In T-12 hours, a few of our team members will be let loose in Austin for SXSW. Fun will be had, hijinks will ensue, and Room 77 and Trover will be teaming up to bring a bit of West Coast flair to Austin. Be sure to follow Room 77 on Trover for photos and tips on Austin’s swanky hotels, including the W Austin.
Located in the effervescent 2nd Street district, W Austin will definitely serve as one of the polestars of SXSW. From tech juggernauts and film connoisseurs, to musically inclined hipsters and average Joes, you’ll find attendees from all corners of the world eating, drinking and being merry at the W. If you’re attending, definitely swing by and check out what they have to offer. Here are the highlights:
TRACE
A piece of advice if you’re going to eat at the W Austin’s on-site restaurant TRACE: come hungry, because you’ll have a hard time picking just one dish to order. Sophisticated and contemporary, TRACE offers up tantalizing fare that highlights the flavors of Central Texas. Try the pan roasted crab cake or the braised beef short ribs. For dessert, there’s no way you can pass up the drunken doughnuts, which have tequila chile fudge sauce, bourbon dulce de leche and vodka whipped cream. Are you drooling yet?
Photo Courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts
AWAY Spa
If you’ve indulged in too much barbecue and too many free cocktails, and have only squeezed in a few hours of shut-eye, you need to recharge at AWAY, the W Austin’s spa. With seven treatment rooms, a nail lounge with mani-pedi stations, a 52-inch TV, and separate locker rooms for men and women, relaxation abounds in this luxe spa that’s decorated with aqua and silver tones, antique furniture accents and an art installation by local artist Jennifer Prichard. We recommend the hot stone massage and the hydrolifting facial — perfect for putting a little pep back in your step and a sparkle in your eyes.
Photo Courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Living Room
If you’re attending SXSW, there’s no doubt you have a score of parties, happy hours and meet-ups to attend. But if you feel like kicking back in a hip and informal setting to process the SXSW hoopla, definitely hit up Living Room at W Austin — and believe us when we say that this isn’t your grandma’s living room. Sip in the glamour of the floating ceiling, vintage McIntosh installations, fireplace and all the other eclectic trimmings that’ll sweep you into a world of whimsy. Add in a signature cocktail and some appetizers, and you’ve got a perfect evening in front of you.
Photo Courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts
If you’re going to be in Austin for SXSW, follow us on Twitter for a chance to win a swag bag including $20 worth of SIP cards that can be used at the W Austin’s restaurant or bars to help you get your drink on.
