Pros

  • Beautiful historic mansion with lovely wraparound veranda and stylish, modern interiors
  • Residential area near the University of Texas, within walking distance of some attractions
  • Spacious, stylish rooms have large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and marble bathrooms
  • Lovely courtyard pool surrounded by loungers
  • Bistro serves American classics and offers outdoor seating; room service available
  • Elegant bar with weekday happy hours
  • Small fitness room open 24/7
  • Free coffee available in lobby
  • Free car service within a three-mile radius
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
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Cons

  • Fitness room is small and has just two cardio machines
  • No in-room tea/coffee facilities (but free coffee in the lobby)
  • Pool is small
  • Only valet parking available
  • No business center
  • Adjacent office buildings and busy road detract from the historic atmosphere
  • Rooms lack work desks
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Bottom Line

The four-pearl Hotel Ella is a charming boutique property set in a beautiful historic mansion near the University of Texas and within walking distance of several Austin attractions. Stylish modern interiors include a casual American bistro and an elegant bar, while a lovely courtyard area offers a small pool. Some of the features here are a bit disappointing, like the tiny fitness room that has just two machines and the lack of a business center, but the hotel does offer an array of freebies, including car service within a three-mile radius of the property. The 47 guest rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated, with modern comforts like large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, well-stocked minibars, and lovely marble bathrooms. The nearby AT&T Hotel & Conference Center has a larger pool and fitness center as well as more on-site dining options, but it's not as charming or stylish as Hotel Ella.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Ella

Scene

Upscale boutique hotel housed in beautiful historic mansion with stylish modern interiors

This upscale boutique hotel is set in the historic Goodall Wooten House, a Greek Revival-style mansion built circa 1900, complete with a wraparound veranda and grand two-story columns adorning its facade. It caters to Austin history aficionados or people visiting the University of Texas. After undergoing extensive renovations in 2013, it now offers beautiful modern spaces with plenty of style and historic touches. The chic, living room-style lobby is awash in gray neutrals that make for a stylish backdrop to the black-and-white portrait photos on the walls, handsome wooden floors, and pops of color like a dusky blue velour sofa. Delicate fresh flowers in vases here and there are a lovely, whimsical touch, while the vivid burgundy damask wallpaper adorning the space behind the front desk is a stylish and eye-catching element. 

The hotel's restaurant and bar adhere to the same chic contemporary style. An eclectic collection of Texas Modernist artwork adorns the white walls of the large, sunlit dining space, the gallery-style walls heralded over by a mounted deer head. Sleek wooden tables are flanked by graceful dark wood chairs, with tufted booth seating along one wall. The Parlor Bar has a more sophisticated nature, with a black-and-white marble bar and tables, tufted velour seating, and a fireplace.

Some rooms are housed in an annex building, which lacks the history of the main building. 

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Location

In the heart of Austin’s UT district, in a neighborhood popular with students

The hotel is located in a residential neighborhood to the southwest of the University of Texas campus. Even if you’re not a UT alumnus, the collegiate feel of the surroundings might transport you back to your college days. There are a number of houses in the neighborhood catering to students, as well as fast food restaurants and local businesses. Though best suited for travelers visiting the university, Downtown Austin is just a short drive or bus ride away, and some attractions are within walking distance, such as the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Texas Capitol.

  • 10-minute-walk to the Blanton Museum of Art
  • 10-minute walk to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
  • 18-minute walk to the Texas Capitol
  • Seven-minute drive to Frank Erwin Center
  • Seven-minute-drive to LBJ Presidential Library
  • Seven-minute drive to Mike A. Myers Stadium
  • 10-minute drive to Sixth Street Historic District
  • 10-minute drive to Austin Convention Center (20-minute walk)
  • 11-minute drive to Barton Springs Pool
  • 13-minute drive to Mount Bonnell
  • 20-minute drive to Austin Bergstrom International Airport
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Rooms

Spacious, contemporary rooms with stylish decor, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities

Rooms are fresh and contemporary, with elegant custom-designed furniture that includes large tufted headboards and sleek, handsome wooden nightstands. Though white walls make the spaces feel a bit spare, pops of color courtesy of blue velour armchairs or bright pink lamp shade bases add style and a dose of playfulness, plus there's eclectic artwork on some of the walls. These decorative elements come together to create a stylish and modern look. Suites add more space and seating areas, and they open onto a huge shared balcony.

Standard amenities include 47-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, electronic safes, well-stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but no tea- and coffee-making facilities -- though there is free coffee available in the lobby. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, all done up in stylish gray marble, and offer ample counter space, magnifying mirrors, fluffy robes, high-end toiletries, and walk-in showers. Bathrooms in suites are larger and some add separate tubs (others have shower/tub combos). 

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Features

Outdoor pool, stylish American bistro, tiny fitness room, and freebies like Wi-Fi and area car service

The hotel's small outdoor pool is situated in the courtyard and is surrounded by shaded loungers. This outdoor space also offers tables and chairs surrounded by greenery, and a comfy seating area with cushioned wicker couches. The on-site fitness room is small and equipped with just two cardio machines and free weights, but it's open 24/7. 

The on-site Goodall’s Kitchen is a casual bistro that offers classic American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus it offers alfresco dining on the hotel's veranda. Room service is available. The elegant Ella Parlor Bar serves handcrafted cocktails, beer, wine, and bar snacks, plus it offers a great weekday happy hour.

The hotel caters to business travelers with several meeting and event spaces, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the property, though there's no dedicated business center on-site. Other amenities include overnight shoeshines, valet laundry services, and free car service within a three-mile radius of the hotel. Only valet parking is available at this property.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel Ella

Scene

Upscale boutique hotel housed in beautiful historic mansion with stylish modern interiors

This upscale boutique hotel is set in the historic Goodall Wooten House, a Greek Revival-style mansion built circa 1900, complete with a wraparound veranda and grand two-story columns adorning its facade. It caters to Austin history aficionados or people visiting the University of Texas. After undergoing extensive renovations in 2013, it now offers beautiful modern spaces with plenty of style and historic touches. The chic, living room-style lobby is awash in gray neutrals that make for a stylish backdrop to the black-and-white portrait photos on the walls, handsome wooden floors, and pops of color like a dusky blue velour sofa. Delicate fresh flowers in vases here and there are a lovely, whimsical touch, while the vivid burgundy damask wallpaper adorning the space behind the front desk is a stylish and eye-catching element. 

The hotel's restaurant and bar adhere to the same chic contemporary style. An eclectic collection of Texas Modernist artwork adorns the white walls of the large, sunlit dining space, the gallery-style walls heralded over by a mounted deer head. Sleek wooden tables are flanked by graceful dark wood chairs, with tufted booth seating along one wall. The Parlor Bar has a more sophisticated nature, with a black-and-white marble bar and tables, tufted velour seating, and a fireplace.

Some rooms are housed in an annex building, which lacks the history of the main building. 

See More Scene

Location

In the heart of Austin’s UT district, in a neighborhood popular with students

The hotel is located in a residential neighborhood to the southwest of the University of Texas campus. Even if you’re not a UT alumnus, the collegiate feel of the surroundings might transport you back to your college days. There are a number of houses in the neighborhood catering to students, as well as fast food restaurants and local businesses. Though best suited for travelers visiting the university, Downtown Austin is just a short drive or bus ride away, and some attractions are within walking distance, such as the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Texas Capitol.

  • 10-minute-walk to the Blanton Museum of Art
  • 10-minute walk to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
  • 18-minute walk to the Texas Capitol
  • Seven-minute drive to Frank Erwin Center
  • Seven-minute-drive to LBJ Presidential Library
  • Seven-minute drive to Mike A. Myers Stadium
  • 10-minute drive to Sixth Street Historic District
  • 10-minute drive to Austin Convention Center (20-minute walk)
  • 11-minute drive to Barton Springs Pool
  • 13-minute drive to Mount Bonnell
  • 20-minute drive to Austin Bergstrom International Airport
See More Location

Rooms

Spacious, contemporary rooms with stylish decor, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities

Rooms are fresh and contemporary, with elegant custom-designed furniture that includes large tufted headboards and sleek, handsome wooden nightstands. Though white walls make the spaces feel a bit spare, pops of color courtesy of blue velour armchairs or bright pink lamp shade bases add style and a dose of playfulness, plus there's eclectic artwork on some of the walls. These decorative elements come together to create a stylish and modern look. Suites add more space and seating areas, and they open onto a huge shared balcony.

Standard amenities include 47-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, electronic safes, well-stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but no tea- and coffee-making facilities -- though there is free coffee available in the lobby. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, all done up in stylish gray marble, and offer ample counter space, magnifying mirrors, fluffy robes, high-end toiletries, and walk-in showers. Bathrooms in suites are larger and some add separate tubs (others have shower/tub combos). 

See More Rooms

Features

Outdoor pool, stylish American bistro, tiny fitness room, and freebies like Wi-Fi and area car service

The hotel's small outdoor pool is situated in the courtyard and is surrounded by shaded loungers. This outdoor space also offers tables and chairs surrounded by greenery, and a comfy seating area with cushioned wicker couches. The on-site fitness room is small and equipped with just two cardio machines and free weights, but it's open 24/7. 

The on-site Goodall’s Kitchen is a casual bistro that offers classic American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus it offers alfresco dining on the hotel's veranda. Room service is available. The elegant Ella Parlor Bar serves handcrafted cocktails, beer, wine, and bar snacks, plus it offers a great weekday happy hour.

The hotel caters to business travelers with several meeting and event spaces, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the property, though there's no dedicated business center on-site. Other amenities include overnight shoeshines, valet laundry services, and free car service within a three-mile radius of the hotel. Only valet parking is available at this property.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Gameroom / Arcade

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.