Fancy an urban getaway? Austin, Texas, combines small-town charm with big-city hotels, dining and sites. At The Driskill, part of the Hyatt Unbound Collection, the top suite is The Cattle Baron (Room No. 250). This hideaway, which has four rooms, including a dining room that seats eight, a living room, a master suite and a bedroom with two queen beds, overlooks the iconic Brazos Street. To book a VIP stay, contact Erin Beck (erin.beck@thedriskill.com). This top suite does not include butler service but the concierge team can arrange an array of special experiences like driving luxury race cars at the Formula One racetrack. The staff can also put together special day trips to the Hill Country and San Antonio.
The Driskill has 189 rooms decorated with contemporary and historical artwork. Seen here is a Vintage King room.
The Texas Hill Country itinerary begins with a breakfast stop at a local taco truck (all the rage in the state). Guests then take a tour of the famous LBJ Ranch, where President Lyndon B. Johnson was born and lived. After the ranch tour, the afternoon is spent at various wineries, complete with tastings and lunch, and the evening is spent in Fredericksburg for some local shopping.
The San Antonio day trip will take guests to The Alamo, Riverwalk and the famous Gruene Hall for line dancing. Back at The Driskill, travelers can choose to dine at The Driskill Grill, which has AAA Four-Diamond accolades. The hotel will soon welcome Chef Christian Apetz, who will prepare a nightly five-course meal with fresh ingredients. Tip: There is also a seven-course tasting menu, which serves up dishes like prime filet mignon and roasted acorn squash bisque. Good to know: There are several private dining areas for guests. To create a special dining experience or day trip, contact Tamera Jones (Tamera.jones@thedriskill.com).
JW Marriott Austin encompasses 1,012 guestrooms and suites.
The JW Marriott Austin across the street has three presidential suites, each with a dining room, one-and-a-half bathrooms, a bedroom and two living areas. Nice Touch: Because guest floors start on level six of the hotel, all rooms have views of downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake or the State Capitol. Note: Groups can now book the 34th floor with a dedicated butler. Guests that book the floor (complete with 23 guestrooms and one Presidential Suite) will get special perks like private morning yoga and a cocktail-making class. Luxury travel advisors should contact Damon Bell (Damon.bell@marriott.com) with unique requests.
Those who want to experience Austin’s nightlife should stop by the JW’s Corner bar, which includes both indoor and outdoor seating. Note: Dogs are not welcome at the hotel but they are allowed on the outdoor patio. Meanwhile at the OP Wine Bar, guests can indulge in specialty cocktails, local spirits and wine flights (yes, please). To book the best seat in the house for dining, contact Joni Grossman (Joni.Grossman@whitelodging.com).
The Patio Bar at Corner is a popular choice to experience Austin’s nightlife.
As for exploring Austin, Joanna Kuflik at Marchay, a private members-only Travel Collective, suggests that travelers grab dinner at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, which serves up Texas-influenced ramen. (Yeah, we just said that.) Later in the evening, Kuflik suggests that travelers grab drinks at Sellers Underground; she describes it as a “swanky” bar and lounge in Austin’s Warehouse district. We love the idea of its ’70s vibe with brass, velvet and wood décor. Tip: Check out their happy hours and late-night performances.