Curator’s statement
As young working professionals, we’ve all experienced bouts of frustration and weeks where the chaos leaves you feeling burnt out. Especially working for a startup, I fell in love with my job because of all the creative freedom that comes together with the culture. One big takeaway I’ve learned is to know when to take a break and walk away if you’re struggling with creative roadblocks. It was definitely one of those weeks where it felt like I was doing a million things yet not getting anything done. A change of scenery was needed for the sake of my sanity.
The Colton House is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or staycation right here in Austin. I’ve driven past it a million times. You could blink and miss it when driving on South Congress. Little did I know that it is a hidden gem, providing a perfect environment to relax and get away from all of the noise for a weekend.
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My staycation started on Friday, with my room booked until Monday morning, in hopes of going into work feeling energized after the weekend's reset. The overall service and hospitality from their team was impeccable upon arrival. Right off the bat, I was greeted by their staff and walked up to the front desk for check-in. They had a table of refreshments available for guests and the decor really played into the luxurious ambiance.
The welcome book that you can access with a QR code, conveniently placed when you enter, was a great touch. I was also a big fan of what was included in the room or available upon request. A Brita is something I don’t commonly see listed as an amenity but honestly should be offered as one more often. It was so much more convenient in comparison to communal water dispensers and sustainable instead of requesting water bottles.
I stayed in the studio accommodation. It provided a refreshing set-up that was similar to an apartment, but with the added luxury of all their available amenities. This spot would be perfect for groups as well. Whether it be for business or family leisure. Their multi-bedroom options are a steal for the space you get and would be a cost-effective accommodation if a larger group were to split the costs. Especially with big weekends coming up and crowds making their way to Austin for events like the ACL music festival and Formula 1.
On the topic of costs, it is important to remember Colton House Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel when looking at options for a staycation trip. The average rate is around $200. That can go lower or higher depending on the number of nights you plan on staying, how far ahead you book and what promotions or incentives are available at the time. There are ways to make your stay more budget friendly, especially if you’re local to Austin! I recommend the bulk of your budget go towards the actual booking, then getting creative with activities to do for the weekend. Since I am local, I just brought my favorite beauty products with cozy, cute PJ sets for a much-needed self-care night in.
Each room also comes with a fully stocked kitchenette of dinnerware to use at your leisure. So of course I brought a bottle of wine and my favorite Thai takeout - KIIN DI 10/10 - to indulge in while binge-watching a new show. The room’s TV had cable and streaming services. I appreciated that it was set up directly in front of the couch and bed. The studio felt a lot more spacious. Their spa service is in-house and available to schedule a facial or massage in the comfort of your room. But their apartment-style accommodation gives you the freedom to do a DIY spa night or spend the $300 to treat yourself with an in-room service. Your also walking distance to HEB and local gems like Phoebe’s Diner or Cosmic down the road, if you want to get outside and explore other food options without breaking the bank.
I do recommend checking out Simona’s at least one during your stay! It's accessible directly from your room or the lobby. Simona’s has great coffee and cocktails with multiple happy hours a day. There was even a cute pop-up market of local Austin vendors on the lawn area of Simona’s on the Sunday of my stay. The food offered on the menu is served by a taco truck, La Taquicardia, right by the patio lawn. I asked the staff what they would recommend for brunch — the salmon toast they suggested did not disappoint.
After staying three nights at the Colton House, I have nothing but great things to say about my experience. Being surrounded by other guests doing work on their laptops in the lounge and library area definitely boosted my own productivity. It was great to be creatively engaged and energized outside my usual home and office work set up. The lacking productivity and stress that I felt on Friday was non-existent by the time Monday came around. It was exactly what I was hoping to take away from this weekend.
Need to know
Colton House Hotel provides a luxury boutique experience for those looking to relax and unwind for a weekend. You can book in-room spa services, soak in the sun under a cabana by the pool or make some progress on your personal passion projects at Simona's Cafe.
With amenities like a fitness center with a yoga studio, private drawing & study rooms and spaces like their library or club room that are perfect for co-working — I can see this also being a great spot for a corporate retreat or a longer-term stay for professionals working remotely.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Texas. In need of further inspiration? Check out Jordan Nocerino's guide, Luxury Getaway To Austin, Texas.
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Dorelle Velasco
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