One of Austin’s favorite boutique hotels is getting a bit of a facelift. Known for its restaurant concept, Geraldine’s, and nightly live music programming, the Rainey Street District's Hotel Van Zandt will welcome a new ground-floor bar concept, Brass Poppy. The bar is part of a complete revamp of the hotel’s lobby, and the full project is due to debut in fall 2024.
“Hotel Van Zandt has always been a haven in the heart of Austin for locals and travelers to gather,” said general manager Chris Guse in a press release. “We see this renovation and new concept as an opportunity to expand on the many ways guests can enjoy our property. We’re excited to unveil Brass Poppy this fall, it will be a fresh and energetic addition to the Austin cocktail scene.”
The renovations are part of a broader brand refresh led by Club, and the hotel is collaborating with its original design team, MarkZeff, to reimagine the lobby space.
Seating is key in this communal lobby.Rendering courtesy of Hotel Van Zandt
Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s existing eclectic style and the original bungalow houses that once lined Rainey Street, the redesign will interweave jewel tones, antique brass, tooled leathers and custom, hand-tufted carpets sourced from Nepal for a rich, vibrant tone. The renovated lobby will also offer more intimate areas for guests to gather among artisanal and vintage furniture pieces sourced from Marfa and Round Top.
"It’s been a privilege to return to Hotel Van Zandt for this renovation project,” said Stacie Meador, lead designer at MarkZeff, in the release. “Drawing inspiration from Austin’s lively atmosphere, the reimagined lobby space and Brass Poppy weave in textures, hues, and materials that each tell a story and add a layer of depth to this iconic property.”
Inspired by the delicate, yet resilient wildflower, Brass Poppy will pair the boldness of brass with the quiet strength of the poppy to evoke timeless beauty and persistence. Stunning metal work will adorn the bar, complementing the cozy lounge seating and inviting guests to enjoy a sophisticated reprieve from the Rainey Street hustle. Served in eye-catching glassware, signature cocktails will feature updated riffs on classics like the Grasshopper and Pink Lady.
Surely many Instagram posts are to come.Rendering courtesy of Hotel Van Zandt
To accompany the cocktails, the hotel’s executive chef Sergio Ledesma has curated a small bites menu of classically paired ingredients from international cuisines served exclusively in the “pintxos” style – skewered onto brass spikes in single bite servings.
The entire project is due for completion in fall 2024, and the hotel’s ground floor grab-and-go staple, Café 605, will remain open throughout the renovation and following the transition.
