Mansion at Judges' Hill Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Central Austin, Austin, Texas

The Mansion at Judges’ Hill caters to Austin history aficionados or people visiting the University of Texas. Housed in the Goodall Wooten House -- dating to 1900 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places -- the hotel combines old-fashioned charm with modern comforts.

The mansion -- with its columned facade and wide veranda -- looks like it should belong on a plantation rather than a residential street southwest of the University of Texas. The common areas deliver on the elegance suggested by the exterior; wood floors, coffered ceilings, white wainscoting rich rugs, and original artwork create a classy but homey atmosphere. The library, a small room off the bar, is cozy, and the dining room is elegant, with crystal chandeliers. The rooms are perhaps a bit less impressive than the public spaces; they're quaint, but not quite luxurious, and some may feel the decor looks old, rather than charmingly old-fashioned.

A second building called the North Wing also houses rooms; the decor is the same, but they lack the history of the rooms in the mansion. A third building houses the parking garage and event center, and together the three enclose a quiet, central courtyard.

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The hotel is located in a shady 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. With that in mind, don’t expect to find old homes as well-restored as the mansion housing the hotel.

Downtown Austin is a short drive or bus ride away, and several of the UT attractions are within 20 minutes’ walking distance.

• 25-minute-drive to Austin Bergstrom International Airport
• 10-minute-walk to the Blanton Museum of Art
• 10-minute walk to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
• 5-minute-drive to Frank Erwin Center
• 5-minute-drive to Texas State Capitol
• 5-minute-drive to LBJ Presidential Library
• 6-minute-drive to Mike A. Myers Stadium
• 7-minute-drive to Austin City Limits at The Moody Theater
• 10-minute drive to Austin Convention Center (20-minute walk)

Many would describe the room decor as quaint or charming; others might describe it as dowdy and dated. It's somewhat a matter of taste, but the beds and robes are comfortable, and TVs come with HBO.

Rooms are split between the newer North Wing or the original Goodall Wooten House. Though the decor is mostly the same -- dark wood furniture and diamond leaf pattern or paisley bedspreads -- the Signature Rooms in the original house have French doors opening onto the second-floor veranda.

• Most rooms start at 250 square feet (with the exception of the pocket-sized Queen Petite Rooms, which are an itsy bitsy 150 square feet).
• North Wing bathrooms have walk-in showers; bathrooms in original mansion have tub and/or walk-in shower. All come with Pharmacopia bath products.
• TVs with cable channels (including HBO)
• 310-thread-count sheets and comfortable robes
• Coffeemakers with free coffee and tea
• Well-stocked minibar with beverages and salty snacks for purchase
• Large closets with iron, ironing board and hangers; the Signature Rooms have antique armoires

• Veranda with wrought iron tables and chairs
• Cozy library area off of the bar
• Free day passes to Castle Hill Fitness, a 4-minute drive away
• Front desk staff can help with copying, faxing, and printing for up to five pages (fees apply after that), and loaner laptop available
• Ballrooms and outdoor courtyard available for events
• Free and abundant guest parking
• Free airport shuttle
• In-room spa treatments available
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Easily one of Austin’s most romantic restaurants, the Judges’ Hill Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast and dinner in an elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere.

• Dining room and lounge areas in original mansion are graced by chandeliers and original artwork.
• Outdoor seating available on the mansion’s veranda overlooking the house’s front yard
• Weekday happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Room service available