New Hill Country hotel eschews folksy for modern elegance

Located in West Oak Hill, the new AC Hotel Austin Hill Country gets points for coupling access to vaunted views of the surrounding landscape with convenience to Austin’s more citified pleasures. Part of the Marriott chain, the planned hotel looks to be a Southwest Austin fixture for locals and out-of-towners alike, as it will anchor retail and restaurant center Lantana Place. 

Refreshingly, the five-story hospitality space eschews the traditional look that has come to be associated with Hill Country spots—lovely, appropriate, but perhaps overdone limestone-clad structures with rustic decor. Rather, the new hotel’s design will be contemporary and of-the-moment to some extent—press materials reference a European influence—with simple lines and understated, modern furniture and fixtures that defer to the views available from its giant lobby windows and outdoor pool deck. The 131 guest rooms look to border on minimalist, and its four suites will feature open floor plans.

In addition to its bucolic setting, AC Hotel Austin Hill Country will offer amenities and features that should suit business travelers—which seem like they could make up a significant portion of its guests, since it’s located near big local hitters including Yeti, Solar Winds, AMD, and NXP. There are three meeting/function spaces for getting collaborative work done (or hosting social events, or both) as well as a fitness center featuring Life Fitness equipment and a Peloton bike, that stallion of the physically fit business world.
 
For all types of travelers, there will be an outdoor pool and deck with cabanas that guests can reserve, lounge areas, and a fire pit, as well as AC Lounge, which will offer small bites and classic cocktails, and the AC Store, with local grab-and-go comestibles.

For a grander experience, the hotel will also feature the Salt and Stone Rooftop Bar, a covered top-floor lounge with craft cocktails, local beer and wine, small plates, and sweeping Hill Country views. More entertainment and dining options will be available at the nearby Lantana Place.

 
Managed by Atlanta-based Peachtree Hotel Group, AC Hotel Austin Hill Country will be pet-friendly and have free wifi and onsite parking with electric car-charging stations. While an opening date has yet to be announced, the hotel is set to “redefine the hospitality landscape in Southwest Austin” when it launches.