Austin
Texas


The Experience

Austin's Four Seasons manages to encapsulate what everyone loves about the city: a cool urban sophistication in a laid-back rural setting. Set on the banks of Town Lake, its backyard is a lush landscaped garden rolling down to the water. It's also on the edge of downtown, just a short walk to the lively business and nightlife district. Since opening in 1985, the Four Seasons has been the hotel of choice for political bigwigs and visiting music and movie stars, yet it still maintains an easygoing Southwestern style and charm.

The Rooms

At 350 square feet, standard rooms are small, and you'll have to wait until mid-2007 for them all to have plasma-screen TVs. Still, the earthy sienna tones and sweeping city or lake views are relaxing and comfortable. To stretch out in a more Texas-size setting, upgrade to the River View Suites, eight of which have balconies out over the grassy grounds and the water beyond. These offer twice the area, plus two full bathrooms and a living area separated from the bedroom by French doors.

The Service

From arranging tickets to City Limits shows to suggesting the best shops on South Congress for retro jeans or cowboy boots, the front desk brings a distinctly local element to the typically slick Four Seasons brand. Room service, meanwhile, is personal without being obsequious: Staff will ask whether you want your breakfast table set by the lake or city view window, and will somehow know if it's your birthday or anniversary.

The Highlights

The Café, with its outdoor patio overlooking the garden, circular pool and parkland, is the top-rated restaurant in the city. It's set to be completely renovated for the summer of 2007, by which time a full-service spa will also have opened, adding to the country-resort feel of the property. While you can relax under the shade of an oak tree on the expansive grounds, you don't want to miss an evening in the high-ceilinged, Texan-style Lobby Lounge; wind down the day sipping classic cocktails on a cowhide couch or under walls lined with pairs of longhorns.

-- Douglas Rogers

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»