W Hotels has been undergoing a brand revamp recently and the latest hotel to be transformed is the W Austin. W Austin is a property that I am very familiar with as it was my go-to Marriott property in the city prior to moving here full time. Having stayed at the old property many times, all I can say about this transformation is wow!
According to the press release, this new chapter for W Austin is marked by detail-driven design and elevated service, and will introduce the all-new restaurant concept, Serenade American Brasserie, 2nd & Roast coffee shop, Blue Room cocktail bar, along with a reimagined Living Room, and fully redesigned guest rooms.
If you’ve been to the property before, the transformation is noticeable the second that you step through the door. Prior to the remodel, the hotel was moody and dark with lots of exposed concrete. It seems that, as the city of Austin has grown up, so has this property.
George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Brand Leader for W Hotels, had this to say about the remodeled property:
“W Austin embodies our signature, unconventional approach to luxury, offering an experience as vibrant as the city itself. 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.”
Upgraded Lobby and Guest Rooms
As you saw from the photos above, the transformation of the property is a massive one. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m getting older but, I much prefer the aesthetic of the post-remodel W Austin. The warmth of the property is evident as soon as you walk through the door.
The Living Room, W’s version of the lobby, is outfitted with a stunning gold bar which can easily transition from a tranquil daytime retreat to a bustling center for nightlife. The property’s Music Curator schedules performances by Austin’s emerging and established musical artists to play in the space and serves as the heart of the hotel.
W Austin is outfitted with 251 guest rooms, including 32 suites, that have been fully redesigned with rich textures and bold colors that capture the spirit of Austin throughout. Thanks to its location along Lady Bird Lake, the remodeled rooms have sweeping views out over the waterfront and have been designed with furnishings to match.
Of the 32 suites, four boast two bedrooms and bathrooms in addition to separate living rooms. Penthouse I, the largest suite in downtown Austin, offers panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline, a marble-clad bathroom with large soaking tub, a wet bar, and a separate service entrance – perfect for catered social gatherings at the large dining table.
Premium amenities, including Nespresso machines, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, Frette robes, and Davines bath products are available in each guest room to ensure a high end experience.
Reimagined Food and Beverage Outlets
While W Austin has kept the same food and beverage footprint, the three outlets on property have been completely revamped. For those in need of an early morning jolt of caffeine or an afternoon pick-me-up, 2nd & Roast, the properties all new coffee shop will feature coffee and espresso from local Austin roaster, Medici, alongside small bites and pastries.
My favorite part of the old property was the cocktail bar which has had a major revamp as part of the renovation. Blue Room is now an exclusive, by-reservation only, space that offers a seating-only experience where Austin’s finest mixologists craft both classic and custom signature cocktails.
Blue Room gives me high end speakeasy vibes and seems like a great place to unwind after a full day of exploring the city.
Finally, Serenade American Brasserie will serve as the primary restaurant for the hotel. Chef Johnny Ray Stinebaugh has built a menu that blends Texan flavors with classic brasserie techniques using local ingredients. As a local, while I may not have a reason to stay at the hotel anytime soon, I’m definitely interested in checking out the restaurant. A few items on the menu that stand out are the Duck Confit, and the Blue Crab Benedict.
The recently transformed W Austin is open for business and rooms can be booked via the Marriott website.
Summary
Overall, I’m excited about the unveiling of the new W Austin. The hotel has been undergoing the multi-million dollar transformation for a couple of years and it’s nice to see the finished product. While I live just down the street now, I’m excited to check out the new food and beverage options. Who knows, maybe I can convince Mrs. ATX that we need a staycation here soon.
(Images courtesy Marriott International and W Austin)