It doesn’t look like Austin’s downtown hotel boom is slowing down anytime soon. With at least 10 hotels currently under construction in the Capital City, it can be hard to keep track of them all.
Last week, we reported on the new luxury lofts opening in July at Sixth Street and Congress Avenue. This week, we’re bringing you news from Rainey Street, where Hotel Van Zandt, a 16-story Kimpton hotel, will be open as early as August.
Unlike new massive hotels geared towards convention business (like the 1,012-room JW Marriott that opened in February), boutique spots like Littlefield Lofts and Hotel Van Zandt are hoping to give guests more unique experiences. Chief investment officer for JMI Realty (the developer of Hotel Van Zandt) Greg Clay told the Austin American-Statesman last month that they see a vacancy in “the downtown boutique category.”
“There are a lot of brands out there,” he continued, “but we’re trying to be our own brand — a brand of one.”
Independence is a big part of the San Francisco hotel chain's model. The company has more than 65 hotels (including Hotel Lumen and Hotel Palomar in Dallas) but not a single one named Kimpton. The brand is committed to uniqueness, Clay stresses: “We look forward to bringing the unique Kimpton guest experience to this uniquely Austin hotel.”
For Hotel Van Zandt, uniqueness means 319 guest rooms and 41 suites that will feature, according to the hotel's booking page, “legendary Italian Frette linens (so soft),” “comfy animal print robes,” and a “mini bar (go crazy!).”
There will be 12,000 square feet of meeting space, the ability to hold events for up to 500 people and "music on scene." Plus, a lobby café and an expansive pool deck and bar.
On Monday, the hotel revealed that it will house a locally inspired restaurant, Geraldine's, on the fourth floor. The space will include daily live music, a cocktail program and views of Lady Bird Lake.
According to the website, rooms are available as early as August 14. Prices range from a “sneak peek” offer of $300 to more than $500 for deluxe king rooms.
A rendering of the exterior of Rainey Street's new boutique hotel, Hotel Van Zandt, coming in August 2015.
