AUSTIN, TEXAS W Austin and The Residences at W Austin, owned and developed by Stratus Properties and Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, has opened in the Texas capital as the W Hotels brand’s 38th property.
W Austin, located in the heart of Austin’s 2nd Street District and connected to a 3,000-capacity music and performance venue, is aiming for LEED certification.
“At W Austin, we proudly share our passion points of music, design and fashion with the city of Austin, and we know this synchronicity—combined with our unparalleled service—a will present a welcome, playful escape for residents and visitors alike,” says General Manager Drew McQuade.
Designed by Andersson-Wise Architects and Heather Plimmer of Stratus Properties, W Austin features 251 guestrooms and suites and 159 residences. The interior design attempts a playful juxtaposition of masculine and feminine throughout the space. Dark metallic tones are met with pops of vibrant reds, blues and layered fabrics, and the influence of Austin artists are prominent and prevalent. Surprises abound, from a guitar strap design around each bathroom mirror, to lacquer in Away Spa that feels more lounge than leisure.
“W Austin and the Residences at W Austin is a unique, mixed-use development that pairs a luxurious brand with a commitment to local authenticity,” says Beau Armstrong, CEO of Stratus Properties. “We are all so very excited about opening the hotel. This has been an incredible team effort and I’m very proud of what we have accomplished.”
Restaurant Trace offers “conscious cuisine” sourced by on-property “foragers.” Trace invites culinary enthusiasts to expect traceability of ingredients and experience W Austin’s commitment to sustainable, renewable and organic products. Dedicated to conscious cuisine, the restaurant team forages, farms, crafts and hunts the freshest ingredients, and presents them via regionally influenced themes. Forager Valerie Broussard works in tandem with Chef Paul Hargrove to source the freshest, highest quality products, and to cultivate strong partnerships with local and regional farmers, fishermen, artisanal producers and distributors of sustainable and organic food and beverage products.
The 3,138-sq.-ft. space includes a main dining room, private dining room, main bar and outdoor dining. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Trace’s extensive menu features a variety of market snacks, small plates, large plates and daily fresh selections. Highlights include the winter’s green salad with heirloom vegetables and hazelnut vinaigrette; rabbit club sandwich with an apple curry mayonnaise on Texas toast; crispy pig head; beef duo including grilled ribeye, braised short rib, salsify, and wild mushrooms; and chicken breast with bacon, squash, Brussels sprouts and mustard jus.
In the Living Room, four distinct spaces create an intimate retreat of cozy corners, where guests can experience playful, authentically Austin libations and bites. Two sections showcase 8,000 vinyl records and a vintage McIntosh stereo, respectively. The space will serve as a vibrant backdrop for a series of W Happenings related to music and fashion, W’s core passion points.
W Austin features more than 10,500 sq. ft. of ultra-modern meeting and event space to accommodate a small gathering or a large group. The adjacent Austin City Limits Live venue, which seats up to 2,700 people, can also accommodate seated dinners for up to 600 guests, fashion shows, awards programs and other stylish soirees. W Austin is also the perfect destination for social happenings such as, weddings, bridal parties, or honeymoons.