Where to Stay in Austin, TX: Hotel Ella
Photos by Kelly Costello Photography (starting with the drinking buddy, the first few are mine)
I received a media discount in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
MinkPink Robe | Show me your Mumu Tank | Ruffle Shorts | Warby Parker Glasses | Lovers and Friends Romper (s/o similar here, here, here) | Seychelles Wedges (s/o, similar here, here, here) | Kendra Scott Sophee Earrings | Kendra Scott Elton Cuff | OPI Be there in a Prosecco Nail Polish | Stila Bellissima Stay All Day Lipstick | Drinking Buddies (Cowboy version!) | Flower Crown Veil and Painted Wine Glasses (email order via emmaleespann@gmail.com)
When my sister and I were researching where I wanted to stay for my bachelorette party, I had 2 things in mind...I wanted to stay somewhere location-ally smart, but somewhere cute. I love staying in places that appear more boutiquey, than streamline - especially ones that have a story. Hotel Ella fit that bill.
If I had to give an average, I'd say that Hotel Ella is located 10 minutes or less from everywhere we wanted to be. (Even from the UT campus, if you're looking to stay somewhere near the school). This was a huge selling point. Wearing heels and such, we didn't really want to walk places, but if we needed to, we could! I loved having that option.
I know they say not to judge a book by it's cover, but I definitely judged Hotel Ella from its looks and let me tell ya...it's as pretty on the inside as it is on the outside! (we didn't get a pick of the outside, because it was raining, but you can see it on their website!) One of the reasons I picked it, was because of the Grecian columns in the front. Nick is Greek, so my "theme" for the weekend, was "Lauren's Last Opa", so the look and the feel of the hotel, was perfection. The rooms are all just a tiny bit different from each other, whether it be a different color couch or different drawings and decor. The art of mix and matching has a fine line and Hotel Ella rocks it.
We stayed in suites that were on the pool level- you could literally walk out to the lounge area and take a dip, whenever you pleased! Also on that level, are Goodall's Kitchen and Ella's Parlor Bar, both which you have access to, via the pool.
Speaking of Goodall's...Hotel Ella is actually the historic Goodall Wooten House, one of Austin's original landmark estates. In 1878 Thomas Dudley Wooten (one of the founders of the University of Texas) bought the land that Hotel Ella sits on. Later on, 1900 to be exact, Wooten's son, Goodall, moved into the home on the land, with his new bride, Ella. It was Ella that helped mold the structure into what it is today. In 1910, the home underwent extensive renovations and was actually done by Neiman Marcus, making it the first Austin home, NM had ever worked on. They made it a Greek revival structure, hence the columns at the front of the hotel. The columns were actually carved by the same stone carver, as the Biltmore Mansion, one of the most renowned luxury homes in the U.S.
Hotel Ella is a mansion that can stand on its own though! It has 47 rooms, a cabana lined pool, a stair case with a patio overlooking the area, and a wrap-around veranda. The boutique hotel did undergo another renovation in 2013, but that's because it's been a lot over the years! From being student housing (um why couldn't I live in something like this in college?), a rehab center, and a different hotel, called "The Mansion at Judges Hill", I think Hotel Ella serves it best!
So, yeah it's pretty, has a nice story, and is at a good location, but why should you stay there? They always have fun offerings for guests. This summer they had a weekly yoga series. Even if you can't stay there, you can buy a day pass to the pool and it will be #worthit. They have Happy Hour M-F from 4pm-7pm, with specialty snacks to boot! This fall, they have a tailgate series, which features a yummy buffet on game days, that make me want to attend UT games (I meannnn my company does make their apparel;) ) Maybe you don't need to stay there, but you want to bask in its beauty? You can host corporate events, or even have your wedding there.
Hotel Ella is truly a Texas landmark. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat! They made my bachelorette weekend that much more special. To catch up on my other bachelorette party posts, read "bachelorette pool party" (featuring Hotel Ella's pool!) and "Bachelorette Party in Austin, TX" for a recap of my weekend!
Have you ever stayed at Hotel Ella? What's your favorite place to stay in Austin, TX?
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I received a media discount in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
