Because Austin is only three hours away from Dallas by car, it’s a logical destination for a weekend respite. And, to truly indulge, one should leave all worries at home and check into a truly fabulous hotel.
Although properties like Hotel St. Cecelia (one of our picks for 10 best hotels in Texas), Hotel San Jose and W Austin often get props as the top places to stay in the state capital, a writer from the New York Times recently spent some time at East Austin’s Heywood Hotel and gave it a killer review.
Bonnie Tsui calls the Heywood a “comfortable, stylish hotel [that] feels like a visit to a good friend’s house — a friend with good taste, that is.” Among the highlights at this refurbished 1925 Craftsman bungalow? The walnut platform beds handmade by owner George Reynolds; thoughtful amenities like fruit bowls, bicycles and high-quality toiletries; and an in-room fridge stocked with Texas beers.
Tsui (who also penned a buzzy Times piece about Austin’s evolving east side in January), suggests Mr. Natural, Veracruz All Natural and Cenote as neighboring joints to sup.
The patio at the Heywood Hotel in East Austin.
