W Austin

"A luxury hotel in Austin that hosts glamorous events and dinners for celebrities during SXSW." - Courtney E. Smith

"This new speakeasy-style cocktail bar opened within the W Austin as part of the whole Block 21 revamp-redevelopment (see: its new hotel restaurant Serenade) in early November. The reservations-only bar serves fancy cocktails. It’s open from 6 p.m. to midnight daily." - Nadia Chaudhury

"The W Austin opened this new American-French-Texan brasserie on October 27, as part of the hotel’s massive renovations overseen by entertainment/media company Opry Entertainment Group. It’s also part of the company’s giant revamp of the 2nd Street district block dubbed Block 21. The ground-floor restaurant — which took over the previous Trace restaurant — focuses on New American food courtesy of chef de cuisine Johnny Ray Stinebaugh, who had previously worked at Austin places like Contigo Catering and Hotel Van Zandt restaurant Geraldine’s. This means dishes like duck confit and root vegetables, Texas Gulf blue crab Benedict with griddled corn cakes, and brisket monsieur. Drinks include cocktails like the spritzy Birds Nest with a shrub, alongside wine and beer. Its hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and then from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday." - Nadia Chaudhury

"Somewhere between a French brasserie and a very Texan restaurant, Serenade is a new all-day spot in the 2nd Street District. Expect to find dishes like blue crab benedict over griddled corn cakes and duck confit with Texas root vegetables. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

"The trendy, sleek Wet Deck at the downtown W Hotel definitely attracts a crowd during the summer. There are several swim pass options – non-hotel guests may access the pool Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a day pass, cabana, or veranda reservation. Bonus: Cabanas are also available on Saturdays. Veranda and cabana rentals include a food and beverage minimum of $250-400, depending on size. Live DJs play on Sundays as a part of the W’s Sun Chaser Social event. Day passes $35 Monday to Thursday, $45 Fridays and Sundays Book online" - Darcie Duttweiler