Review: The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, Austin, Texas

Why book?

Access. This 108-room jewel box has, arguably, the best location in downtown Austin. It overlooks Lady Bird Lake and the city’s growing skyline; a hike and bike trail across the street connects guests to Austin’s top sights and famous quirks alike. The Loren’s intimate size, too, makes it feel like a welcoming club, one that’s grounded in excellent service and curated experiences. 

Set the scene

The Loren is housed in a new steel and glass building that shares real estate with luxury condos. Friendly valets meet guests – who, along with their rides, look hot off of the runway – and usher them into the hotel lobby through glass doors. The room is both open and intimate, its leafy living wall visually connecting with the live oaks and bald cypresses encircling the lake outside. After check-in, guests might take in city views from their balcony, recharge in the award-winning Milk + Honey Spa, take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool, or hit the first-floor cafe. 

The backstory

The Loren Hotel’s flagship property in Bermuda, which opened in 2018, was welcomed as a chic and contemporary alternative to more traditional resorts along the isle’s famed pink sands. And while some Loren fans may have raised an eyebrow when hearing that the brand’s first sister was opening in Austin, CEO and founder Stephen King zeroed in on the growing Texas city with a purpose. “We looked into a number of cities for the first US property,” he says. “We were drawn to this spot in Austin for its destination views, and were inspired by the city’s culture, art, music, food, and interesting people.” And the two properties do have similarities. Both Lorens have a relationship with the water, are deeply inspired by their locale, and – so far – attract a global and well-heeled clientele. 

The rooms

The Loren’s 108 rooms have an upscale urban vibe thanks to emerald tones and sleek mid-century furnishings, not to mention floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the lake and city skyline. Minibars are well stocked with local snacks and spirits – Garrison Brothers Bourbon, made close by in the Hill Country, is one favourite bottle – and bathrooms sport vertical tiles, double-head showers, and, in many cases, deep soaking tubs. While all rooms are spacious (the smallest starts at 427 feet), it’s worth upgrading to one of the 18 balcony rooms for the outdoor space and prime views of Austin’s pedestrian bridge.    

Food and drink

Nido Bar and Restaurant is one of the most elegant dining rooms in Austin. Designed in royal velvets, Italian furnishings, and artworks by Olafur Eliassen, the scene is a great excuse to upgrade from Austin’s casual dress code. The city skyline, rarely on display from this north-facing viewpoint, also takes centre stage. While the jewel-toned cocktail lounge turns out excellent drinks – “At Pink Beach” made with rumhaven and pineapple gives a nod to Loren’s Atlantic sister – the kitchen is still hitting its stride. Standout dishes include the tuna crudo, topped with crunchy pistachios and black currants, as well as the pillowy pavlova filled with tropical fruits like mango and kiwi. A street-front coffee shop is also in the works. 

 The spa

The Loren partnered with Milk + Honey, an award-winning spa that got its start in Austin and now has locations across the country. Guests settle in a glassed-in relaxation room awash in soothing creams before treatments such as anti-ageing facials and Reiki massage. While the spa isn’t considered in-house, it’s located across a breezeway and guest services are happy to make appointments on your behalf. 

The neighbourhood/area

Situated on the south bank of Lady Bird Lake – known as Town Lake among locals – the Loren has one of the best locations in Austin. Guests can walk or e-bike (the resort has six on hand for guests’ use) to top travel draws such as the award-winning city library, flagship Whole Foods, and Zilker Park. We also love this part of town for its well-preserved quirks. The 1950 Butler Pitch n’ Putt, a beloved short-game course where you’re more likely to see people pulling beer coolers than Titleist golf bags, is right next door; Waterloo Records and several hole-in-the-wall bars are also blocks away. 

The service

From the moment the pair of valets open the lobby’s double glass doors in tandem, it’s clear that good service is going to be a big focus here. Staff members are eager to help book experiences ranging from kayaking trips to Hill Country Wine tours, and little moments – efficient tours of guest rooms and an evening turn-down service – elevate the overall stay. 
 
Eco effort

Along with goals to offset its carbon emissions, the Loren worked with the University of Texas and Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center to create the Loren Roots Initiative, a non-profit arm that aims to acquire and regenerate over 50,000 acres of land and plant 10 million hardwood trees in an effort to fight climate change. 

Accessibility

The hotel meets ADA standards.

Anything left to mention?

The Loren has a beautiful rooftop pool, surrounded by lounges and native plants, on its 7th floor. The property’s gym is outfitted with Peloton equipment.