"Why book: Mammoth modern, clean-lined suites (up to about 1,300 square feet and three bedrooms) and a can't-miss rooftop terrace with the altitude for picturesque visions of Austin's skyline.Set the scene A quick 15-minute walk from whirring South Congress, Colton House is a silent reprieve among almost two acres shaded with oak trees closing in on 100 years old. Firefly glows from dozens of warm Edison bulbs in a reflective awning pull you into the long rectangular warm wood and just-dried white paint hotel that’s mid-century meets Victorian with newfangled Texas twang. Check for the old time-y, saloon-inspired fringe that furnishes each nook and nodule. On your way in, you might bump into an almost-hipster 20-something walking their dog (the hotel’s pet friendly), a giggling girls trip party, or a mostly put-together family. Textures in blues and reds in vintage-edged rugs standout among velvety curved cardinal armchairs and local Texan artwork; some spaces are bright with paneled windows while others are deep, angsty, and moody. Mixtures of compositions, from bubble-textured lights to polished concrete floors to leather trunk luggage, keep your eye moving as you head to the patio off Simona’s for a breezy sun soak in black-and-white chevron chairs under thick-trunked oaks. The backstory Colton House is husband-and-wife team, Inherit Group’s, second property, after The Guesthouse Hotel in Chicago. LEVY Architects and interior designer Patrice Rios sharpened the focus of this uncommon suite-based stay in an intriguing, mostly residential neighborhood where “guests can wander home.” Reinventing the essence of an Airbnb property with contemporary amenities, this property feels comfy and private (with a local-hangout edge) after a long day of meetings or family excursions. Functional yet sumptuous, Inherit’s hotels pull from local neighborhood influences as well as curated city touches, like local makers, to create a keen attention to detail. The rooms The 80 textural, new play on retro-meets-city suites in rich reds, chocolatey browns, and dusty grays are some of the largest in Austin starting at the Studio’s 425 square feet and reaching up to about 1,300 for the three-bedroom (a family favorite). Contemporary kitchenettes connect to grown-up but lounge-able living areas where sinking into tufted supple brown leather couches is easy. King-size beds give way to long-term-stay coziness while sleek-lined polished concrete floors adorned with red patterned rugs offset zig-zagging patterns of dark wood headboards. Crisp white subway tile bathrooms (some with generous soaking tubs) spill filtered water from rain showers and offer roomy double vanities; vegan toiletries are available, too. Step up to a room with a balcony and lush city views, or in-room washer and dryer if you’re bringing kids or pets, to feel a big bonus during a longer-term stay. Food and drink Coffee and craft cocktails hang out in the 20s-style Simona’s with gold accented tables and touches of shrubs against a gleaming black penny tile bar with sparkling rows of liquor bottles. Walk upstairs to the parlor for the best seats to snag gorgeous sunsets or upbeat live music. From the mid-tone wood overhang bar, smiley friend groups chat over seasonal cocktails like Betty Davis Eyes (Waterloo antique gin, apple cider, and cassis) while suits sink deep into balloon chairs after long days with their Last Dance with Mary Jane drinks infused with Earlybird CBD. Tasty on-site taco truck, Taquicardia, gathers orders of Blue Migas tacos with housemade blue corn tortillas for breakfast, and at dinner, the Cochinita Pibil Plate with deeply marinated pork plus sweet plantains and creamy refried black beans is a must dig in. The neighborhood/area As Colton House is a 15-minute jaunt from mainstay South Congress, the surrounding homes and small businesses are mostly quiet (save some traffic noises at times). It’s the place to drop back into after busy days or if you want to be just close enough to reach a bustling area without actually being surrounded by activity 24/7. Guests can easily walk down to all the lively happenings of South Congress or South First, or hit up Summer Moon or Cosmic for coffee, beer, and good vibes. The service Since it’s possible to stay at Colton House for quite a while, the warm “Texas proud” welcomes are beloved, and it’s clear the staff not only enjoys on-site celebrations and events, but cares deeply to quickly resolve any issues or offer recommendations on local must-dos. For families With a special occasion focus, and those events bring families, Colton invites kids in with board games, croquet, and bowling in a family-friendly play space plus the 5,000 square feet of outdoor grounds and patio. They might also be diving down into the small-but-gets-the-job-done pool. But the major plus are the kitchenettes and washers/dryers in maximalist suites with multiple bedrooms sized for all types of families. Eco effort Preservation of the almost 100-year-old oak trees that consistently provide much-welcomed shade to outdoor spaces. Accessibility ADA compliant. Anything left to mention? Colton House’s showpiece is their 1,200-square-foot rooftop terrace and event space with sweeping city skyline sights that hosts everything from corporate shindigs at The Library’s black walnut conference table to intimate weddings with live entertainment. Don’t forget to search out the bookcase with a surprising secret room either. In-room spa services are bookable, and guests can stretch in the yoga studio with Halfmoon gear, or sweat it up in the fitness center with Peloton bikes. Garage parking is $30 per night." - Mandy Ellis
