It boasts a beautiful loungey pool area and groovy themed rooms. (For instance, one of the rooms could only be described as "an American flag explosion.") We really like this place; but even though it's really fun and totally us, it just doesn't seem that romantic.
Lucky for us, just down the street from the Austin Motel is Hotel San Jose. It's a bit pricier, but still very reasonable. On weekends, the standard room rate is $175, and the swankiest suite (the one overlooking the courtyard), is $375. We had walked by this place a thousand times but knew next to nothing about it. We had been meaning to check it out, when a friend of ours asked if we wanted to go get drinks with her there a couple of nights ago. We jumped at the chance. We pretty much fell in love with its sleek, modern decor and hip atmosphere. The bar seating is all outside in the courtyard, next to the pool. The drink selection is small (only wine and beer), but it feels handpicked and unique. I tried some Brazilian beer that started with an X, and the Dude had a Canadian beer called Trois Pistoles. Tres delicious! We also had some amazing wine (Lavradores Tres Bagos--we made the waiter say it at least three times) towards the end of the evening along with a bowl of wasabi nuts (yum).
I couldn't find a lot of great pictures, but check out their website for cool video footage of the hotel.
We haven't booked Hotel San Jose yet, but we're planning to. I think we may even splurge for the courtyard suite! It's got french doors leading out to a balcony overlooking the bar area--such a colonial-tropical feel.
This is one of those times where I felt like having a pretty good knowledge of Austin helped us to make our decision. What were/are your criteria for your wedding night hotel?
Even though it's a "motel," it's not your typical roadside motor lodge. It boasts a beautiful loungey pool area and groovy themed rooms. (For instance, one of the rooms could only be described as "an American flag explosion.") We really like this place; but even though it's really fun and totally us, it just doesn't seem that romantic.
Our Pick: Hotel San Jose
Lucky for us, just down the street from the Austin Motel is Hotel San Jose. It's a bit pricier, but still very reasonable. On weekends, the standard room rate is $175, and the swankiest suite (the one overlooking the courtyard), is $375. We had walked by this place a thousand times but knew next to nothing about it. We had been meaning to check it out, when a friend of ours asked if we wanted to go get drinks with her there a couple of nights ago. We jumped at the chance. We pretty much fell in love with its sleek, modern decor and hip atmosphere. The bar seating is all outside in the courtyard, next to the pool. The drink selection is small (only wine and beer), but it feels handpicked and unique. I tried some Brazilian beer that started with an X, and the Dude had a Canadian beer called Trois Pistoles. Tres delicious! We also had some amazing wine (Lavradores Tres Bagos--we made the waiter say it at least three times) towards the end of the evening along with a bowl of wasabi nuts (yum).
I couldn't find a lot of great pictures, but check out their website for cool video footage of the hotel.
We haven't booked Hotel San Jose yet, but we're planning to. I think we may even splurge for the courtyard suite! It's got french doors leading out to a balcony overlooking the bar area--such a colonial-tropical feel.
This is one of those times where I felt like having a pretty good knowledge of Austin helped us to make our decision. What were/are your criteria for your wedding night hotel?
3 comments:
I vote for San Jose!
This wasn't a poll! We already decided on it on Monday, silly.
haha, I love how the dude doesn't remember your hotel decision.
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