Bright colors adorn the living room in a deluxe suite at the W Austin Hotel in Texas. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the hotel
A multimillion-dollar transformation of the 251-room W Austin in Texas has been completed, and a number of new restaurants were unveiled at the property: Serenade, a Texas take on a classic brasserie; 2nd & Roast coffee bar; and the Blue Room cocktail bar. The hotel's lobby lounge, the Living Room, has been redone, as have all guest rooms.
"W Austin embodies our signature, unconventional approach to luxury, offering an experience as vibrant as the city itself," said George Fleck, senior vice president and brand leader for W Hotels. "Known as the 'Live Music Capital of the World,' Austin has long been a pinnacle in the music scene, and W Austin captures that energy, mirroring our brand’s shared passion for music and celebrating both emerging and established artists."
The centerpiece of the Living Room is a gold bar inspired by the fluid lines of a trumpet, creating a venue that shifts from a tranquil daytime retreat into a bustling center for nightlife, featuring performances by Austin’s emerging and established musicians selected by the hotel’s music curator.
Bringing the music vibe into the rooms
The guest rooms have been redesigned using rich textures and bold colors that marry the feeling of Austin’s live music scene with the beauty of the city’s natural surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the hotel's views of Lady Bird Lake and its tree-lined shores, the rooms feature deep shades of green on the walls and natural materials, such as real hardwood floors. Inspired by its Block 21 neighbor, the ACL Live music venue, concert photography by Austin City Limits photographer Scott Newton adorns the walls. Premium amenities, including Nespresso machines, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, luxurious Frette robes and Davines bath products enhance the guest experience.
Four of the 32 suites offer two bedrooms and bathrooms, in addition to the separate living rooms; among those is Penthouse I, the largest suite in downtown Austin. Its luxury layout offers panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline, in addition to a marble-clad bathroom with a large soaking tub, a wet bar and a separate service entrance.
"Historically Austin has been a hub for live music, trailblazers and a bohemian lifestyle, and we wanted to reflect that through this hotel’s unique design," said Joanna McCreary, general manager of the property. "Our goal is to continue being an iconic nexus where both locals and guests can come together to celebrate the energy of Austin."
The new food-and-beverage plan
The hotel’s all-new 2nd & Roast coffee shop features coffees from local Austin roaster Medici alongside chef-crafted bites and pastries.
The Blue Room, the hotel’s by-reservation cocktail bar, sports a midnight-blue décor with accents of gold and natural wood. This hidden gem offers classic and signature cocktails from some of Austin’s finest mixologists.
At Serenade, the hotel’s newest culinary venture, chef de cuisine Johnny Ray Stinebaugh blends Texas flavors with classic brasserie techniques. The menu highlights local ingredients and features a curated drink selection that enhances the dining experience. Standout offerings include the duck confit, featuring a variety of Texas-grown root vegetables alongside a classic duck preparation; and the blue-crab Benedict, placing Texas Gulf crab on griddled corn cakes, poached eggs and hollandaise.
The W Austin feature 10,500 square feet of meeting space, including the 4,278-square-foot Great Room and an 1,800-square-foot terrace.