I went with my partner on his work trip to Austin last week. We stayed Tues-Fri, and I basically stayed alone at the hotel Wed/Thu while he was at work retreat and it was cold outside. I loved my stay at the Colton House Hotel. I heard it has only been open a few years, but the detail of things really show the experience of the owner & managers. I'll try not to get too wordy with this.
Our 1-bedroom suite with a kitchen may feel cold (concrete floor) and sterile (very clean) to some people but I enjoyed it all. The kitchen had all necessary items, with a whole knife set & baking set, and Tupperware probably for meal preps. I only wished it came with spices & olive oil haha, but I went to HEB anyway. The fridge & freezer were huge. Stove is electric. There was a water heater & coffee brew machine, and delicious complimentary tea (coffee as well). Sink has a waste disposal. There was a TV in the living room as well as the bedroom, with YouTube and Netflix (need login) easily accessible; HBOMax didn't seem to be working but I also don't have a login for that.
The bedroom was the perfect size for the king bed, with tiny night tables and a sleep noise machine (REALLY helped us ease into a good night's sleep when we arrived), a bench to put luggage, and a small open wardrobe on the side for hanging things with a few shelves. All the windows are misted at the bottom (idt the view was good anyway but it would have been nice to see outside?), and the shades are pull down for pretty much full blackout. The bathroom had black washcloths for removing makeup as well as small vanity kits. Hand lotion, soap, body wash, conditioner, and shampoo are provided in mounted containers for your abundance & leisure. Shower was big.
Everything was thoroughly clean. Even the throws & cover blankets smelled fresh to me. I'm allergic to dust and didn't have any reactions during my stay. My partner commented that the kitchen was too clean to have been used before lol. I appreciated the responsive thermostat & the light dimmers available. I would have appreciated a desk to do work, but I just sat on the carpet and used the coffee table; also would have appreciated outlets by the kitchen island, but it's okay. The bed is so comfy that you'll want to work in it lol, with plenty of outlets on the side.
I'd probably recommend getting a room more towards the back of the hotel. We were facing the parking lot at the front, and I heard every siren that came down South Congress – not nearly as bad as NYC, but still audible. I also kept hearing sounds from downstairs, which may have been a garage door opening? Not quite sure.
The gym has a HANGING PUNCHING BAG, plus gloves on the wall! They have Peloton bikes too, but what really stole my attention was the spacious, clean, quiet yoga room, with brand new bolsters, straps, yoga mats, and pillows barely used. I spent 2h each day in the gym/yoga room, and it was the highlight of my stay there.
Major compliments to the GM, who talked our ear off with inner city recs and kindly showed us the skyline from the roof's eventspace, and Christine, who found me more decaf tea & gloves so I could wash my dishes! Everyone at the front desk is immensely helpful & friendly. The café doesn't quite have food but has high ceilings (also 2 floors) full of outlets & remote workspaces. I wish the weather were nicer so I could have spent more time out on the beautiful patio or sunbathing by their lovely pool and backyard cabanas.
We checked out Friday morning but had rented a car to go for a hike and so we asked the hotel to hold onto our bags for a few hours, which was no problem at all. I should also mention that Lime scooters are widely available, so my partner was able to commute to & from downtown in about 20mins. Heading downtown, the bike lane merges with the rightmost lane, which was a little scary at night on the boulevard. But us coming home late on Tuesday night was a very pleasant trip with a secure bike lane. I'd still probably recommend brighter colors or lights if you have them....
Read moreMy husband and I enjoyed a three night stay at the Colton House for our birthdays. From the moment we stepped into the beautifully decorated lobby we were in heaven. The front desk staff welcomed us warmly and explained everything we would need to know about our stay. (They also gave us a cool retro Colton House keychain!) Everyone at the hotel was friendly and always went out of their way to make sure we were having a nice time. Everyone wore masks, of course, and the entire hotel was set up with hand sanitizer throughout and adhering to current safety guidelines. There are a couple QR codes in the rooms that you can scan to look at the menu of food and drink options, as well as the free Wi-Fi info and other details about the hotel.
All of the common areas at the Colton House are really both comfortable and elegant at the same time. The time and effort put into all of the furniture, the art on the walls and the historical artifacts placed throughout is beyond impressive. We sat in the Club Room with a glass of wine one evening just looking through some of the books! Even the hallways where the rooms are located are beautiful. There is an expansive outdoor patio behind the hotel, as well as a pool with private cabanas and loungers. It was a little cool to be laying by the pool but we plan to be back in warmer weather. We appreciated that there was a gym, with all the weights and equipment you need to get a session in. There are two Pelotons, in addition to a serene little yoga/meditation room.
We stayed in a one-bedroom suite and had PLENTY of space. The kitchen is kitted out with all of the pots, pans, dishes and glasses you could possibly need to prepare and enjoy a meal -- including really great chef knives, which I was very happy about. There's even a toaster, electric kettle and coffee maker. The bathroom was huge and SO nice, with plush towels, plenty of hot water and great shower pressure. It felt like our own mini-spa in there. The bed was amazing and I slept much better than I ever do at home! I really appreciated how much space there was to both hang up and put away our clothes, as well as space for all of our bathroom items. There's even a washer and dryer.
We didn't really feel like going out-and-about too much due to COVID, so really appreciated having such a spacious and comfortable room to chill out in. That being said, Colton House is walking distance to ALL of the coolest spots on South Congress, including a grocery store which was convenient when we decided we wanted late-night ice cream. : ) So had we felt like eating and shopping all day/night, our options were endless.
Overall, 10 out of 10 for this cute new...
Read moreMy stay at the Colton House boutique hotel on Congress Ave in Austin, Texas was nothing short of magical! From the moment I stepped through the elegant doors, I was transported into a world of luxury and comfort that exceeded all expectations.
First and foremost, Simona's bar and coffee shop is an absolute gem. Nestled within the heart of the hotel, it boasts a charming ambiance that effortlessly blends eclectic, custom, and vintage furniture, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both unique and unforgettable. The baristas' expertly crafted coffee and cocktails, paired with the delectable pastries, local snacks and food made each visit a delightful experience, and I found myself returning time and time again to savor the flavors and soak in the charming decor.
For those seeking moments of relaxation and tranquility, the cozy library at Colton House is a true haven. Stocked with an impressive collection of books and bathed in soft, warm lighting, this space is perfect for unwinding with a good read or simply finding solace in its serene surroundings. It's a testament to the hotel's commitment to providing a diverse range of experiences for its guests.
And let's not forget the outdoor sitting area and swimming pool! Austin's vibrant energy is encapsulated in the hotel's lush, beautifully landscaped outdoor space. Whether it was enjoying a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool, basking in the Texan sunshine on one of the comfy loungers, or gathering around to listen to local musicians, I was constantly reminded of why Austin is such a beloved destination. The Colton House effortlessly encapsulates the city's spirit, allowing guests to savor every moment.
The rooms at Colton House are spacious and thoughtfully appointed, providing everything a family might need to feel right at home. From the plush bedding to the well-equipped kitchenette, every detail was meticulously considered to ensure maximum comfort and convenience. It was clear that the hotel's staff took great care to provide a truly exceptional experience.
In summary, my stay at the Colton House boutique hotel was a five-star journey into the heart of Austin's charm. Simona's bar and coffee shop, the cozy library, the incredible outdoor space with a swimming pool, and the well-appointed rooms all contributed to making my stay unforgettable. Whether you're a traveler seeking luxury or a family in search of a home away from home, Colton House is the perfect choice for an Austin adventure. I can't wait to return to this exceptional oasis of...
Read more