Where to Stay: Austin Food and Wine 2014

You’ll be plenty busy at demos and classes, the Taste of
Texas, and Rock Your Taco Showdown, so you’ll need a place to rest those weary
cowboy-wearing feet. Here, a roundup of the best places to stay in Austin.
Howdy!

The Driskill

Built in 1886 as the showplace of a cattle baron, The Driskill
has plenty of Texas character. Ornate but still true to its roots, the
128-year old hotel in the heart of downtown Austin, has everything you need for
an authentic Texas experience. The property has 189 guestrooms and suites,
including the themed Cattle Baron rooms. All the rooms are furnished in custom
Driskill pieces and linens, offer complimentary wireless, and have plasma tvs and plush
terrycloth robes to help you get comfortable after a day of festival going. The
hotel also offers a range of spa services and a full service gym (but who needs
that?). And though there will be be plenty to eat at the festival, save room for the The Driskill
Grill, a 10-time AAA Four-Diamond Award recipient. The restaurant serves a
seasonal menu of Texas produce and wild game. After dinner, check out the The
Driskill Bar for a true Southern bar experience. Don’t forget your Stetson.

Hotel San Jose

The
Hotel San Jose is a place of quirky character and plenty of Austin’s signature
offbeat personality. Built in 1936 as an “ultramodern” motor court, the
property fell into disrepair over the years until documentarian Liz
Lambert bought it in 1997. Lambert transformed it into a 40-room bungalow style
property build behind stucco walls and set among garden courtyards. All 40 rooms
include complimentary high speed internet, flat screen tvs, and iHomes and all
natural, local body care amenities. You’re also welcome to borrow vintage typewriters
and bikes (to make note of what you see, of course) and you can schedule
in-room massages. In the courtyard, you’ll find a casual lounge (and a wading
pool), that serves beer, wine, and light fare and has a weekly program of “mellow
DJs.” Before you head out for your day, make sure to stop by Jo’s, in the hotel
parking lot. The tiny spot serves coffee, beer, and plenty of delicious street
food including breakfast tacos! You can also catch outdoor films and plenty of
music.

Next, more places to check out while you help keep Austin weird…

The W Austin

If
you’re looking for a bit of luxury, you’ll find it at The W Austin. Just steps
from Sixth Street and the Warehouse District (and right next door to Austin
City Limits Live at Moody Theater), the hotel focuses on combining the
recognizable W Hotels style with the Austin’s local personality in the styling, art, photography, and restaurants inside. The property
has 251 guest rooms including plenty of suites, all with custom designed
wallpaper and original prints by Austin City Limits photographer Scott Newton. Amenities
include W Signature Beds with goose-down duvets and pillows, so soft W robes,
and lush Away Spa products. If you’re so inclined (and who isn’t) visit Wet,
the rooftop pool; or the the 6,500 square foot Away Spa, which features seven
treatment rooms, a Detox & Refuel drink station, and a retail space. Of course, there’s
also Sweat, the full service gym. But you’ll be burning enough calories on the
festival grounds. For bites and drinks, visit Trace, which features “conscious
cuisine” prepped with help from the on-property Forager; or check out the chic
Living Room bar, which showcases 8,000 vinyl records and a vintage McIntosh stereo.

Hotel
Saint Cecilia

If
you’re looking for a quieter spot, head over to Hotel Saint Cecilia, owned by
Liz Lambert (who also owns Hotel San Jose). The small estate in Austin’s South
Congress neighborhood, named after the patron saint of music and poetry, has 5
suites, 6 poolside bungalows, and 3 studios. The hotel takes inspiration from
the 60s writer William Burroughs, from the Rolling Stones, and from Andy Warhol
and you’ll find the creative touches born from those artists on the grounds. In
the rooms, you’ll find: handcrafted Hästens
mattress from Sweden, Rivolta Carmignani cotton sheets and Anichini towels, La Compagnie de Provence bath
products, flat screen tvs, and a mini bar with local and global treats. On the
grounds, you’ll find a pool in a lush landscape, a library with a
curated collection of films and books and a vinyl collection (you can plan the
records on the turntables in the suites). To get to and from the festival you’re
welcome to rent a bicycle and if you’re looking to unwind, check out the bar, serving up European wines
and fresh cocktails.

Travaasa
Austin

If
you’re looking to extend your trip post-festival, head to the Travaasa Austin,
25 minutes from the city. Built among 210 acres of the Balcones Canyonlands
Preserve and overlooking Lake Travis, Travaasa Austin has 70 guestrooms in a
campus style layout. All the rooms have queen-sized beds, organic cotton
linens, and complimentary wifi (and refreshments!). You can chose between an
Hacienda room, which has a flat screen tv, or truly unplug and book a spa
Casita room with a yoga mat and stretching rope. Regardless, all rooms have a
deck or patio so you can take in the breathtaking surroundings. On the property,
you’ll find horse stables, a fitness center, a yoga studio, and a challenge
course. After you get your zen on, head over to the spa and book one of the 11
treatment rooms or take a dip in the stunning infinity pool. And after all that
festival indulging, take note: all the food at Travaasa is prepared with fresh,
organic, and locally sourced ingredients.