Hotel Ella

"Enjoy a modern poolside experience at this historic hotel, conveniently located adjacent to the University of Texas at Austin campus. Day passes are available Sundays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with free valet parking and poolside service from Goodall’s Kitchen or Parlor Bar.  Day pass $25 Book online" - Darcie Duttweiler

"Hotel Ella, a former dormitory and sorority house, combines convenience with intimate hospitality. The parlor bar and airy porch offer a charming atmosphere. Note that valet parking is required." - Grace Smith

"History runs deep at this boutique hotel, set in a refurbished manor house that dates back to 1900. The white Greek revival-style mansion has towering carved columns, a grand exterior staircase, and a wrap-around veranda—but inside, it's thoroughly modern, with contemporary artwork lining the walls, and furniture in a cool palette of grays and navys. The mini-bar selection is especially of-the-moment, drawing on the hotel's Austin locale for inspiration: in it, you'll find Deep Eddy Vodka, High Brew iced coffee cans, Republic of Texas tequila, and beers by Austin Beerworks. The Ella is quite close to the UT campus, but for anything else you'll need to rent a car or rely on ride shares." - Mandy Ellis, Allison Bagley

"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

"The vibe: Greek Revival getawayTop amenities: Private patio options, marble bathrooms, minibars stocked with local fare, room serviceLocation: DowntownBest for: A romantic stay refined by remarkable industry legends Hotel Ella is a place of beauty and transformation in the heart of downtown Austin. The historic Goodall Wooten House was originally built in 1898 for Dudley Wooten–one of the University of Texas founders. The remodeled mansion was named after Ella Wooten—an Austin culinary expert, art enthusiast, gardener, and philanthropist—who inherited the property with her husband Goodall, Dudley Wooten’s son. Touched by the hands of the stone carver who built the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, as well as Stanly Marcus of Neiman Marcus who redecorated the interior of the home, the Azalea garden–filled property has been expertly renovated and reimagined. Stay in one of the nine original mansion rooms, or in one of 38 rooms in the North Wing addition from the 1980s. Immerse in leisure and luxury as you admire the Texas Modernist works on the hotel walls, take in the lawn from the wrap-around veranda, and swim in the courtyard pool. Embody Ella Wooten’s style during your stay when you choose Ella’s Parlor Suite, which was once her dressing room." - Alexandra Toto