I just returned home from a long weekend in Austin, Texas. I have been to Texas multiple times, as my mom is from Houston and we still have family there, however, I had never been to Austin and it was on my list. Austin is one of those cities that you hear so much about, but cannot really grasp the greatness of until you’re actually there, experiencing it.
I had seen many photos of the new Kimpton Hotel in Austin pop up in design magazines and websites, and had to my heart set on staying there when I visited Austin for the first time. The Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt opened in 2015 in the historic downtown Rainey Street district. As to be expected with the Kimpton brand (I am a big fan) the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt’s design is destination-inspired by the famous music scene of Austin.
It definitely felt like a place a blues-based alt-country rocker might stay with his or her entourage. It’s aesthetic is modern rustic, laid-back and masculine: natural wood, brass, lived-in leather seating, plush blue velvet, contemporary lighting fixtures, and modern art. The bar-restaurant, Geraldine’s, located on the hotel’s fourth floor overlooking the pool deck, is bustling, known for their craft beers and barbeque, and hosts live sets by local musicians nightly.
The 319 guest rooms are a little bit luxury, a little bit rock n’ roll. The rooms are sleek, with a crisp white and charcoal gray palette, outfitted in dark wood with warm bronze detailing, of course, the signature blue velvet. Suites have extras like huge soaking tubs, seating areas, and views of Lady Bird Lake. Other standouts include 24 hour room service, yoga mats, and anything you may have forgotten being just a phone call away (phone chargers, razors, curling iron, you name it, they got it.)
In the morning the hotel offers complimentary coffee and tea, and then in the afternoon, a complimentary social hour with wine and cocktails. No matter the time of day, the lobby is buzzing with good energy.
The one thing I would have changed from the trip is the fact that George was not with me! The Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt is uber dog friendly, no matter the breed or size. I would’ve loved for George to experience Austin with me, since it was a very surprisingly dog-friendly city.
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