Hotel Ella

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. 

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

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). 

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.