When visiting Austin, Texas, the Lone Star Hotel offers a quintessentially Texan welcome: a bottle of Lone Star beer. My first impression, a fair to middling experience, would be the foundation of my stay on those connections at this expensive property. Expectations were high, at around £300 a night, and delivery was uneven.
First Impressions: Court Yard Under Construction
Lone Star Hotel’s communal charm is its courtyard, a key characteristic torn apart by orange fencing and ongoing maintenance. Construction was not always avoidable, but the lack of disclosure beforehand was disappointing. Other luxury properties, such as GoldenEye in Jamaica, have laudably displayed transparency by offering discounts at similar times.
The vibe was communal. At night, there were campfires, live music, etc. There was a lively atmosphere with mean guests with acoustic guitars—well, and one who eye-rolled at my request for George Strait’s All My Exes Live in Texas. He still played along and put some humour into the experience.
Room Review: A Luxury Price, with a Hostel Vibe
It had a hostel feel, hard floors, and a sparse, sterile design, giving off a more luxurious vibe than the price tag indicated. The bathroom was a testament to the idea that it needed to work. The fact that the basic amenities were there, in some form, was the only redeeming factor, but they did not come close to meriting the price.
Politics and Campfire Conversations
The city is not new to vibrant debates (often polarized), and Austin did not disappoint. Hotel guests were caught up in post-election fervor. A passing couple joined our group for a spirited discussion about immigration policies. American political discourse, the disagreement with the group’s views resulted in a hasty, passive-aggressive exit.
A guest bemoaning Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city is also particularly memorable. Behind the idyll and even the apolitical environs of The Domain Downtown, the debate served as a reminder of how the issues of border control and immigration policy were debated.
Venturing Out: Dining and Exploring Nearby
The Domain Downtown was a ten-minute walk from the hotel, starkly contrasting the Lone Star’s rustic charm. It was polished and pristine and had the ‘new money’ vibe of places free of social difficulties seen elsewhere in the city.
I also loved dining at Blue Sushi. The dishes were exquisite, and without the hefty prices, it would have been easy to feel completely ripped off, but I did not mind paying the high cost. It all ended with a fantastic sake bomb, ending a formal dinner on an entertaining and capricious note.
Local Adventures: Wineries and Distilleries
If guests want to roam beyond the hotel, the reception desk will provide “happy bus tours” to nearby wineries and bourbon distilleries. These outings are best because they allow you to sample the Texas wine and spirits scene while sampling Texas’ scenic countryside.
Final Words
A mixed bag is a good word for it, the Lone Star Hotel. The communal courtyard and live music capture an authentic Texan spirit. Still, construction transparency is non-existent, and rooms are deliberately hidden in lowly webs that lack light and do not appear naturally renovated. It is a pleasing experience for those who enjoy the liveliness of debates and an underlying flavour of rustic charm. But for those travelers looking for polished luxury.
If you stay, do not pass on the opportunity to stroll along The Domain Downtown or tuck into Blue Sushi’s brilliant menu. Or skip the Lone Star beer; maybe something positive can emerge.
Jackson Reed is an avid traveler and adventure seeker, sharing tips and stories from around the globe to inspire your next journey.
