If you’re a fan of Kimpton hotels, known for highlighting the distinctive character of their host cities, you won’t be disappointed in this locally owned link, which pays tribute to Austin’s live music scene. It’s named for late singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt, who lived in Austin (mostly; the Van Zandt family is generally influential in Texas). Artwork in the lobby includes a chandelier made from trombones and a collage of birds fashioned from vinyl 45s. There’s even a director of music, who curates playlists for each public space (there’s an underwater one for the rooftop pool), and books the live bands featured daily at Geraldine’s, home to “elevated Austin grub.” The 16-story hotel stands a stone’s throw from the Rainey Street music district (for better and worse—ask for a room on the highest floor farthest from Rainey Street, or you may be kept up on Fri–Sat nights). Spacious modern guest rooms feature plush bedding, soft carpeting, and draperies tangled up in blue. Some suites offer deep oversize bathtubs with big-window views of nearby Lady Bird Lake.