With over a million visitors a year, the hype on Austin is pretty legit. From our vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene, to the countless weekly festivals and events, or the remarkable dining options and outdoor activities, Austin is one of the most visited cities Texas. As a result, the demand for lodging is at an all time high and tourists are looking for a little luxury and comfort to enhance their Austin experience. Fortunately Austin is home to a stellar selection of unique and luxurious accommodations, featuring one of the largest hotels of it’s namesake in the United States.
The JW Marriott opened it’s 112,000 sq. ft., 34-story, downtown location in February of 2015 making it the largest hotel in the city. The hotel has made it’s mark as one of the most exclusive hotel destinations for large parties, meetings and conventions with 42 meeting rooms and over 1,000 guest rooms. The hotel also acts as a host for several conferences and panels during SXSW making it one of the most sought-after locations for conferences and events.
The Pool
JW Marriott is a perfect spot to enjoy casual nightlife, upscale dining and parties, but our favorite spot of the hotel is the rooftop pool. The stunning pool is surrounded by some of downtown Austin’s most epic views and features the largest leisure space of any rooftop in Austin. Relax by the pool, work on your tan or grab a drink at the pool bar which offers an extensive selection of cocktails, wine and beer.
Accommodations
When you’re ready to relax and recharge, the hotel boasts over 1,000 finely crafted guest rooms and suites featuring the Marriott’s famous Revive Bed complete with crisp upscale linens, and plush comforters. Each room also features a well-lit desk area with an ergonomic chair and wireless Internet access. Each room also features integrate your laptop, MP3 and video player with a plug-In panel at the desk and the night stand. The hotel provides those little upscale details that make staying in a downtown hotel a worthwhile experience.
Tasteful Tip: If you’re walking around with a little extra coin in your wallet and looking for the upgraded JW experience, spring for the Executive Suite on a high floor. It’s large enough to host a small private party or business meeting and has an outstanding view of downtown Austin. Let’s be honest, you need this room because it’s sexy and you want to taste the life of a high roller, even if it’s just for one night. Commit to your vanity and go for the luxury. The Executive Suite is fantastic if you’re looking to spoil yourself, but the Presidential Suite will give you the true VIP status you’ve always wanted.
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- Executive Level Suite
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- Executive Level Suite
Dining
The hotel features three signature restaurants; The Osteria Pronto, a full service regional Italian restaurant; Corner Bar, for casual dining; and Burger Bar, a walk-up food truck-style window bar outside of the hotel on Congress Ave. serving fast food style burgers; and a Starbucks located on the 2nd floor. Our first night, we dined at Osteria’s OP Wine Bar, a sleek addition to the restaurant’s already modern take on Italian cuisine. The 14-seat bat and cocktail table was purposefully built around the existing wood fire pizza oven, creating an appealing first impression as soon as you walk enter the restaurant.
Tasteful Tip: Start out with the Charcuterie board, Gulf Shrimp and the Calamari. If you’re hungry enough grab a dinner menu and go for the bone-in Veal Picatta and the Straw and Hay pasta. You’ll thank me later.
Osteria’s culinary team created a brand new menus specifically for OP Wine Bar where patrons can a few cocktails or glass of wine before a meal. The new bar menu boasts shareable antipasti plates where guests may select their preference of a variety of marinated olives, regional cheeses, and cured and smoked meats, as well as a selection of pizzas you can see being fired in the oven from your seat. The menu also includes a new classy selection of cocktails showcasing a variety of local spirits and Italian influenced liquors like the Menta Limone, which includes Dripping Springs gin and Caravella Limoncello.
Lobby and Bar
The lobby area is probably the most interesting part of the entire restaurant. I dare you to find a better spot for happy hour or people watching. You never know who you’ll see, from a high tech executive or a celebrity visiting the city, the entire space makes for a perfect casual spot to relax and socialize with a few drinks and small bites.
JW Marriott is located at 10 E 2nd St. in downtown Austin. To get more information on rates and to make reservations visit JW Marriott Austin to learn more.