Austin Proper Hotel

I’ve watched the sun rise over Central Park a dozen times in my relatively sweet, relatively short life. And I mean from the terrace of the grand penthouse suite in The Plaza Hotel and the neighboring Ritz-Carlton in NYC. I’ve walked the grounds of Gramercy Park alone in past years’ Februarys, Decembers, and Julys—this tiny, special place in Manhattan. I have enjoyed L.A.’s and San Francisco’s greatest presidential suites (hell, even in Half-Moon Bay), grand places that boast outdoor space that Led Zeppelin could’ve played in if it were 1969. I have a thing for great hotels, and I know impeccable service. So I find myself writing that I was not just delightfully surprised but in awe of how wonderful a stay I had at the Proper Hotel in Austin, Texas, in late October, a few weeks ago. The staff are incredible on all fronts, and 24/7. They literally coaxed me through a potential meltdown due to a canceled alcohol order and came through minutes before guests were to arrive in our Proper Penthouse Suite (due to an Uber Eats order gone awry). The night I arrived (quite late), they were able to arrange for a conference room in which I and two of my co-workers hosted a successful Board of Directors meeting at 7:15 AM the next day (and the fruit plate I had for breakfast was the best I've ever had). On the day I departed, despairingly, I was late for my flight back to Dulles (ugh), and someone heroically came to my rescue at the 11th hour to make sure I got to the airport. Fastidious and precise, to quote a favorite Queen lyric. The Proper Penthouse Suite is a uniquely outfitted and designed space, certainly a suite I’ve never seen before. Like the hotel itself, it boasted a luxurious coolness all its own, adding nods to local artists and to the area’s general aesthetic and vibe. The outdoor space was…unforgettable, and seamlessly allowed for indoor/outdoor hosting. (Having the option of an adjoining room was also so helpful and critical to my stay, which I very much appreciated.) If you want luxury and one-of-a-kind experiences in the great capital of Texas, staying here is, well, just proper.

Stayed here for business earlier this year and the property was quite simply a highlight of my trip. It was a brief visit, but the staff wowed me with their authenticity and kindness. Rooms are spacious and comfortable; the entire hotel exudes modern elegance and cool. It's tranquil ambience the perfect antidote to a frenetic work trip! Looking forward to my next visit.

We had a fantastic stay. I hadn’t been to Austin in years but thankfully Giulio from the hotel was there and took care of all our dinner reservations - and he picked great spots (Guest House and Sammie’s). He also made sure we always had a table in the very busy lobby bar.

Traveled with a family and thoroughly disappointed. - Very small room, no upgrade for Marriott Plat. Bathroom fan did not work. - Lobby area turns into a club at night, so no where to hang around other than the tiny room. - So many nickle and dime fees (staff wellness fee, amenity fees). - They don't answer the phone, Valet never picked up. Front didnt' receive during checkout so we had to carry our own luggage. + Breakfast was good. Pricey, but at least worth the money unlike the stay. For the same money, I would go to JW or Four Seasons the next time. If you are a couple want to party, sure it might work for you.

Went for a weekend and extended. The hotel is a design dream, a feast for the eyes! On weekends, be prepared for the downstairs bar to be quite full, a for sure Austin hot spot! However the service and the food were unapparelled and the hotel does make guest requests and reservations the priority. The entire staff from the valet, front desk and dining were all friendly, thoughtful and helpful. The Mediterranean restaurant was outstanding, we ate dinner and brunch there twice! I am ready now to eat there again! The Mexican restaurant on the 5th floor was outstanding for brunch as well as lunch. The fajitas, crab tostadas were delicious. The staff around the pool was very helpful and friendly. The staff truly was amazing Bora, Kayley, Fedor, Adrian and Max understand what the service industry is all about. Austin Proper will now be on repeat when we are in Austin.