Hyatt Place–Austin North Central (512.323.2121; www.hyattplace.com), formerly an AmeriSuites property, is now open. The renovated hotel features 120 newly refurbished guest rooms and public areas.
The Driskill Hotel (512.474.5911; www.driskillhotel.com) completed a renovation last summer. The circa-1886 property offers a new two-story meeting space named the Victorian Room, which accommodates up to 275 guests. Another addition is the Lyndon and Lady Bird Suite, honoring President Lyndon Johnson’s strong ties to the historic hotel.
The Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown (512.480.8181; www.hiltongardeninn.com), formerly the Capitol Place, recently finished a nearly $9 million renovation under the new brand.
The Four Seasons Hotel Austin (512.478.4500; www.fourseasons.com/austin) is undergoing a renovation that will update the property’s restaurant, lobby lounge and guest rooms. It will also include the construction of a new fitness center and spa.
The Sheraton Austin Hotel (512.478.1111; www.starwoodhotels.com) is undergoing a renovation that is scheduled for completion in September. The project will include redesigned guest rooms. The next phase of the renovation, which includes meeting space upgrades, is on track to begin in early 2008.
The Hotel Van Zandt (512.476.5253; www.hotelvanzandt.com) is scheduled to open later this year. Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group will manage the 290-room boutique property, which will feature a 5,000-square-foot outdoor deck, a ballroom and a 100-seat restaurant.
The Domain and Domain Crossing (512.795.4230; www.simon.com/mall) debuted in March in northwest Austin. The upscale shopping center includes a Neiman Marcus and a Macy’s. Plans also call for a Westin hotel at the development.
The Bass Concert Hall (512.471.1444; www.utpac.org) at the University of Texas [UT] Performing Arts Center will be under renovation until fall 2008. UT’s flagship 3,000-seat theater will complete a $14.7 million renovation, which will include a new glass facade, state-of-the-art acoustics and an elegant restaurant.
The Mexican-American Cultural Center (512.974.3255; www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/macc_index.htm) is scheduled to open this summer. The 126,000-square-foot facility, located on Town Lake, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Mexican-American cultural arts and heritage. The center will also offer rentable space for private events.
