TRAVEL

Sun-sational The pool at Hotel ZaZa Austin

Spring Awakening

Austin’s Hotel ZaZa is an urban oasis beckoning visitors back to downtown. By Evan W. Black

CCovid changed Austin, to say the least — festival cancelations, an influx of California license plates, a steep and sudden decline in tourism. But the weirdly wonderful city is poised to make a full return, even without landmark spring events like SXSW.

One bright spot is the still-new Hotel ZaZa, located on a prime corner downtown, across from Republic Square and just a few blocks from Lady Bird Lake. It’s four-star-property central here, as The W, Driskill and Austin

Proper hotels are all a stone’s throw away. But the ZaZa, which opened in September 2019 and had a hyped-up six-month run ahead of the pandemic, is set apart. The hotel is luxurious without being stuffy; unique design elements, like a mod sculptural light fixture hanging over bohoupholstered spindle-leg chairs in the lobby, lend a right-at-home feel. Guest rooms are spacious, and come equipped with a handsigned “cleanliness” report as well as a

“Fresh Air” purifying machine. A signature of the ZaZa brand, the twelfth floor offers the beautifully designed

Magnificent Seven suites, each with a unique décor scheme. For example, the

Orient Express suite spans the entire width of the hotel, with train-car-style sleeping arrangements for a large party.

Downtown obviously provides plenty of dine-around options. Everything from breakfast tacos and barbecue to celebrated high-end fare at new Comedor is within walking distance. But it’s not a bad idea to stay on-property for at least one meal at the rooftop-poolside restaurant Group Therapy. Delightfully greasy pepperoni pizza awaits, as does a well executed wedge salad with cinnamon-roasted butternut squash, bacon, pecans and a peppercorn-parmesan dressing. And buttermilk-fried chicken sits atop a bed of Brussels sprouts and whipped potatoes, all drizzled with a bit of peppered honey.

The first-floor restaurant Perfect Strangers has remained mostly closed over the last year, but plans to open soon. Likewise, the ZaSpa is currently operating on weekends, and should resume weekday hours in the months to come.

When it opened a year and a half ago, ZaZa was garnering buzz as an event space, given its ballroom with incredible downtown views and ample conference rooms. And while those aspects have been largely irrelevant until just recently, management feels optimistic that as businesses opt out of large-scale office spaces in the future, unique meeting places like the ones the ZaZa provides will be in high demand. 

WEEKEND UPDATE ‘FOUR’ SCORE!

SHORTLY BEFORE the pandemic hit, negating the mere idea of in-person galas or conferences, the Four Seasons Hotel Houston embarked on a lengthy and expensive reno process for its ballroom, guest rooms and suites. Fast-forward to a world in which Houstonians are getting vaccinated at an encouraging rate, and the luxury property is ready to unveil its new look. Talk about timing!

Celebrated architect and designer Lauren Rottet utilized a warmly contemporary color palette in the new guest rooms and suites; hues of blue, brass and wood come together to create a soothing, yet distinctly Texan, aesthetic. The State, Ambassador and Presidential suites and Penthouse are all newly outfitted with custom furnishings, contemporary art, sculptural light fixtures — and an excellent wet bar situation.

The Presidential Suite and Penthouse now boast openfloorplan-style layouts, designed to recall an urbane apartment rather than a hotel room. They even have in-suite gym areas complete with weights, a Peloton and the new interactive fitness program, Mirror.

In January, the hotel debuted its expanded grand ballroom and revamped meeting spaces, designed by Meyer Davis, who was also responsible for the living-room-style reno of the lobby a few years back.

–ewb

Take a Seat A newly redesigned corner guest room at the Four Seasons