Hotel Van Zandt, Austin

Location

Set in downtown Austin, the hotel’s Raine Street home is a leafy row of converted mid-century bungalows that now hosts a vibrant live-music and bar scene. Wander a little further and you’ll reach the University of Texas, one of the five largest campuses in the US holding many attractions aside from its Ivy League architecture including several fantastic museums. There’s also the Texas State Capitol building, which – when it was completed in 1888 – was billed as ‘The Seventh Largest Building in the World’.

Accommodation

In a city bursting with innovative accommodation, to call Hotel Van Zandt one of the finest boutique hotels in Austin is praise indeed. Dark grey and blue accents add character to crisp white linen sheets and dark wood furniture, complete with bronze fittings. All 319 guestrooms also come with excellent city views although look to the Spa rooms for a deep-soaking tub. There’s also a range of suites – some in excess of 1,000 square feet in size – that variously come with lake or Rainey Street views. Rooms are fully teched out with free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Dining

Geraldine’s proves that Austin is much more than Tex-Mex as it serves Southern-inspired fare filtered through a modern lens. Dine, perhaps, on farmers’ market salad dressed in a red wine vinaigrettes, Texas strip loin with potato and mushroom fondue or smoked yellowtail tacos complemented by a Thai tomatillo sauce. Wash it down with a glass of fine American wine. You can also grab something for a picnic at the lake or treat yourself to a morning pick-me-up at Café 605.

Facilities

Situated on the hotel’s rooftop, the Pool Deck has views over Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin as its shaded cabanas enjoy a full drinks service, including exquisite cocktails and craft beers, and poolside fare from Geraldine’s. To get your exercise fix, take one of the bikes out to explore the city or head to the 24-hour fitness centre, featuring yoga mats, free weights and a wide range of cardio machines. As this is Austin, you’ll also find nightly live music.