Hotel Review: The Loren at Lady Bird Lake
Austin stands out as one of America's rapidly expanding cities, boasting chic boutiques, flourishing technology hubs, and a vibrant culinary landscape. Renowned for hosting a myriad of sporting events, including the F1 race and college football games at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as acclaimed music festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, Austin continues to magnetize an increasing number of visitors each year, fueling its rising popularity. In response to this growing demand, the city is now home to a plethora of boutique properties and chain hotels. Among these, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake has recently solidified its position as a luxurious five-star establishment. Intrigued by its exceptional location and flawless interior design, I've been closely monitoring the hotel. Recently, I had the opportunity to stay there for a relaxing staycation, and here is my review of The Loren at Lady Bird Lake:
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is located at 1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
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The Capital One Venture X card has a $395 annual fee and offers tons of perks to justify its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Annual $300 travel credit
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Access to Premier Collection Hotels
Four complimentary authorized users
Capital One Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge access
Priority Pass Membership
Primary rental car insurance
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
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Location
Nestled on the southern edge of downtown Austin, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake boasts stunning vistas of the city skyline and the serene Lady Bird Lake. With its prime location, the hotel provides effortless access to Austin's dynamic cultural scene, vibrant music offerings, eclectic dining options, and popular entertainment destinations like ZACH Theatre and Zilker Park. Guests can explore the trendy South Lamar and South Congress neighborhoods, offering a plethora of shopping and dining experiences. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail and the lake itself present convenient options for recreation and sports. The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is the perfect gateway to Austin's diverse and lively offerings.
Lobby & Check-In Review
Living in Austin, my wife and I kept our belongings minimal for our brief one-night staycation. Familiar with the neighborhood, we opted for street parking to sidestep a hefty $50 overnight valet fee.
During their stay at The Loren, guests have the opportunity to explore Austin on electronic bicycles.
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, situated within the same building as The Loren Residence, Nido restaurant, and the popular Milk + Honey salon, didn't pose a challenge in terms of finding the front desk.
Milk + Honey is a popular salon in Austin that provides premium spa experiences.
To add a layer of assurance, a helpful bellman guided us seamlessly to the check-in area upon our approach to the hotel entrance. Entering the lobby, we were greeted by a captivating collage of unique furniture and art pieces.
The lobby was a mesmerizing array of distinctive furniture and art pieces, each contributing to an intriguing collage.
The hotel curated the space with a mix of textures and materials, creating an eclectic ambiance for arriving guests. The industrial wall adorned with plants provided a refreshing touch of greenery, and I found myself drawn to the chic marble tables and enchanting art books scattered around.
The industrial-style wall, embellished with plants, added a revitalizing splash of greenery.
It was a space where I could lose myself amidst the surrounding creative inspirations and happily lounge around for hours.
The hotel's lobby was transformed into a creatively open space, filled with abundant natural light, thanks to the use of tall, floor-to-ceiling windows.
One notable aspect was the hotel's openness to diverse creative expressions beyond traditional paintings or pictures. While waiting for an elevator, I encountered video art—a brilliant inclusion of alternative mediums in the hotel's artistic palette.
This was my initial experience coming across video art in a hotel setting.
The check-in experience was equally delightful, with a receptionist warmly welcoming me with a smile.
Courtesy of Capital One Premier Collection Hotels, I was granted an upgrade at the time of check-in.
She thoughtfully explained the perks associated with my Capital One Premier Collection reservation, and to my pleasant surprise, I discovered that I had been elevated to a suite offering panoramic views of the city. Thrilled with the upgrade, I went up to the fifth floor where our suite was located.
Bedroom Review
Entering the bedroom, I was greeted by a lush, dark green carpet that effortlessly complemented the suite's overall premium and organic aesthetics. Positioned against an expansive natural wood accent wall, the floating king-sized bed boasted a clever checkered patterned headboard, adding character to the space through the artful use of ambient lighting.
I was captivated by the suite's lush, dark green carpet, which seamlessly enhanced the room's overall luxurious and natural aesthetic.
A floating nightstand adorned with a classic Crosley clock, along with a spherical table lamp and a wall lamp on each side of the bed, provided a soft and inviting glow.
The bedroom was equipped with a master light switch, offering added convenience.
The mattress proved exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night during my staycation. In one corner, a seemingly modest loveseat surprised me with its plush comfort, while a Tivoli audio machine on the adjacent side table doubled as a wireless charging pad and ambient lighting source.
To my surprise, the loveseat was extremely comfortable, providing a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy music from the Tivoli speaker.
Its superb sound quality and natural materials seamlessly blended with the room's overall design. A coffee table in the room showcased an art book highlighting the captivating exhibits at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake.
For art aficionados, the art book is a must-have item, available for purchase at the front desk for $30.
Available for purchase at the front desk for $30, it's a must-have for art enthusiasts. This reminded me of Hotel St. George in Helsinki, emphasizing the hotel's commitment to sharing the world of art with its guests. A spacious work desk with a glass top seamlessly integrated into the space, ensuring an uninterrupted view of Austin.
From my suite, I had a view overlooking the neighboring Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake.
The location was truly amazing; in fact, I think The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is the only five-star hotel providing unparalleled, unobstructed views of downtown Austin.
The suite's tall floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake.
On the desk, a chilled bottle of champagne and an array of gourmet chocolate truffles awaited, accompanied by a card congratulating us on our relationship milestone—a thoughtful gesture that truly made our special day even more meaningful.
The gourmet truffles were delectable, with the salted caramel variety being my personal favorite.
A wall-mounted smart TV and a foldable, minimalistic wall coat hanger were positioned across from the bed, underscoring the hotel's meticulous attention to detail.
The sleek, minimalist wall coat hanger had a convenient foldable design.
Adjacent to a spacious closet, a charming minibar extended small liquor bottles and a Nespresso coffee machine
Fun fact—Garrison Brothers Distillery holds the distinction of being the first legally established whiskey distillery in Texas to produce bourbon.
Beneath the countertop, a compact fridge offered a selection of chilled beverages. However, exercise caution before indulging, as the prices are on the higher side.
If you want to get La Colombe’s renowned draft latte, head down to the cafe downstairs!
Overall, the bedroom exuded a beautiful design with its use of natural materials, providing a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The green flooring was easy on the eyes, and the subtle, soft lighting contributed to a tranquil ambiance. The rare and appreciated view of downtown Austin, coupled with the inclusion of the art book, demonstrated the hotel's commitment to creating a rich and immersive experience for its guests.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom showcased an expansive double-sink vanity featuring elegant gray-white marble countertops, stretching across the entire wall. Ample space allowed for the organized placement of both my wife's and my personal toiletries without inducing any sense of clutter.
The bathroom's finish and design were in harmony with the hotel's artistic theme.
A back-lit mirror added an extra layer of ambient lighting, while a pendant light fixture suspended from the ceiling echoed the sophisticated design language found in the bedroom. The bathtub was generously sized and deep, and comfortably accommodated two young adults simultaneously. Its ergonomically designed sloped back enhanced the overall bathing experience.
The bathtub, both deep and wide, offered a soothing retreat to unwind at the end of the night.
Positioned in the corner, the walk-in shower, though spacious, felt a bit dimly lit, and I found myself yearning for a rainfall showerhead to provide a more immersive showering experience.
Regrettably, the lighting in the walk-in shower was somewhat dimmer than I would have preferred.
The provided toiletries, courtesy of Malin + Goetz, came in generously sized 1.7 oz tubes, ensuring they would last for several days without the need for replacement.
The large-sized toiletry tubes ensured that there was no need for replacements, even when shared with my wife.
Considering the hotel's commitment to environmental health and sustainability, a shift to communal bottles could be a meaningful initiative to raise awareness. However, I recognize that many five-star properties opt for travel-sized toiletries to cater to their diverse audience. While lacking a separate water closet, the bathroom compensated with a substantial and solid door, enhancing privacy during use. The bathroom elevated its minimalistic design beyond that of the bedroom, radiating a heightened sense of premium sophistication.
Gym & Pool Review
Situated on the 7th floor, the gym at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake operates 24/7, presenting a simple yet sophisticated space with state-of-the-art equipment. The modest-sized gym benefited from tall floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the area with invigorating natural light, and its industrial wall finishes contributed to an ideal workout setting.
The abundance of natural light, combined with the industrial interior design, created a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for exercise sessions.
Peloton bikes and treadmills were strategically arranged facing the windows. I valued the thoughtful spacing of each cardio machine, ensuring that they were not closely crowded together and allowing guests ample personal space.
My first experience with the Peloton running machine was impressive, and it certainly lived up to my expectations.
Adding to the cardio lineup, a Hydrow rower offered an immersive full-body exercise experience. In one corner, a Smith machine with lightweight plates and heavy dumbbell sets found its place, accompanied by light brown adjustable benches that harmonized with the wooden accent wall—a testament to the meticulous attention given to interior design details at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake.
Incorporating subtle design elements, such as a wooden accent wall, added a transformative touch to the space.
Completing the fitness ensemble, kettlebells, medicine balls, and gym balls catered to a range of core and strength training exercises.
While the fitness center didn't feature strength training machines, guests could make use of kettlebells and medicine balls for core workout routines.
After a satisfying workout, I replenished with 'Boxed Water Is Better before making my way to the pool, which was conveniently located on the 8th floor and accessible via the gym's stairs.
The gym included a fridge with Boxed Water Is Better to ensure guests stayed hydrated after their workout.
Overlooking the eastern side of Austin, the rooftop pool was gently heated and beckoned for leisure rather than lap swimming.
The rooftop pool served as a tranquil retreat, featuring gently heated water for relaxation.
The pool deck featured inviting lounge chairs and couches, creating a comfortable space for relaxation.
Guests feeling hungry were encouraged to scan the QR code on the table to conveniently order food and drinks from Nido.
Guests could conveniently order food and drinks from the hotel's restaurant, Nido. While I didn't experience the pool's summer crowd, I envisioned the delight of basking in the warm weather on sunnier days for a more indulgent poolside experience.
The rooftop offered a panoramic view of the neighboring Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake.
Breakfast Review—Nido
As part of my reservation through Capital One's Premier Collection, I enjoyed complimentary breakfast for two, which awarded a generous $60 credit applicable to breakfast options available through in-room dining, the lobby cafe, or Nido. Another perk of booking through Capital One's Premier Collection was the $100 food and beverage credit, which I utilized for dinner at Nido the night before. Although I found the ambiance of the restaurant to be exceptional, the dinner service fell slightly short of expectations. Returning to the restaurant the following morning for breakfast, I was pleased to discover a significant improvement in hospitality.
When the weather is nice, I highly recommend reserving an outdoor deck on the terrace to relish a spectacular skyline view of downtown Austin.
Breakfast service commenced promptly at 7 AM, and we were promptly seated. Due to the slightly chilly weather, we chose to stay indoors. However, I recommend securing an outdoor deck on the terrace if the weather permits because you could savor a breathtaking skyline view of downtown Austin. The restaurant was embellished with unique light fixtures and carefully curated art, and the setting lived up to the exceptional standard I experienced during dinner the night before.
Nido was adorned with a meticulously curated selection of artwork and furniture, including gorgeous light fixtures.
The all-day breakfast menu featured select items from the dinner offerings. With a $60 allowance to spare, my wife and I opted for the BLT sandwich and French toast.
The brunch menu featured several items that were also present on the dinner menu.
The BLT sandwich impressed with well-seasoned tomatoes, but the true highlight was the outstanding fries—arguably one of the best I've had in Austin, so good that I hesitated to share them with my wife.
The fries at Nido were some of the best I've tasted in Austin, and I would happily return just to have them once more.
The French toast was served warm and soft with a delightful raspberry compote. It struck the right balance of sweetness, and crucially, the inside remained moist without any hint of sogginess.
The interior of the French toast was perfectly moist while avoiding any sogginess.
While I acknowledge that the breakfast items came at a premium, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Nido for those seeking high-quality breakfast food worth waking up early for.
Cafe Review—Cafe at The Loren
Situated on the lobby level, the cafe welcomed guests daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, offering a refreshing view of Zilker Park through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
A discreet neon sign on the wall subtly hinted at the presence of a cafe just beyond.
The cafe, frequented by both hotel and non-hotel guests, featured an ambiance akin to the hotel's chic and trendy atmosphere.
The cafe boasted an ambiance that mirrored the hotel's stylish and contemporary vibe.
It was especially popular for those enjoying the proximity to the park and appreciating the dog-friendly outdoor seating.
The outdoor deck became a favored location for guests accompanied by their dogs.
The cafe featured semi-industrial finishes complemented by ambient lighting and a sprinkling of gold-accented furniture. The environment perfectly captured the essence of Austin's trendy vibe.
The cafe’s trendy and functional atmosphere was ideally suited for those working remotely.
Along with serving La Colombe coffee, the cafe's menu extended to a variety of baked goods and sandwiches, catering to those seeking a quick meal. Beyond refreshments, the cafe sold a selection of hotel merchandise, including reusable eco bags and tumblers.
The café featured an exclusive range of hotel merchandise, with a particular emphasis on sustainability, including items like reusable eco-friendly bags and tumblers.
I chose a warm cup of cortado as I delved into my work, benefiting from an excellent remote work setting that struck the right balance—not overly noisy and generously outfitted with numerous outlets.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The location is ideal for those seeking a respite from Austin's bustling energy while staying within easy reach of the city. Particularly advantageous for dog owners, the hotel’s proximity to Zilker Park provides an excellent space for leisurely walks. Outdoor enthusiasts can further indulge in the Austin experience by renting an electric bike from the hotel or strolling over to The Loren at Lady Bird Lake to partake in water sports.
From the moment I entered The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, captivating art adorned every corner, creating an immersive artistic environment. The hotel thoughtfully included an art book in my room, which invited me to explore deeper insights into the hotel’s diverse creative collection.
The interior design of the hotel radiated elegance, with my suite incorporating natural and premium materials that perfectly encapsulated its upscale brand identity. The strategic use of tall floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views of downtown Austin. The commitment to aesthetic excellence extended to Nido and the cafe on the lobby level, where premium interior design took center stage.
Negatives
The only aspect that left me less than impressed was the dinner service at Nido. While the cuisine itself was both fresh and delightful, the standard of hospitality provided by the waitress didn't quite measure up to the exceptional service I encountered from the hotel staff. I'm optimistic that this might have been an isolated incident, but truthfully, the outstanding fries at Nido more than compensated for any shortcomings in the service.
It was fun to explore the diverse array of artistic expressions displayed throughout the hotel.
Summary
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake stands as a boutique hotel with an unwavering passion for art. Every corner unfolds a gallery-like experience, featuring diverse art mediums that infuse a unique charm into the entire space. The dedication to creativity extends to meticulously chosen premium furniture, instantly elevating the ambiance, whether you find yourself in the lobby or your room. Exploring the distinctly designed furniture and drawing inspiration from the various artworks scattered throughout the hotel proved to be a delightful experience. The hotel staff's hospitality matched the premium quality of the establishment, and the upgraded suite afforded me a remarkable view of downtown Austin. This unobstructed vista underscored the hotel's phenomenal location, nestled conveniently close to some of Austin's hottest attractions, including Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and the South Congress neighborhood. For those in search of a premium property in Austin that seamlessly blends luxury with creative inspirations, I wholeheartedly recommend a stay at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake.
