The holiday season in Austin is the greatest time to create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Austin hotels are offering a immersive experiences complete with festive cocktails, snacks, ice skating and igloos to help you celebrate in the most festive way possible.
This year’s list of hotels includes some of the most popular over-decorated pop-ups that have become legendary since their inception, like South Poll at Hotel Van Zandt, and Snow Much Fun at the Edge Rooftop at JW Marriott. Here’s a list of our favorite spots!
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(Pictured above) Seize the season with seasonal drinks, food, holiday vibes and the best views of Austin’s holiday sights and lights in our warm igloos! Reservations are open daily all month long starting at 5PM with walk-in availability starting at 3PM daily.
Order Up: The fourth floor pool deck at Austin’s Hotel Van Zandt has transformed into a winter wonderland with The South Pole Igloos experience including craft cocktails, games, and more. Hotel Van Zandt’s igloos include heated seats that can hold up to six guests, so they’re cozy and perfect for casual conversation, with two seatings available every night, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Igloo reservations are $100 per igloo, with a $200 minimum F&B spend (plus 20 percent gratuity). Your reservation gets you two hours of food and beverage from the acclaimed winter menu at Geraldine’s restaurant, bar, and live music venue (Geraldine’s is adjacent to the pool deck on the hotel’s fourth floor).
Step into a winter wonderland at Edge Rooftop + Bar, located on the 5th floor of JW Marriott Austin, where you’ll enjoy simulated snow on the rooftop on the hour beginning at 7 pm, and serve up holiday-themed cocktails such as Santa’s Cider and Frosty’s Old Fashioned. Guests can sit around the fire and roast s’mores while listening to holiday-themed music and take in the beautiful views of downtown Austin.
Skate beneath the stars – and overlooking Lady Bird Lake – at Austin’s premier ice skating rink and winter experience. Taking place November 19, 2022, through January 8, 2023, Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Hotel Austin features an outdoor ice rink, firepits to roast gourmet s’mores, and cosy “cabins” where you can gather with friends and family over festive food and drinks.
Photo Credit: Driskill Hotel Facebook
While everyone will have to keep their distance this year, that hasn’t stopped us from showing off our holiday spirit with our most treasured Driskill Hotel Tradition. Driskill invites you to join them from the comfort & safety of your home as we celebrate a season with the annual lighting of their stunning, 15-foot lobby tree!
Photo by Austin Motel
Austin Motel’s neon rainbow pop-up at their vintage pool and courtyard is decked out with trees, rainbow lights and weekly film screenings with some of the holiday’s best movies. Carol along with Drag Mrs. Claus and taste specialty cocktails from their holiday drink menu.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…