Hyatt Regency Austin Review
After staying three nights of my workation at The Driskill, I moved to the Hyatt Regency Austin for my next three nights. I booked through a Privé agent and got a third night free promotion. The total was $360 + tax, and included breakfast and a $50 hotel credit.
Location
The Hyatt Regency Austin is located on the south bank of Texas’ Colorado River (known as Lady Bird Lake for the portion in Austin). It is just west of the Congress Bridge (also known as the Bat Bridge) and across the river from downtown. The South Congress district is about 1/2 mile farther south.
While there aren’t restaurants or shopping near the hotel, the Lady Bird Lake Trail runs directly in front of the hotel. There is a large park just west of the property. Downtown is just across the bridge.
Check In
I arrived at the property at 2:30 and checked in. I didn’t have a car, but there is a large parking garage connected to the hotel. I booked a standard room with a guaranteed upgrade to a King Corner room. I was upgraded even further to a King Riverview Deluxe Room.
The staff explained to me about how breakfast worked (during COVID) — food can be ordered on smartphones and then picked up at the front desk. While the employee didn’t know about a welcome amenity, later when I came by the front desk he had a half bottle of wine and $10 credit for me.
The building is an atrium style building in a triangle shape with rooms along the three outside walls.
Room
I was assigned Room 604 on the 6th floor (out of a total of 17 floors). The King Riverview Deluxe room has a small entry area just inside the door. Straight ahead is the large open room.
The bed is in one corner surrounded by a backlit wooden feature.
In front of the large window is a glass table with four chairs.
The bed faces a wall mounted TV and desk.
The view, even from the 6th floor, is fantastic.
Back towards the entry is a small bar with coffee maker and mini fridge. A divider separates the room from the entry and bathroom.
Just to the side of door is a small closet.
Just before the bathroom is a dresser.
Bathroom
A sliding door closes off the bathroom. The bathroom is quite small. A single vanity with large counter sits under a lit mirror. Opposite is the shower with sliding glass door.
The bath products are individual size bottles of the Hyatt Regency standard Pharmacopia brand.
Pool and Gym
The gym is located just off the lobby and has the standard equipment.
The pool is outside and has a nice view of the river. There is a small hot tub as well.
Restaurant
In addition to a Starbucks off the lobby, there is a bar/restaurant on the main floor and a second restaurant on the mezzanine. The Starbucks was open during my stay, but the other food options were closed. The only option was a limited menu of items that could be ordered and then picked up in the lobby.
There is a large patio outside that overlooks the river if you need a spot to eat your meal.
The food was good quality and reasonably priced, though I wasn’t blown away by it. It was definitely a step up or three from breakfast at a Hyatt House or Hyatt Place, but not gourmet.
Overall
The Hyatt Regency Austin is a large conference type, older property that has been well maintained and updated. There are recreation options within walking distance, but the heart of downtown requires a walk across the bridge. The Driskill has a lot more character, but the Hyatt Regency Austin is a comfortable property with great views.