After returning from a whirlwind site inspection to Austin we wanted to share our thoughts on the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Although we did not have an opportunity to hear any live music while we were in Austin, we stayed at the W Austin which is next door to Austin City Limits that houses a musical performances television show that appears weekly on PBS. The W Austin is an amazing property and so different from most W Hotels we have stayed in. The Austin property opened in 2010 and has a new fresh approach to the W brand…it has an eclectic, homey feel. As far as public space goes on the lobby level, the hotel keeps going and going. There is the Tequila Bar, Record Room, Secret Bar (very cool and decorated in all red), Trace Austin Restaurant and the Spring Porch, an outdoor terrace that overlooks 2nd Street. The rooms are simply appointed with awesome views of the city. And a trip to Away Spa would have been nice…maybe next time!
The main purpose for the site inspection was for an upcoming event we are coordinating for two groups headed to the Formula 1 Grand Prix Race at Circuit of the Americas. This racetrack is just 1 year old and in November will host the Formula 1 race for the second year in a row. The facilities at COTA are amazing. Our group will be lucky enough to sit in the Paddock Club. This area provides guests with a high-end experience at the race including the best seats at the track with amazing views, 4-course gourmet dining, open wine bar and Mumm Champagne bar, Pit Lane Tours, and more. Many of these attendees are race connoisseurs so this experience will be right up their alley!
During the site, we also wanted to make sure there were plenty of restaurant options for dinner functions and we found that the dining options are ENDLESS! They are so many choices and they are all so different from one another – atmosphere and cuisine-wise. We were able to dine at a few to get a taste of the local fare. Some of the favorites were Lamberts, Jeffery’s, Josephine House, Bess Bistro, Swift’s Attic, Second Bar & Kitchen, Truluck’s and Eddie V’s. The best part about most of these restaurants is they are walkable from many of the downtown hotels.
Overall, the site inspection to Austin was a very successful trip! We are looking forward to the Formula 1 event in November and helping our groups have the full Austin experience during their stay! Definitely add Austin to your list of must see places!
