Some say Austin is the new Portland, Oregon—but with a thriving, quirky arts scene, the Texas capital has long been marching to its own beat. Befitting of a city that calls itself the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, Austin’s new Hotel Van Zandt is part boutique accommodations, part live performance venue, and part homage to music.
Situated in the Rainey Street Historic District, chockablock with early 20th-century bungalows and brew pubs, the city’s newest hotel contains lyrical references like photographs of iconic musicians and horn-inspired chandelier that dominates the high-ceilinged lobby. In the 319-room property adorned in a steampunk palette of bronze, blue and chocolate, music isn’t just decoration, but an integral part; with a dedicated director of music and social programming, the hotel not only delivers soundtracks throughout its common areas like the outdoor pool and intimate living room-lounge, but also boasts a nightly lineup of indie musicians.
Its eatery Geraldine’s, helmed by chef Frank Mnuk (formerly of local Japanese hotspot Uchi), takes a fresh perspective on Texan classics and ingredients such as Gulf snapper served with tangerine, barbecued short ribs lightened with furikake. And yes, even the restaurant has live performances by its own artists-in-residence.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
605 Davis St.
-
Rio Kobayashi’s new furniture bridges eras, shown alongside Fritz Rauh’s midcentury paintings at Blunk SpaceFurniture designer Rio Kobayashi unveils a new series, informed by the paintings of midcentury artist Fritz Rauh, at California’s Blunk Space
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and placeLocanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
-
LVMH watch week 2025: everything we know so farOur guide to LVMH Watch Week 2025, taking place in New York and Paris, starting 21 January; keep an eye out for our updates
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and place
Locanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this yearFrom the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
-
The most whimsical hotel Christmas trees around the worldWe round up the best hotel Christmas tree collaborations of the year, from an abstract take in Madrid to a heritage-rooted installation in Amsterdam
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel deskWallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
-
Wallpaper* checks in at the refreshed W Hollywood: ‘more polish and less party’The W Hollywood introduces a top-to-bottom reimagining by the Rockwell Group, capturing the genuine warmth and spirit of Southern California
-
Arlo NoMad hotel makes the American diner officially cool againThe NoMad Diner NYC’s interiors and menu offer an elevated take on an American classic
-
Los Angeles’ best fine-dining restaurantsLA boasts a creative food scene driven by some of the world’s most innovative chefs. Browse the Wallpaper* guide to the city’s best fine-dining restaurants
-
Bold maximalism engulfs The Lafayette Hotel and Club in San DiegoThe Lafayette Hotel and Club, designed by Post Company, brings together a rich tapestry of patterns, themes and colours
