Austin Proper Hotel
600 W. 2nd St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
Why We Like It
Austin’s nightlife is often eclipsed by Dirty Sixth parties and dive bar chaos on Rainey, but The Proper brings an alternative to those who want to keep their heels intact. Albeit, while paying a pretty penny for the luxury.
Fodor's Expert Review
In The Proper's first foray outside California, Interior designer Kelly Wearstler spent years traveling Texas collecting vintage pieces for the Austin outpost. The result is a breath of West Coast cool with a hint of spice breezing through downtown’s Second Street corridor. The rooftop deck, lobby lounge, and patio restaurant have become fixtures to local somebodies.
You Should Know If you’re only parking for a few hours, try street parking in the area. The hotel’s valet is upwards of $30 during the day before tip.
PROS
- There’s a sexy rooftop pool with an adjacent Mexican restaurant
- The hotel has a large fitness and wellness center
- A Cali-chic venue that injects glitz into ATX
CONS
- The ground floor feels showy and rather pretentious
- It’s pricy, but that prices out boisterous bachelorette parties
- Rooms and suites are small by Texas standards
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Ms. Wearstler’s goal when outfitting each of The Proper’s 238 guest rooms and suites was to create a sense of residence, and she didn’t miss a detail. You’ll find boudoirs that speak volumes with vintage crafts, patterned rugs, and thatched wallpaper, which in some way bring much-needed warmth to contrast the sterile office building views of Second Street. Nespresso machines, Apple TVs, and Parachute Home robes join the mix.
Bathroom
It’s unlikely you’re blessed with a bathtub unless opting suite level or above. Nevertheless, all bathrooms are nicely tiled with smooth lighting and contain a spacious shower with full-size Aesop amenities.
Lobby
The sports cars parked out front give away the kind of company inside as you approach the doormen/valet staff at the heavy black doors. Behind, a lobby lounge is usually full of tech kids engrossed in whatever’s blaring from their ear pods, and sometimes there’s the odd B-Lister who’s in town to play a gig at the Moody. It’s all a bit Soho House pretentious, quite frankly, but the elevators are close by to transport you away from the lobby lingerers.
Pool
As the pool is only open to hotel guests, chances of snagging a lounger up on the 5th floor are solid for all who check in. The little oasis is lined with palms and oversized umbrellas, ideal for taking advantage of the Southern sunshine whilst intermittently cooling down when the heat gets too much to bear. Margs can be ordered from the adjacent Mexican restaurant, La Piscina.
Spa
While Proper’s Verbena Spa offers a range of treatments designed for calm, it’s worth trying the signature tequila (yes, tequila) massage. It begins with a sip of Lalo Tequila and a massage that harnesses the powers of agave and tequila. That’s one way to Tex-Mex! The expansive facility also has a steam room, dry sauna, cold plunge, and red-light therapy.
Gym
The impressive 2,000-square-foot fitness center really does have it all. Peloton bikes, stair climbers, and yoga equipment are just the beginning. There are complimentary classes for guests too, including boot camp, and personal training available for an additional fee.
Tip Tempting as the gym may be, you might want to skip the indoor run and hit the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail instead. This charming green route is just a block south of the hotel and where locals come to burn their queso cals (outside of the excruciatingly hot summer months).
Dining
The Peacock Mediterranean Grill is one of the busiest spots downtown, serving mezzes and tajines to the city’s well-heeled. Upstairs La Piscina is a more intimate spot, popular with couples who slurp oysters by the glittering pool. Other dining offerings include afternoon tea and a lounge serving Texas-inspired small bites.
Drinking
Tucked at the back of the ground floor, Goldie’s features a stunning marble sunken bar surrounded by tweed and velvet seating. Seasonal cocktails rotate alongside Champagne and premium spirits. Meanwhile, the inside of The Peacock serves as an all-day destination for those fusing business with cocktails and coffee.
Sound Sessions
As Austin is Texas’ live music mecca, The Proper’s Quill Room on the second floor serves as a music lounge for local artists. Acts play live most Thursday to Saturday nights.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Second Street is situated in walkable downtown, so you’re within easy reach of the main attractions such as Zilker Park, Texas Capitol, and The Moody Theater. Beyond downtown, rideshare is advised to explore the city.
Restaurants
The acclaimed Hestia is right behind the hotel, while tacos from Torchy’s Tacos and Veracruz All Natural are all just a stroll away.
Bars
After a weekend of wellness, you can lessen the guilt at The Well. This venue shakes up delicious Zero Proof and Low ABV drinks, and even the alcoholic cocktails are made without refined sugars and use only clean spirits.
Photos
Quick Facts
People Also Liked
F
Fairmont Austin
L
The LINE Austin
L
