I don't usually write reviews of places but after a stay at the W Austin, I felt compelled to. It embodies exactly what the hotel hospitality industry should strive to be: a home away from home.
The hotel itself: 5 stars. Stylish without trying too hard. Great tones (lots of red, black, and grey) and a flawless design that keeps everything flowing and easy to navigate. Love the Bliss products (my favorite!) in the bathroom, the funky furniture pieces, the heavenly bed. The pool area? Fantastic. Looks smaller in photos than it actually is in person. Also, on weekends (I was hanging at the pool on Saturday afternoon) it has a great party vibe without being invasive. You might have a group of 4 guys on a bachelor party weekend chatting up some cute girls -- while simultaneously a business traveler is reading a book and relaxing. Great balance. Works for whatever you're looking for... Also, solid sun exposure throughout most of the pool so you're not stuck in a lounge chair that is somehow in the shade (though there are plenty of lounge chairs for those seeking shade, as well as some very cute cabanas for those who want to spread out with a group or are looking for a little privacy).
But, being familiar with other W locations around the world, I knew to expect quality in the design, amenities, and features. What really blew me away about the W Austin was the staff. Usually, when booking at a trendy hotel, one often is forced to sacrifice service for style (for example, I wasn't crazy about the staff / service at the Thompson Hotel in the LES of NY nor at the Dream Hotel in NY's Chelsea). Trump in SoHo? There you have great service but you sacrifice the style. Ditto for The Surrey in Upper East. So I wasn't expecting above-and-beyond SERVICE. Boy was I wrong!
In particular, three staff members really stood out -- be sure to seek them out in the Living Room Bar: bartenders DUSTIN and AARON, and cocktail waitress AMANDA (hope I have her name right -- very pretty girl with auburn hair). I was only at the W Austin for 3 nights but they honestly made me feel as though this was my second home! Sure, I've heard of Texan hospitality but, having stayed at top hotels elsewhere in the state, I can't chalk it up to that -- truth is, the staff at the W Austin in particular are just "a notch above" and excel at their task. Example: While at the Living Room Bar on Friday night (P.S. bar has 3 separate areas so lots of options!), I mentioned I was a bit hungry and might want to grab some food. Amanda personally escorted me over to Trace (the W's restaurant -- which, by the way, the burger I had may be one of the best in the country!) and told the also-very-friendly host to take great care of me as I was a very special guest. Now, I wasn't staying in an expensive room nor was I spending a lot at the bar -- so for a staff member to nonetheless express herself in such a way speaks volumes about the staff's excellence. Had a great burger -- came back to the Living Room. Dustin already knew by drink order and even suggested an alternate vodka I might enjoy (which is one of my new favorite vodkas! thx for the introduction!). In fast-paced bars, some bartenders seem annoyed at having to prepare a drink -- not Dustin. He takes pleasure in making each drink, while somehow still masterfully executing the 'flow of traffic.' I noticed that, despite the crowd, the wait for a drink was always under a minute. I don't know how the bar staff does it but it's impressive! (Honorable mentions to the wait staff -- LOVED my waiter at Trace, didn't catch his name but he was fantastic -- and the pool bar staff who are hilarious.). But definitely seek out Dustin, Aaron, and Amanda.
So, I can't wait to go back. As a girl traveling solo, this really just made a huge difference! Yes, it's a W so you'll have a very cool room, in a cool spot, with great style -- but what really sets this place apart is its kick-as* staff. They've really mastered "hospitality" and it made a huge difference in my stay. Love Austin and love the W Austin!!!
Delgado
hotel reviews