Frommer's Review
This hotel just might represent the future of green businesses. At present, it is but an island of ecological awareness in a sea of mainstream commercialism, as it is located in one of the satellite buildings of Highland Mall. This improbable location was the result of historical accident. The hotel was taken over in 1991 by the same people who are behind the Casa de Luz macrobiotic restaurant. They strive to do all that a truly green hotel can: use natural materials and cleaning products over synthetics and chemicals; save, and even generate, electricity; recycle materials; conserve water; grow organic foods; and act in a socially conscious manner.
For the guests, it means never running the risk of getting a room that reeks of chemicals. In fact, this is the ideal lodging for anyone with chemical sensitivities. It also means friendly service -- the hotel staff has bought into the green concept and even enjoy a profit-sharing arrangement; consequently, the staff retention rate is way above the industry norm. Staying here also means healthful food choices for breakfast (but not to the exclusion of regular fare); and if you decide to cook for yourself, you can make use of some of the organically grown vegetables, if available. All of these green activities are performed without fanfare, though the hotel quietly piles up awards for its ecoconsciousness. To the casual observer, the hotel looks like a standard three-story residential hotel. The rooms are oversize and come with complete kitchens. Sheets and towels are of natural materials. Paints are water-based. The furniture, though not of the latest style, is comfortable (pieces are refinished or reupholstered to avoid adding to the waste stream). Each room has a small separate outdoor area with chairs.
The location is central, just 2 miles north of the university campus. It's not noisy, and the hotel institutes quiet hours between 9pm and 9am. It gets a lot of repeat business from frequent visitors to Austin and is one of the best-kept secrets in Austin's lodging scene.
Facilities:
Outdoor pool; Jacuzzi; Wi-Fi in public areas; environmentally sound dry-cleaning; coin-op laundry
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
