With the homogenization of boutique hotels and the often-debated definition of what a lifestyle hotel should be, it’s refreshing to find entrepreneurs who are committed to creating unique lodging in this crowded world of boutique blandness.
“It’s not the room, it’s the experience,” is the vision of Austin-based Bunkhouse Management. This unconventional organization operates the spectacular Hotel San Jose in Austin, which I’ve visited many times. The San Jose is located in the heart of gentrified South Congress Avenue and is a fabulous place to take a mini-vacation. After grabbing a coffee at Jo’s, also operated by Bunkhouse, stroll down South Congress Avenue and make frequent stops but be sure to include time for snacks at Big Top Candy Shop. Then head over for chill-time at Zilker Park and the Barton Springs Pool. This natural spring stays a refreshing 68 degrees (f) year-round and draws people from all walks of life. Directly across the street from the San Jose is the Continental Club, Austin’s premier venue for live music since 1957… don’t miss Li’l Cap’n Travis if they’re around. The next morning be sure to dine on migas con hongos at the adjacent El Sol y La Luna.
The latest lodging concept of Bunkhouse is El Cosmico, located an eight-hour drive and worlds apart from Austin in Marfa, Texas, population 2,100. El Cosmico is currently under construction on fifteen acres of land and is becoming “part yurt and hammock hotel, part residential living, part art-house, greenhouse and amphitheatre – a community space that fosters and agitates artistic and intellectual exchange.” It will also include restored trailers for overnight stays.
Since 1979 Marfa has been home to The Chinati Foundation/La Fundación Chinati, founded with the specific intention of preserving and presenting to the public permanent large-scale installations by a limited number of artists. Also in Marfa is the Judd Foundation, which maintains and preserves Donald Judd’s living and working spaces. Judd is best known for revolutionizing the practices and attitudes surrounding art making and exhibiting.
Visit the Interesting Places page here on the Hotel Source, Inc. website to discover more places worth knowing about.