Archer Hotel Austin
Hotel · North Burnet ·
Stylish boutique lodging with chic restaurant, bar & plunge pool
Stylish boutique lodging with chic restaurant, bar & plunge pool
"The Domain hotel’s lobby restaurant AKB is adding Easter specials to its regular brunch service, which includes a carving station with two options: espresso-crusted prime rib and herb-honey-glazed ham; sides like potato au gratin and grilled asparagus; as well as dishes like the smoked salmon eggs Benedict and the pan-seared salmon. Brunch hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; book reservations online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury
"How did it strike you on arrival?The hotel is an anchor of Domain Northside, the newest section of Austin's high-end, mixed-use development, The Domain (home to Sprinkles cupcakes, an Apple store, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus). The two-story limestone lobby is decorated with a dramatic, multi-tiered chandelier, metal end tables that mimic driftwood, and oversized black-and-white photography of galloping horses. Behind the individual check-in desks, decorative panels are fashioned from Western-style leather belts; but the infusion of Texas elements feels more modern than kitschy. What’s the crowd like?The Domain is located in a residential north Austin neighborhood, about 20 minutes from downtown (without traffic). Though it's bustling with high-end shops and restaurants, the quiet area offers a reprieve from the crush of downtown, hipster-fied Austin. And the guests know that: It draws young couples who want a boutique hotel experience, away from the crowds and nightly live music. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.I stayed in a Classic King, which is spacious and filled with understated furnishings. The accent wall above the bed leaves an impression, as do the playful photography of scattered, colorful cowboy boots. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed is extremely plush and comfortable. The blackout curtains guarantee a deep, relaxing sleep. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?The mini bar is a delight. Sugarfina Champagne gummy bears are available for $9. "The Little Prince" children's book, with an Archer bookmark inside naming it a hotel pick is a touch of whimsy for $12. In case of rain there's a MoMA umbrella for use (and purchase). The Nespresso machine is not mini-sized like the kind often found in hotels; tea is also available and it's local (Zhi). Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The his-and-hers slippers are clever: His are embroidered with a mustache, hers with puckered lips. (They are complimentary to take home.) The robes are Frette. The oversized shower has a rainshower head and Malin + Goetz products. Facial wipes are a useful touch for women who need to remove their makeup at the end of the day. Room service: Worth it?The breakfast is fantastic—especially the decadent plate of banana bread pudding French Toast. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Turndown service features a different local snack every night: Fat Belly pretzels, Crave Artisan Chocolate, mini brownies, a pair of pastries, and white chocolate popcorn are just a few of the goodies that have been dispensed. Anything else to keep in mind?Valet is available for a charge, but free parking is located in the adjacent lot. The upper-level pool (with a giant Lone Star design) is on the smaller side, but the massive TV nearby plays college football and the fireplace is lit all day. What was most memorable about your stay?The service is impeccable. Bottom line: Why are we staying here?If you want to take advantage of The Domain, this is the place to stay." - Allison Bagley
"The vibe: Lone Star LuxuryTop amenities: AKB bar and restaurant, spa service menu, large fitness studio, business centerLocation: The DomainBest for: Business and pleasure Sunset light beams through two proud Texas stars on the glass windowed ceiling of AKB, the inventive bar, restaurant, and gathering place that immediately welcomes guests upon entry to the lobby. Check in and start your night here with dinner and a sunset view. Must tries: the Violet Sky butterfly blue gin cocktail that matches the warm, purple and pink post-golden hour glow, melt-in-your mouth wonton-shelled ahi taquitos, “street corn” made with four textures of corn, and the brick oven wild mushroom pizza. The 171-room, new-build hotel features a grand staircase flanked by a 30-foot Kimerlee Curyl wild mustang mural in the lobby. Just up the stairs and out onto the patio, guests will find the splash pool studded with stars and backdropped by the Texas-sized local limestone fireplace and large TV. Many room types are available including classic upscale rooms and curated spacious suites, but the king rooms are notable for their floor-to-ceiling photo murals and platform beds." - Alexandra Toto
"I learned that the Archer will expand its hotel bar mini-chain AKB into Austin starting on Wednesday, January 25. The New American food menu includes glazed pork ribs with a pickled cherry hoisin glaze; a NOLA barbecue shrimp dish; ahi tuna taquitos; thin-crust pizza pies; branzino with potatoes and mushrooms; and steaks. Drinks include cocktails such as the Citrine Sands, a chile-tequila drink with a mango-tamarind puree; an Old Fashioned made with a brown butter–infused rye whiskey; and the Violet Sky made with a butterfly blue–infused gin. The walls will include a new mural created by Show Goat Mural Works, depicting the city’s purple sunset. Overseeing the bar/restaurant will be executive chef Kendal Duque (formerly the executive chef of the South Congress Hotel and with experience at Chicago restaurants including Sepia, Everest, City Tavern, and American Junkie) and chef de cuisine Mario Medina (formerly executive chef of the Domain restaurant Mia Italian Tapas & Bar, of closed Austin restaurant Malaga, and chef de cuisine of the closed hotel restaurant Dine, among other Austin positions). AKB’s Austin hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, and there are AKBs within almost every Archer Hotel in the country (including New York, Virginia, and Washington state, but not Napa)." - Nadia Chaudhury
"A separate outpost of the restaurant concept located within the Archer Hotel at the Domain that stayed open while the original downtown location closed in 2020." - Nadia Chaudhury