Hotel Ella
"What struck you on arrival?The Greek revival-style, historic white mansion has towering carved columns, a grand exterior staircase, and a wrap-around veranda. What’s the crowd like?Business travelers, wedding guests, parents of students at the nearby University of Texas. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.The Queen Deluxe is spacious enough for two guests; the best rooms open onto large columned balconies. Furniture is done in modern grays and navys and the Modernist art found throughout the hotel is carefully curated. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed was more or less the usual stuff. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?The mini bar selection is a taste of Austin: Deep Eddy Vodka, High Brew iced coffee cans, Republic of Texas tequila, beers by Austin Beerworks. Snacks are standard Oreos, gummy bears, nuts, and the like. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The large beveled mirror and soft gray Carrara marble tiles create a sophisticated aesthetic. But it's nearly impossible to balance necessities like a hairdryer on the edge of the pedestal sink. The bath products, a Texas Sweet Grass scent, come in slender, numbered bottles from the Vintage Round Top, a tiny boutique hotel in Round Top, Texas. Room service: Worth it?A tasty burger and fries costs 19 bucks. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?I didn't get names but the valet service is consistently fast. Anything stand out about other features?The art-filled parlor bar has modern brass-and-leather stools and charcoal wood paneling, but the best place for a cocktail is the veranda. Anything you'd change?It's a picturesque setting and close to campus, but not walkable to anything else. You'll need to rent a car or rely on ride shares." - Allison Bagley
