Set the scene.
Honeycomb concrete modernism, black sliding doors that open right into the main restaurant and bar; rows of plants dangling from gold planters, a ceiling covered in textured canvas. The great outdoors has been brought inside with potted plants and floral chairs, along with a hand-carved wooden bar and an almost tribal-looking fireplace.
What’s the story?
The LINE, set in a modernist mid-century building, originally opened in 1965 as Wilbur Clark's Crest Hotel—known for its in-house radio broadcast station. Before the Sydell Group moved in (it’s also behind NoMad in NYC and Freehand Miami), the property was a tired Radisson, and for a long time, its restaurant was a TGI Fridays. It was tragic, especially for a hotel in the middle of the city, with a water view. Sydell tore down walls, reconnecting guests to the leafy lakeside setting.
What can we expect from our room?
Rooms strike a balance between utilitarian and distinctive. There are 428 of them—108 of which are suites—so they can't all be unique, but the design does reflect a sense of place. Textured headboards mimic a dry riverbed, hanging light fixtures look like a cluster of fireflies when viewed from the outside, rooms contain art by Texas artists (the hotel commissioned more than 500 original works), and books come from local bookstore South Congress Books. If you order room service food is brought in on trays with square ceramic dishes, somewhat evocative of ordering at a barbecue.
How about the food and drink?
There are four places to eat—the main one is Arlo Grey by Kristen Kish, who’s classically trained in French techniques. The family-style menu changes seasonally with flavors and textures that make use of Central Texas ingredients. The cocktails are mostly takes on the classics but are made with a single ice cube imprinted with the LINE logo. Then there's Veracruz All Natural for some of Austin’s best barbacoa and al pastor tacos, Alfred's, a walk-up lobby coffee shop, and P6, a rooftop bar, designed to feel like a greenhouse thanks to even more potted plants. It has one of the best views of Congress Bridge—and Austin's bats, which fly out from under the bridge at dusk—in Austin.
Anything to say about the service?
It's smart and efficient, but they don't go out of their way to serve you.
Who comes here?
This hotel has a West Coast vibe, with guests channeling a bit of '60s look. There is a see-and-be-seen element to the bar and dining room, which is a little unusual for Austin.
How does it fit into the neighborhood?
Part of downtown Austin (as opposed to South Austin), but right on the water, overlooking Lady Bird Lake and Congress Bridge. It’s within walking distance of loads of great restaurants and bars—not to mention other downtown hotels. It's breathed new life into this little corner of downtown, which has traditionally been a quiet pocket after people pack up and head home.
Anything you'd change?
The lighting in the bathroom is going for mood instead of practicality. If you care about putting on makeup or tweezing some sort of facial hair, good luck.
Anything we missed?
There is a ground-level swimming pool surrounded by plaid umbrellas. There is a small gym, and one room is also dedicated to an artist in residency program.
Worth it?
Yes. It's a renovated landmark that's breathed new life into a formerly quiet corner of Austin. The rooms are more fun and distinctive than at nearby competitors (JW Marriott and the Fairmont). It also makes an effort to introduce you to Austin's growing visual-arts scene, which has traditionally taken a major backseat to live music.
111 E Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas 78701
United States
https://www.thelinehotel.com/austin/
(512) 478-9611