The Otis Hotel Austin – Rustic Luxury in Downtown Austin

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The Otis Hotel Austin offers a rustic luxury vibe in a prime location, making it one of the top hotels in Austin. With its proximity to everything the city has to offer, and its luxurious but welcoming decor laced with classic Texas flair, The Otis Hotel Austin makes the perfect hub for your adventures in the Austin area. #hosted

We visit Austin often and The Otis Hotel Austinn quickly became our choice for our stays when we are in town.  This location is close to Palmer Events Center for a record convention my husband attends, but also has several choices within walking distance for shopping and dining.

If you’re looking for a comfortable hotel that feels like home from the first moment you enter, The Otis Hotel Austin is exactly what you need. This is the first Autograph Collection Hotel in Austin, and its amenities, location, decor, and staff make it our first pick for the best places to stay in the area.

Our King Room was decorated with a modern, but a homey feel we enjoyed for our 3-night stay.  With a large desk area, plus the settee, it was great for a little down time after our long days of exploring the city. 

The décor itself did have a retro type feel with some of the accents, but you still felt it was an up to date luxury feel.

Probably the favorite part of the room, and hotel, was the music factor.  Each room has an in-room turntable for a little nostalgia feel.  There are a few records supplied but visit The Vinyl Library in the lobby to borrow a few with your own taste in music. 

How great is it to try out records before you buy and also speak to a Vinyl Master.  He is on hand at select hours to help you out or answer questions about not only the records on hand but is also a wealth of knowledge of all things music.

As many of you know, my husband is a record collector, and that’s why we were in town, for the largest vinyl record show in the US. 

By combining modern luxury with rustic touches like sliding barn doors and earth tones in the rooms, this hotel makes it possible to feel at home while you’re away from home. 

The Otis Hotel Austin

This gorgeous hotel with a luxurious yet down-home vibe is located just a block from the University of Texas in the heart of Austin’s bustling Campus District. It features all the comforts of home and then some, along with posh accommodations, elevated dining options, and a relaxing atmosphere. When all of these come together, you get a hotel that makes your trip a joy from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed. They’ve perfectly combined the energy of the nearby campus with the posh elegance you expect from a luxury hotel and infused it with classic Texas flair. 

The Otis Hotel Décor

From the moment you walk in, you realize it’s not a typical lobby.  It’s a bit darker and moodier, but still welcoming.  To go along with the music theme, the back wall is actually art from a record album.

It’s a very open concept with great light fixtures and colored lights used throughout.   The bar is located at one end of the lobby with a lounge area between.

It’s a great place to meet up with friends or grab a drink before dinner.

 

Speaking of dinner, Acre 41 is their signature steakhouse, but it offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner is just steps to the bar.  Again, the open area gives that casual feel, but looking at the menu, you realize it’s an upscale restaurant.

I love to see a little extra decor touches such as this brass salt and pepper set.  I think I need a set of these.  Little details make the difference.

Location

Located in the heart of Austin near the University of Texas, The Otis Hotel Austin offers easy access to everything the city has to offer. Walk or take a rideshare to nearby attractions, music shows, restaurants, shops, and more. With a central location, the hotel makes it easy and convenient for visitors to experience everything Austin has to offer. 

Accommodations

The hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites to suit couples and families on any budget. Choose from one and two-bedroom options that range from the classic hotel set-up of a room with a bathroom to suites with extra space for families or those who simply want a more open experience. Whatever room visitors choose, they’ll enjoy decor that is both luxurious and charming with classic Texas touches, in-room vinyl record players, and local art. Every room has been designed to embrace the culture of Austin. 

Amenities

The Otis Hotel Austin features all the comforts of home, so your stay will feel as relaxing as possible. All rooms have Wi-Fi, televisions, and relaxing decor. In addition, the hotel is pet-friendly, offering plush dog beds, take-home dog toys, and more, so your pets will feel as at home as you do. 

Luxurious robes and slippers are provided.  It was great having a little extra time to lounge and enjoy a glass of wine before going to dinner.

Dining Options

The hotel also offers a variety of dining options. 

Otopia, the rooftop bar is where you’ll be able to soak up the sun while enjoying cocktails and light snack options on their balcony with views of beautiful Austin.  Notice the UT Tower in the background.  

Otopia, is also the resort style pool area.  We didn’t experience the best weather on this trip, so the day I had for relaxing, didn’t work out.  Maybe next time.  Not staying at the hotel?  You can still enjoy the pool for a day with Resort Pass.  Make your reservation ahead of time for a day or enjoy adding a Cabana to your plans.

It’s funny how a Margarita just tastes better in Texas and at a rooftop bar.

We found the pork sliders and Korean BBQ Bowl to be our favorites.

Acre 41 is the only modern, upscale neighborhood restaurant in Austin’s Campus District. There, you’ll find breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options made with locally sourced meats and other ingredients used to make modern versions of comfort food classics.

For breakfast we chose a traditional pancakes and bacon.  The serving was big enough to share.  The blackberry compote was a great addition to the sweetened butter and real maple syrup.

For dinner, it was so hard to choose among the extensive menu options, more than most hotels.

For starters, we chose the Wagyu Meatballs since we had both decided on seafood for an entree.  The grilled bread was perfect, crusty but not dry.  And those meatballs…the Pomodoro Sauce was a perfect blend of tomatoes and too overpowering.

Don, who isn’t a who fish or seafood lover, surprised me with choosing Salmon over a steak.  The Faroe Island Salmon, a house specialty, was even made better – per Don’s review – by the accompianment of wild rice, roasted asparagus, and tomato salsa.  He said if he only had the sides and no salmon, it still would have been a perfect dinner.

My Diver Scallops – it’s hard to pass up scallops when I have a chance.  These were grilled to perfection with the wilted spinach and cream sauce.  

An extra side of roasted carrots completed our meal – well, until desssert.

Don is the sweet eater in the family and always wants dessert, especially if he can have his favorite – key lime pie.  He gave it two thumbs up.  

Finally, to satisfy your burger cravings, head just a few steps outside of the hotel to Burger Bar, which offers juicy burgers, delicious fries, handspun milkshakes, and other classic American favorites. 

It’s a very simple menu with limited seating options, but we caught an open bar stool along the street to enjoy the nice outdoors weather.  

I always like to speak to people when dining, not interupting the meal, on if they are hotel guests or not.  I did find many that chose the restaurant for it’s menu.  A few were locals and love finding great restaurants, or some came by recommendations of other locals.

 

Adventure Outside the Otis Hotel Austin

Although, the hotel is luxurious and comfortable, you’ll want to venture outside of it and experience everything Austin has to offer. This bustling, electric city is one of the busiest in the state, and it’s overflowing with opportunities to fill your days with excitement. 

Music

Austin is known across the world for its live music scene, and music lovers will find the sound of music everywhere in the city. From buskers at the airport and local stores to seasonal live music series and festivals, live music at clubs, and more, the city has hundreds of live music venues. With so many of them, it’s easy to find great live music to enjoy with family and friends, cocktails, and great food. 

As part of the Austin music scene, The Otis Hotel has their own vinyl record shop with new and older records to browse.  You can check your favorites out to play on your turntable in your room. 

A Vinyl Master is on hand at varying hours to help you out or answer questions about not only the records on hand, but is also a wealth of knowledge of all things music.

Museums and Culture

Austin is as rich in culture as it is in music. Visitors can tour the Texas State Capitol, enjoy interactive exhibits at the Austin Nature & Science Center, or enjoy quirky, whimsical art at the Cathedral of Junk. You’ll also find the beauty of nature at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Those with a sweet tooth should visit the Museum of Ice Cream! Of course, these are just a few of the many spots dedicated to the history, culture, and art of Austin and the state of Texas. 

We did a tour to see the bats but they were kind of shy and only a few appeared.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature lovers will enjoy a relaxing trip to the still waters of the Hamilton Pool Reserve or a more energetic trip to Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures. Visitors can also get back to nature with miles and miles of hiking and biking opportunities. Those who enjoy a shot of adrenaline should check out one of the local ziplining options that offer a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape. 

The Otis Hotel Austin is the Perfect Home Base

Whether you love history, the arts, music, or outdoor adventure, Austin has something to offer, and The Otis Hotel Austin makes the perfect home base for all your adventures in the area. With a unique combination of modern, posh elegance and classic Texas charm, delicious dining options, and close proximity to everything, The Otis Hotel Austin is perfect for your next trip to the area. 

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