The LINE Austin
111 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
Why We Like It
With 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from under Congress Avenue Bridge eight months of the year, Austin’s so synonymous with bats that many refer to it as ‘Bat City.’ The Line’s a front-row seat to witness the winged display, perched on the banks of Ladybird Lake right next to the bridge. There’s no hotel closer to the action.
Fodor's Expert Review
Downtown may have become a step-and-repeat of chain establishments, but The Line is one of the few places that proudly holds on to Austin’s revered musical heritage. This was previously a jazz club that broadcast live on local radio in the sixties. Now a medium-sized hotel with a boutique feel, the strings keep on strumming across vibey social spaces including a lakeside pool, taco shack, and terrace bar.
Tip No need to leave the pooch behind on the ATX jaunt. Pets stay free of charge at the hotel. The front desk also provides pet courtesy bags, water bowls, and treats.
PROS
- Has one of the best terrace bars in town
- Situated in a historic building that was once a jazz club
- A best-of-both-worlds location Downtown next to Ladybird Lake
CONS
- Rooms and suites have no bathtub
- There are limited gym facilities and no spa
- The signature restaurant has been described as mediocre
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
A coveted location means each room’s top draw is the floor-to-ceiling window. Guests get either bat bridge views over Ladybird Lake, or downtown city views like that of the Texas Capitol. The overall design is modern, but studio bulb lamps and baskets of local mini-bar treats (not complimentary) add a local sense of charm. Bellio fine linens and black-out drapes facilitate your slumber.
Tip Bat season is from March to October. Outside of those months, you have a higher chance of scoring a Lakeview room, not to mention winter weather in Austin is fantastic.
Bathroom
Rooms and suites are beautifully outfitted with backlit mirrors, tiled flooring, and plush British countryside Cowshed products. Each category has a walk-in rain shower, but with such a prized location you can’t help but feel a wasted opportunity to soak up the vistas via bathtub, at the very least in their top-tier suites.
Lobby
The mood is part sultry jazz club, part casual canteen; this lobby is a bit of a mishmash. While the hotel tries to keep fixtures dark and sexy ground-level, the presence of Veracruz All-Natural brings forth (mainly local) folk dripping in their bathing suits for a to-go taco or cocktail on the patio. But this is Austin—it’s even casual at the Four Seasons.
Pool
Despite being on the ground floor, the infinity pool is a happening spot and great for views, since the shoreline plunge is steep. Many bodies park under the umbrellas all day, fueled by the pool bar and those addictive Veracruz tacos around the corner.
Gym
There is a small 24-hour gym on the sixth floor, and yoga classes are offered out on the pool deck.
Dining
We’ve mentioned Veracruz once, and we’ll mention it again. The local Mexican chain is an Austin institution. That’s why the window is almost always lined with patrons both from the hotel and vicinity waiting to get their hands on authentic tacos and queso. Its popularity wildly eclipses the hotel’s signature restaurant on the ground floor, Arlo Grey, which serves Midwest comfort food with an Asian twist.
Drinking
For those who have a city-facing room, you can still get your lake views on P6. The terrace bar points south, serving seasonal Martini’s and Old Fashioneds alongside nibbles like cheese and charcuterie.
Biking
As the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops around Lady Bird Lake, The Line lets guests take advantage with free bike rental. Ask the front desk to reserve a set of wheels.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The area around E Cesar Chavez Street is one of the few in Austin that is walkable. Guests can reach many of the city’s top attractions on foot, including the Texas State Capitol, Paramount Theatre, Mexic-Arte Museum, and Zilker Park. However, you’ll need to take a rideshare to reach the hotel from the airport.
Restaurants
Second Street’s trendy restaurants are a few steps away. Of course, with this being Texas, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Tex-Mex. Close by there’s La Condesa and ATX Cocina. There’s also Torchy’s Tacos, but only if you tire of Veracruz on-site. Fareground Austin, a food hall is right opposite the hotel.
Bars
Messy nights are best at Sixth Street, better known as ‘Dirty Sixth’. Meanwhile, the gay bars congregate on Fourth Street. Both are within walking distance of The Line.
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