Lakeside Austin design hotel with stunning views
The Line Hotel / Austin / TX / USA
I am so happy for hoteliers that see opportunity where others see tired and outdated. Hoteliers that dare to take on the challenge of transforming generic into unique. Hoteliers that can vision what could be if some creative people are let loose to do their thing.
The Line Hotel in Austin, Texas first opened in this modernist mid-century building as the Crest Inn back in 1965 before it was turned into a generic (sorry!) Radisson. This was before the Sydell Group decided to give this building the love and look it deserved. And they really went to town. Sydell Group are also the masterminds behind Freehand Hotels and NoMad so they know how to create great signature hotels. There are currently four Line Hotels, one in Washington DC, SF and in LA.
One of the things I think is so great with this hotel is that it is proof that big doesn’t have to mean bland. There are 428 rooms and somehow they manage to create an intimate, unique almost boutique-like feeling.. The hotel (and most rooms) are overlooking Lady Bird Lake, across the bridge from bustling South Congress. This means you have a great view of one of Austin’s most popular attractions, the bats that take flight every evening.
The design feels very welcoming from the moment you step through the entrance with loads of green plants hanging from the ceiling. If you wanted to, you wouldn’t have to leave the hotel since you have in-house coffee bar Alfred’s, four different places to eat and a cool salt water pool. But since Austin has so much to offer it would be a shame to only stay at the hotel. I suggest to hop on one of the complimentary bikes and explore this liberal Texan town.
The Line Hotel with its statement facade.
I love the dark, dramatic design of the lobby.
The lobby area is massive and a great place to linger. I am a huge fan of the hanging plants that makes the lobby come alive.
Our room with the wooden head board that look like a dried-out river bed.
Such an interesting mix of materials with the wood and the mirrored bedside table.
The sun is setting over Lady Bird Lake,.
The golden hour.
M heading to Alfred’s. A man on a coffee mission.
This applies to all situations in life.
There is always an upside to jet lag. You can explore and take photos of a hotel without any people in the pictures.
My kind of of place.
The back of the hotel and the pool.
The pool area with the unique plaid parasols is nestled between the hotel and the lake.
These pool seats were just as comfy as they look.
Sun loungers with a view.
Hiking along the river with my friend F
Vibrant, wonderful South Congress.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…(ok, this might sound a little boring) are looking for a more grown up place to stay when in Austin. There are so many cool hotels in this city and many are so hipster that it almost becomes stressful to an average Joe like me. The Line is just the right amount of cool.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is Alfred’s. Hotels that have their own in-house coffee bar always score high on my list. Especially when the coffee they serve is premium, like Alfred’s. Best start of the day.
What not to miss when staying here is…
…South Congress. Located just across the bridge from the hotel, this is an area with great bars, restaurants, cafés, shops… We loved to stroll up and down and just take in the street life.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Ace Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles, CA, USA
Freehand, New York City, NY, USA
The Standard, London, UK
