This hotel is part of downtown Austin, but right on the water, overlooking Lady Bird Lake and Congress Bridge. Every direction offers something to discover: walk north for a museum day at The Blanton and The Contemporary or ride a bike to the east side for tacos and drinks on a patio.

The hotel rooms are stylishly appointed with plush beds, soft linens and art by Texas artists.

There are four places to eat—the main restaurant is Arlo Grey by Kristen Kish, who’s classically trained in French techniques. The family-style menu changes seasonally with flavours and textures that make use of Central Texas ingredients.

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.

There is a ground-level swimming pool surrounded by plaid umbrellas, also a small gym, and one room is also dedicated to an artist in residency program.

Rooms are air-conditioned with cable TV, WiFi, minibar and fridge.

• Rainey Street
• Texas State Capitol
• Lady Bird Lake
• Colorado River