What it is

Newly opened, this sleek 244-room high-rise doubles as one of the toniest residences in Texas (with interiors by Kelly Wearstler, natch).

What it isn't

Lacking hotel amenities. Yep, that’s a rooftop pool with a bar serving up myriad small-batch tequilas for tippling.

What we think

Those who firmly believe everything is bigger in Texas have a prime paradigm in Austin Proper, where 99 condos and 14,000-square-feet of event space turn the hotel into a sort of neighborhood mecca. It became an instant Instagram darling upon opening thanks to design icon Kelly Wearstler’s cool kid interiors; each guest room is fitted with distressed local hardwood flooring, silky soft area rugs underfoot and bathrooms lined in Blue Emperador marble. Ask for a Premier King View room for a 330-square foot space inspired by Austin’s Craftsman aesthetic—plus floor to ceiling windows that peep out on Lady Bird Lake (named for first lady Lady Bird Johnson).

You're here because

You firmly believe this town’s “Keep Austin Weird” movement was what led to it’s incredible coolness, as evidenced by the three on-site restaurants by the same local food legends behind Elizabeth Street Cafe. Don’t miss The Peacock, where wood fired Mediterranean food includes oak grilled octopus with Texas olive oil.

The Moment

After-hours in Austin, you beeline where the locals are going—your very own hotel bar, Goldie’s. Exhausted from a day in the Texas heat, you slink into the 16-foot-long sofa, and order a cocktail as restorative as that dip you took in Jacob’s Well watering hole just beyond the city limit: Alpine Swift, with Waterloo Yaupon Gin, Campari and Cranberry Macerated Italicus Rosolio. Delish.

Restaurants & Bars

The Peacock - Eastern Mediterranean cuisine

Goldie’s - 30 seat cocktail room featuring a thoughtful selection of liquor, wine, and beer

Location

Downtown Austin, a block from the Colorado River. It's also within boot-scooting distance of the 1888 granite and marble Texas Capitol and another icon...the original Whole Foods.