For business or pleasure, Austin has become a significant destination. If you are traveling with a briefcase, you will appreciate these suites to host client and company events. For family and friends, they are an ideal base for exploring, all centrally located in the city center. A perfect weekend destination, the Texas capital’s music scene is now only rivaled by its culinary offerings, particularly for connoisseurs of barbecue.
1. The Driskill
2. Four Seasons Austin
3. Fairmont Austin
4. Archer Hotel Austin
5. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
6. W Austin
1. The Driskill
The Driskill is the recipient of Fodor’s Choice, the CAA Four Diamond Award, and Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020. U.S. News says of the hotel, “Anchoring the heart of the Live Music Capital (just a few short blocks from the State Capitol) this historical property and hotel heavyweight has been accommodating Austin’s visitors for more than a century.”
It continues, “But just because this property is the city’s grand dame doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Sure, visitors are drawn to The Driskill’s period decor – the property’s leather furniture and embossed ceilings add a sense of grandeur – but they also appreciate the guest rooms’ contemporary amenities, like plasma TVs and complimentary high-speed internet access. The hotel’s restaurants, The Driskill Grill and the 1886 Café & Bakery, also earn high praise, with diners calling the food spectacular and the service on point.”
Cattle Barron Suite
The 1,200 sq. ft. Cattle Barron Suite features two full bathrooms and includes a master bedroom with a king bed and a second bedroom with twin queen beds. There is a separate living room with an entertainment area, hardwood floors, and a fireplace. The dining room can seat up to eight.
More suites at the Driskill Hotel.
2. Four Seasons Austin
Four Seasons Austin is arguably the top hotel in the Texas capital. Last year, it made Fodor’s Choice, Forbes Travel Guide rated it four stars and AAA awarded four diamonds. U.S. News, adds, “The Four Seasons brand prides itself on luxury, and this property is no exception. Sitting on the northern shore of Lady Bird Lake (just a block or so from the Austin Convention Center), the Four Seasons Hotel Austin earns rave reviews from travelers thanks to its sumptuous atmosphere and extremely friendly service staff.”
It continues, “The accommodations also garner praise: Rooms are decorated in neutral tones and feature cozy furniture, down bedding, flat-screen TVs, L’Occitane bath products, and complimentary internet access…You’ll find excellent vistas from the windows of the deck of Live Oak or the lounge chairs by the outdoor, heated saltwater pool, and you won’t have to pay extra for them.”
Congressional Suite
The 1,562 sq. ft. Congressional Suite offers the perfect venue to host cocktails with an expansive, wraparound deck, with firepits lending a glow to views of Lady Bird Lake. This residentially designed two-bedroom suite, with plentiful lounging, dining, and the ability to connect to a third bedroom, offers a perfect venue for families or CEO-level entertaining. There are two full bathrooms, plus a guest powder room with a shower.
More suites at Four Seasons Austin.
3. Fairmont Austin
The Fairmont Austin received four stars from Forbes Travel Guide and four diamonds from AAA. Forbes inspectors say, “Staking its place in the city’s buzzing central business district, the brand-new Fairmont Austin brings unrivaled luxury to the capital of Texas while simultaneously celebrating the city’s proud mantra of ‘keep Austin weird.’ The 37-story hotel, which features 1,048 guest rooms and suites, became the city’s second-tallest building — and Fairmont’s largest in the United States — when it opened in March 2018.”
They add, “The first hotel to directly connect to the Austin Convention Center via the Red River Canopy Walk, Fairmont Austin is ideal for business travelers. However, unlike most business-savvy hotels, this property manifests the city’s lust for life by showcasing live music, vivid contemporary art, and a fantastic food and beverage program.”
Presidential Suites
Fairmont Austin features two Presidential Suites. Located on floors 36 and 37, both offer panoramic views of Austin’s spectacular cityscape and Lady Bird Lake. Each suite is 1,640 sq. ft. These suites include spacious living rooms with a dining table and large lounging sectional perfect for a cocktail gathering an intimate dinner for two. There is a large wet bar with a separate refrigerator and microwave and two oversize baths. Both may be connected to two additional rooms, based on availability.
More suites at Fairmont Austin.
4. Archer Hotel Austin
Last year, the Archer Hotel Austin earned four stars from Forbes Travel Guide, the AAA Four Diamond award, and recognition in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020.
Forbes inspectors write, “Located in the constantly evolving Domain Northside entertainment and shopping district, Archer Hotel Austin is a newly opened ode to this city — rustic but thoroughly modern. The eight-story, 171 room boutique hotel blends the pastoral soul of Texas Hill Country with Austin’s vibrant music scene and its northwest location near Apple, Dell, IBM, and National Instruments make it a great destination for business and urban explorers looking for chic accommodations that well-represent the colorful capital city.”
Archer’s Den With Balcony and Fireplace
At 760 sq. ft., Archer’s Den with Balcony and Fireplace is the largest suite in the hotel. It offers a one-bedroom suite with a private furnished balcony and limestone fireplace. The living area features a leather sofa, lounge chairs and 65-inch flat-screen TV. A sleek wet bar is fully stocked for entertaining. Luxe details include an ornate upholstered king platform bed, five-star bedding, a large wood plank porcelain tiled bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a soaking tub with double vanity.
More suites at Archer Hotel Houston.
5. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
U.S. News reports of the AAA 4 Diamonds recipient, “Located in downtown Austin, Texas, in the Rainey Street District, the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt embraces the musical soul of its surroundings. The hotel’s popular restaurant, Geraldine’s, offers live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, while the lobby chandeliers are made from musical instruments. Each of the 319 guest rooms and suites is also decorated in cool tones of white, blue, and dark gray and comes with amenities like free Wi-Fi access, a Bluetooth speaker, a yoga mat, a minibar, and Atelier Bloem toiletries.”
It continues, “For superb views of downtown or Lady Bird Lake, choose an upgraded room when booking or visit the rooftop pool and bar, which serves craft cocktails mixed with local ingredients. You can also savor quick bites and beverages from Cafe 605 before exploring Austin on one of the hotel’s free PUBLIC bikes. A 24-hour fitness center, in-room spa treatments and pet-friendly accommodations are available as well. Overall, recent guests raved about this Kimpton’s location and ‘beautifully decorated’ and ‘very comfortable’ accommodations.”
Presidential Suites
Two 900 sq. ft. Presidential Suites feature a separate bedroom with a king bed, large sitting and dining area, fully equipped poker table, vinyl library, and kitchenette with Gaggenau appliances.
More suites at Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt.
6. W Austin
With four diamonds from AAA, U.S. News says of the W, “Surrounded by some of Austin’s favorite entertainment joints and within walking distance of major attractions like the Austin Bats and Zilker Park, The W Austin puts you at the epicenter of the action. Its ultra-chic design may seem somewhat out of place in this funky city, but recent guests said that the guest rooms and amenities live up to the W’s reputation.”
It notes, “The hotel did infuse a hint of the city’s weird culture into the decor: Rooms feature throw pillows with brightly stitched designs, offsetting the serene blue hues that envelop the space. Like Austin itself, the W Austin earns high praise from recent guests for its friendly, fun atmosphere, claiming that they felt extremely welcome here. And they’re not the only ones: The hotel’s pet program makes sure that even the four-legged members of your party are well cared for.”
EWow Presidential Suite
The 1,798 sq. ft. EWow Presidential Suite offers two bedrooms, each with 46” Samsung LCD TVs, large bathrooms, walk-in showers, plus guest bathroom. There is a large entertaining area with a 52” Samsung LCD with a wet bar and catering space. Panoramic wraparound windows run throughout offering views of Austin and Lady Bird Lake.
More suites at the W Austin.
