The Westin Austin at The Domain

This massive and modern Westin that opened in 2010 has a large inventory of meeting space that hosts many events and thus, business travelers. But, its location adjacent to The Domain’s upscale shops and restaurants also attracts a good deal of couples and friends enjoying weekend getaways and shopping excursions. The lobby’s dark and sophisticated decor is highlighted by lots of rich wood paneling, gold sofas, black tree-trunk tables, and two-story drapes in shimmering copper hues. Leather armchairs and ottomans are scattered about, with many of them in deep espresso shades. The black granite lobby bar with its wood ceiling enhances the dark ambiance, but it adds some pops of color from bright, multicolor tiles framing its base. This can be a busy place when large meetings occur, but the spacious lobby has so many comfortable nooks, it’s not difficult to find a quiet spot for work or conversation. 

The Westin is located in northwest Austin, adjacent to The Domain, a large, upscale retail and residential complex that has over 200 shops, 40 restaurants/bars, and a theater complex. Most of The Domain’s attractions are within walks of two-to-five minutes, including the full-service Spa Reveil. Downtown Austin and its many attractions are approximately 20 minutes away by car, including the Sixth Street Historic District, Austin Convention Center, Texas State Capitol, and the University of Texas at Austin. Lake Travis and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are about 30 minutes away by car.

Guest rooms are tastefully decorated with upscale details, but the style is rather simple and understated. Soft gold walls, white bedding, and light brown carpet give the rooms a warm and pleasant glow. Reddish-brown wood furniture includes desks and headboards with attached nightstands. Olive drapes and contemporary art add some color without departing too much from the soft earth-tones palette. Traditional (standard) and Deluxe Rooms encompass 270 to 370 square feet, so they offer ample room to stretch out. Both King and Double Queen rooms have armchairs, desk chairs, and small tables. Deluxe Suites (370 to 600 square feet) are corner rooms, with sleeper sofas and King beds. The rooms are clean and well maintained, and "Westin Heavenly Beds" earn high praise from past guests for their comfort. Bathrooms are equally spacious and pleasant, with clay-colored tiling and gray marble sinks atop simple wood vanities. Some rooms have shower/tub combos, but others have roomy walk-in showers with clear glass doors that make them feel more upscale. The showers have rainfall showerheads. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, robes, safes, coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee, room service, and 37-inch flat-screen TVs. Deluxe rooms also get free Wi-Fi and bottled water, as well as vouchers for free breakfast. Rooms are quiet, and some of them offer distant views of the Austin skyline. 

This Westin is a large, business-oriented hotel with 17,000 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate groups of up to 650 people. It has a dedicated, 24/7 business center that includes three PCs with internet access, free Wi-Fi, and printers/copiers. Wi-Fi also is free in the hotel’s public spaces, but not in Traditional (standard) Rooms. Self-parking is free, and valet parking is available for a daily fee. 

The Urban American Grill features classic American cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but breakfast isn’t included in standard room rates (Deluxe Rooms do include breakfast). Sunday brunch features live music, and alfresco dining is available at the lovely patio. The Urban Lounge in the lobby serves appetizers in the afternoon/evening and Starbucks coffee and pastries in the morning. The hotel’s convenience store also sells snacks, frozen treats, drinks, and sundries. It also has an ATM, and free fruit-infused ice water is available in the lobby. 

The fitness center is exceptionally large and well equipped, with a full range of cardio and weight-training machines as well as free weights. Guests that forget their gym clothes can rent loaner New Balance clothes for a small fee. The Westin also provides running maps as part of their RunWestin program. Those that prefer swimming and sunbathing can head to the hotel's heated outdoor pool. A whirlpool, loungers, covered tables, and a cluster of comfortable sofas give plenty of spots to relax in the Austin sunshine. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.