Hotel Granduca unveils renovation plans

The Texas Hill Country — especially the more well-heeled properties — is not infrequently compared to central Italy's Tuscany region, with which it shares aspects of climate, topography, and vegetation. Views of the same from the western parts of Austin will also do in a pinch to simulate the experience of relaxing at an Italian country villa — or a palazzo, depending on the digs.

In 2015, Hotel Granduca Austin took advantage of this similarity, with Italian-born Houston developer Giorgio Borlenghi going all-in on a Tuscany-meets-Texas theme with a high-end, understated take on that confluence.

The 190,000-square-foot retreat on 38 acres at 320 South Capital of Texas Highway, about 10 miles from downtown Austin, has been undergoing a renovation this summer and plans to reveal the results — along with a "repositioning," according to press materials — this fall.

Hotel Granduca’s transformation includes the addition of a new spa, an overhaul of the restaurant and bar, and a renovated pool deck and lobby. The renovated lobby will have a lounging area and a small boutique market featuring local goods and necessities. 

The new restaurant will reflect the property’s natural surroundings with a preserved olive tree in the center and greenery throughout the space. The restaurant’s patio will offer views of Austin and al fresco dining.

The pool deck redesign includes a fireplace and cabanas. In addition to its services, a new, second-floor spa will include a relaxation lounge, men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam rooms and saunas, a designated couple’s suite, and a private spa suite with an experiential shower and hydrotherapy tub.

The renovation design and construction is spearheaded by interior design firm Hotel Studio, McCabe Architecture, Digney York Associates and PHG.

Hotel Granduca has 194 rooms, including 38 suites with small kitchenettes and living rooms. It also has meeting space and a newly designed chapel for weddings, conventions, and events.

The resort is part of the Meritage Collection of Pacific Hospitality Group.