Introduction

The Thompson Austin stands as a testament to the city's evolving skyline and vibrant culture. As a relative newcomer to the scene, having opened its doors in 2022, this upscale and modern hotel has quickly become a go-to destination for both tourists and locals alike. Having just came from the Four Seasons Austin, this was a nice change up to classic luxury that Austin provides.

The Thompson Austin has an unbeatable location for those looking to indulge in the music and nightlife scene of Austin. It’s located at the intersection of 5th and San Jacinto. I’m not an expert on Austin, but I found this to be a pretty convenient, and it was easy to walk most places from here. Note that the hotel is near the area with many bars, so it can be loud and a bit wild here in the evenings.

From the moment you step into the lobby, the Thompson Austin envelops you in a unique atmosphere that seamlessly blends Texas hospitality with contemporary design. The interior decor pays homage to the Lone Star State's rich heritage, featuring warm leather accents, natural wood elements, and subtle nods to the region's cattle ranching history. Yet, it's all executed with a modern twist that feels fresh and exciting. In fact, it feels rich. All the materials feel expensive.

What’s interesting to note about this building - the Thompson Austin markets itself as a luxury boutique hotel, though it share the same building with another hotel (The Tommie and an apartment complex). While these hotels are marketed separately, they’re 100% the same hotel for all practical purposes. They share the same entrance, the same lobby, the same check-in counters, the same amenities, and rooms are on the same floors. When you get out of the elevator on each guest room floor, Thompson rooms are marked black (carpet, keys, etc) are to one side, while tommie rooms are marked red to the other side.

During the mornings, it was a great place to unwind before the check-out timeframe appeared. During check-in, it does get a bit busy, though the front desk staff was super friendly and affable.

Room | Room 1220

My stay in the 1 King City View room was fantastic, ergo a few minor issues. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views of Austin's ever-growing skyline, serving as a constant reminder of the city's dynamic energy. The room itself was a masterclass in understated luxury, with a color palette inspired by the Texas Hill Country – think warm earth tones and soft blues.

The room's design often reflects a modern interpretation of Texas style. Expect a sophisticated color palette with warm earth tones, accented by touches of leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The overall effect is one of understated luxury that feels both contemporary and invitingly Texan. The king-sized bed, adorned with crisp white linens, promised and delivered a restful night's sleep. A plush sofa provided the perfect spot for morning coffee while watching the city come to life below, both in the mornings and at night. Room views of course differ, but don’t get wrong - the views on all sides were great.

At the heart of the room is the king-sized bed, a haven of comfort featuring a premium mattress that strikes the perfect balance between softness and support. The bed is typically dressed in high-thread-count linens, plush pillows, and a cozy duvet, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many guests report waking up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

For business travelers or those needing to catch up on emails, the room usually includes a sleek work desk with conveniently placed power outlets and USB ports, though oddly enough the outlets were too far from the desk itself…this was the biggest flaw in my opinion. They could built the outlets closer to the desk even built into the table itself.

Bathroom | Room 1220

The bathroom continued the theme of understated luxury. Sleek marble surfaces and brushed brass fixtures created a spa-like atmosphere. The oversized walk-in shower was a particular highlight, featuring both a rainfall shower head (with some lavender branches!) and a handheld option. The hotel provides toiletries from D.S. & Durga, a high-end brand known for its unique scents – a thoughtful touch that elevated the entire experience. The fragrance definitely smells nice.

Amenities

The Thompson Austin's commitment to wellness is evident in its state-of-the-art fitness center. With top-of-the-line equipment and plenty of natural light, it makes keeping up with your workout routine a pleasure rather than a chore. In fact, this is probably one of the best and most expansive fitness center for a Hyatt hotel. You get a heavy bag, multiple stairmasters, multiple private rooms, a ton of weights, and some many advanced workout equipment.

If the gym isn’t your thing, the outdoor pool probably is then. This urban oasis offers a refreshing respite from the Texas heat. The outdoor pool, surrounded by private cabanas, feels like a hidden gem in the middle of the city. During my time though, it was packed to the max, given how hot it was during August.

As mentioned by many bloggers, the Thompson excels at food & beverage outlets, as there are four unique concepts. The Coffee Bar at tommie is located just off the lobby of the Thompson, and is open daily from 6AM until 7PM. It’s a great place to get a cup of coffee in the morning, or even a glass of wine in the evening — this isn’t your traditional coffee shop!

For breakfast, I had a quick bite at the Diner Barr. The Diner Bar is also located off the lobby, and is described as offering “Port City Southern food, while seizing additional inspiration from regional ingredients and local Texan flavors.” James Beard 2022 Outstanding Chef Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano are behind the concept. As far as the opening times go:

Breakfast is served here from 7AM until 11AM Monday through Friday; if your rate includes breakfast, you can have breakfast here or at The Grey Market
On weekends, brunch is served from 11AM until 2PM; if your rate includes breakfast, you can’t use that benefit here for brunch
Dinner and drinks are served here nightly from 4PM until 10PM

The restaurant has a couple of dozen tables, and also has a long bar, which is the focal point of the restaurant.

Conclusion

From the thoughtful design touches that pay tribute to Texas culture to the world-class amenities and dining options, the Thompson Austin offers a luxury experience that feels authentically Texan. Whether you're a visitor looking to explore the Live Music Capital of the World or a local seeking a stylish staycation, the Thompson Austin provides a perfect blend of comfort, style, and that famous Texas hospitality.

In a city known for its motto "Keep Austin Weird," the Thompson Austin has carved out its own niche – one that embraces the city's eclectic spirit while offering a refined and memorable hotel experience. It's not just a place to stay; it's a destination in itself, and one that I can't wait to return to on my next visit to the Texan capital.