Destination: What’s New in Austin, Waco and College Station

Austin Downtown Continues to Grow

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Austin, as 2017 saw new hotels opening throughout the city, but especially in the growing downtown. As Austin continues to become one of the country’s top event destinations, that trend will only continue, as 2018 will see innovative brands and unique properties join the city’s offerings.

In the meantime, check out the new Hyatt House Austin/Downtown. The 10-story upscale space, which is just steps from Sixth Street, the Texas State Capitol, the University of Texas and the convention center, has 190 rooms (all pet friendly!) and features nearly 1,000 square feet of meeting space. Enjoy a chef-inspired breakfast every morning, and drinks at the end of the day at H BAR.

Aloft & Element Austin Downtown also joins the downtown scene. The 422-room joint property (278 rooms in the Aloft and 144 in Element) is aimed at younger “bleisure” travelers. It’s restaurant, Caroline, and outdoor lounge complement its 2,500 square feet of meeting space.

Finally, the luxury Fairmont Austin features 1,058 guest rooms and suites with views of Lady Bird Lake, the downtown skyline and Texas State Capitol. Nearly 140,000 square feet of total meetings space means this property can play host to events big, small and everything in between.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/Hundley_Photography Downtown Waco.

Waco’s New Hot Spot Coming in 2018

A couple of hot properties – including a new Hilton-branded lodging concept, Tru by Hilton – are on deck for Waco on a site adjacent to Central Texas Marketplace. The other, per the Waco Tribune, is likely to be a Residence Inn by Marriott. If accurate, it will be the second such property in the Waco metro area.

The former Cornerstone Plumbing building, meanwhile, will soon be home to a new restaurant and a host of other retail shops to create what developers hope to be a diverse retail and dining experience to be called Jackson Station. Also included in the project, a patio around 3,000 square feet from which views of the popular Magnolia Market and Silos can be enjoyed.

College Station is a Tryp

A brand-new Tryp by Wyndham recently opened its doors in College Station with a 166-room property that marks its first in the Lone Star State. Steps from Texas A&M University, Tryp’s branding is that of urban lifestyle and its local feel incorporates Aggie culture into guest experience. An onsite gastropub features breakfast and tapas-style lunch and dinner while its Library Meeting Space (700 square feet) welcomes up to 35 attendees for various types of events.

Sources: Visit Austin, Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau, Waco Tribune, Experience Bryan College Station

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