- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Four Seasons Hotel
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Downtown
98 San Jacinto Blvd Ste 1
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-4500
98 San Jacinto Blvd Ste 1
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-4500
- Price Range:
-
$$$
29 reviews for Four Seasons Hotel
We didn't stay a the rooms here, but we've been at many functions onsite and offsite with the chef from the Four Seasons. The food is delicious and, it seems, the chef can accommodate many special dietary request.
The bar on the entry level always delivers -- drinks & service. The outside dining on the lower level is in a nice setting. If you hike out into the garden area, you can get a view of the bats coming out from under the bridge at sunset.
A week or so ago we were in the ballroom for a wedding. The staff, decor, and food were amazing. I heard a few people griping about one of the bartenders refusing to serve drinks to some people, but aside from her, the staff was absolutely phenomenal. No request, small or large, is left unfulfilled.
I hate to write a poor review for a Four Seasons Hotel. I didn't even know it was possible--until I stayed four nights at the Austin Four Seasons. Even with the "stay three nights, get one free," we paid waaay too much for what we got. This property is tired and dated. The entire floor had some funky acrid smell. Our cramped room was damp and had a cottage cheese ceiling. What???
Our room did have a nice view of Lady Bird Lake (which looks an awful lot like a river to me, but it's still nice). We were treated to a great view of the nightly foraging migration of the 1.2 million bats from the Congress Avenue bridge.
The service was very good (except for the grumpy IT guy).
Overall, a big disappointment., which is too bad, because I love Austin. I just need to find the right hotel, and believe me, this one isn't it.
Okay 5 stars for the bartender that made the white chocolate martini with the white chocolate swizzle stick. You are amazing!
Had a massage here in October '09. It was awful. I felt like telling her, "why bother?" I even let her know that I am also a massage therapist (I was in town for a conference). The strokes were sloppy and half heartedly done. I realize it was later in the evening and she probably didn't feel like staying to perform my treatment. I couldn't last any longer than an hour on the table so I told her I felt sick and called off the massage at that point. When I reached the front desk to pay, I told them the truth. This massage therapist had a heads up before we began the treatment that I was also in the business. The treatment was given at a discounted rate because I was a conference attendee. I think that's another reason she gave such a disconnected treatment that lacked fluidity in the strokes and the initiative to work out the knots. Never going back. Ever.
Heavenly. That's the only thing I can say about this hotel. The location is perfect and the views are breathtaking. Every time I have the pleasure of staying at this hotel it brings a beaming smile to my face. Service is excellent, the rooms are well appointed, the staff is very friendly. The view of the meadows and river cannot be substituted. By far my favorite hotel in Austin and probably one of my favorite hotels in the US.
How to hack the Four Seasons
http://100-interviews....
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
10/28/2008
The best deal there is for Saturday am brunch. It is UNDER $20.
There is no better way to… Read more »
On a recent beautiful Sunday afternoon (temps in the low 60s), I had brunch at the 4 Seasons. It is served downstairs in the Trio Restaurant and is served from 11-2. I arrived without a reservation & the place was packed so the maitre d'hotel suggested that I might want a mamosa or cup of coffee while I waited. Since I'm a lush I opted for the mamosa. I ended up dining inside but they also have a number of tables out on the shores of Lake Austin.
In any event, they really have a nice brunch with an amazing variety of different things that you can eat. They had a long buffet that has blintzes, a carving station, eggs benedict, omelettes, dumplings, and lots of other delicious looking food.
I had a made-to-order omelette, a couple bagels & lox, a plate of fresh fruit, and an enormous strawberry that I personally dipped in chocolate; I definitely had my fill. I don't even particularly like chocolate but they had this cool looking fountain that had flowing melted chocolate that you can dip marshmellows and strawberries in.
As I was contently waiting for my bill, I was thinking that it was unbelievable that one could eat such a wonderful meal for less than 20 bucks (a couple of yelp reviews mentioned that the Saturday brunch only costs $20) so I was slightly suprised to see that my bill came to $51. Apparently the Sunday brunch is more upscale with four times the selection than the Saturday buffet. Now that you value conscious yelpers aka cheapskates know that the Sunday brunch is pricey, I'd also like to give you some tips on how to get your money's worth.
1.Keep drinking the mamosas. These aren't self serve but the waiter will bring you as many as you want.
2.Don't waste valuable stomach space on those omelettes. Chow down on the sashimi instead. There was a run on it after I finished my omelette so they ran out so I'd advise heading directly for the sashimi after they pour your first mamosa.
3.Load up your plate with the salmon that the restaurant puts out for the lox & bagels. There was a Japanese guy that obviously has a fine eye for salmon skip the bagels but he put about a pound of salmon on his plate.
In summary, I'd highly recommend the Sunday brunch. Both the food and service are excellent. It is kinda expensive though so I probably won't be going back.
ps. I've uploaded a couple of those low quality photos that the iphone is so good at making.
I LOVE the state of Texas! I love the warm and friendly people, the fabulous food - can you say Tex-Mex *and* BBQ??? I love cowboys, horses, bluebonnets, the Longhorns football team, drinking Shiner Bock and tequila, the hot n' humid temps! I get a kick out of the signs outside the nicest restaurants and stores that tell you guns aren't allowed - but I'm not real crazy about their views on capital punishment.
Anyhow, when I heard I had to go to Austin for several days this month for a conference, I was PSYCHED! Back in the http://dot.com days, I worked for a company that had it's R&D facilities in Austin, and I must've come to Austin at least 15-20 times, including spending an entire summer there. Talk about HOT HOT HOT.
OK, back to the Austin visit. Not only was I coming to Austin, but I was staying at the Four Seasons - how fab is that? Pretty fab, especially since I was coordinating our participation and booked myself a sweet room with balcony and a lake view (Lady Bird Lake, that is). So we get to Austin, and from the outside the FS looks exactly like the Sheraton Four Points in Emeryville. WTF? OK, we pull up anD an army of valets swarm, taking our bags and handing us cold bottled waters. Nice touch. The lobby was pretty, with lots of Texas granite and a view of the afore-mentioned Lady Bird Lake (which is actually part of Lake Travis).
The next WTF came when I got to my room, which was TINY! For $500 in Austin, I expect something a lot bigger - and a lot nicer. The furniture was generic and kind of tired - lots of big heavy wood, but I did dig the leather head board on the bed - very cool. The linens were super nice as were the toiletries, but the towels were kinda thin, and I really didn't like discovering some left over swizzle sticks and crumpled napkins in the credenza. Icky.
I explored most of the hotel over the next few days - the bar, TRIO restaurant, the spa, the pool and some of the public rooms. All were nice, but nothing special, certainly not like the Four Seasons I've stayed at in other cities. The location is very convenient for those doing business downtown and those needing to go to the Convention Center - it's just around the corner from the center. If you've got a room in the back, you're in luck since the view is pretty nice, and it's peaceful to gaze at the trees and water, not to mention the nightly spectacle of the bats flying out from under the Congress Street Bridge - very cool.
The service was very very good, which is why this review has three stars. Any call was answered graciously and promptly, and requests were service were handled very quickly. When you're a demanding person like I am, busy wrangling several simultaneous meetings and several demanding executives, you need good service - and the FS delivered in spades.
The spa was very small and only featured a eucalyptus steam room (the scent of cualyputus was so strong my nostrils felt burnt) and several treatment rooms. I had a great massage from an unfriendly girl named Heather.
The food was nothing special - typical hotel food. Again, you expect something a bit better from a Four Seasons.
All in all, I would rate this Four Seasons as a Two Seasons. For $500 you can find something much nicer in Austin.
I go to Austin a lot to check on the rental houses my family owns in North part of Austin.
I hang at the lounge here a lot when I am staying in the Hotel...
I love the Sunday Brunch, so yummy!
Great Service like all Four Seasons...
Great Location!
I'm a luxury travel veteran (too much corporate travel in my past!) and I found this absolutely amazing--I loved this place. The location is excellent, right on Lady Bird Lake--perfect for the early morning jog on the lake. There are hammocks on the lawn overlooking the lake, and comfy chair/couches outside for enjoying a late afternoon glass of wine. And there's complimentary Gatorade in the fitness center--such a great detail and a wonderful treat when coming back from a long run all dehydrated. Beds are extremely comfortable and the linens were wonderful. L'Occitane bath products neatly lined up in the bathroom.
When I checked in, I asked the woman working at the front desk where I could go nearby to purchase some running socks I'd forgotten. Within 5 minutes, clean socks were delivered to my room to use during my stay--of course, compliments of the hotel.
The second night of my stay, I was full from dinner at Salt Lick, but had heard from a friend earlier in the day that the popovers served with dinner at Trio were amazing, and that I should be sure to have one. I stopped at the front desk and asked if popovers were served at breakfast. She said that unfortunately they weren't, but she would see what she could do.
The next morning, just before I checked out, two freshly baked popovers AND a bag of chocolate-dipped caramel corn were delivered to my room compliments of the pastry chef.
Seriously--this place blew me away. I'll never stay anywhere else in Austin.
Great: The pool/view from the back of the hotel is unrivaled in the downtown/town lake area. On a nice day, this could be one of the best places to relax and sip on a drink. Both restaurants at the hotel are great. **A must try are the sliders in the hotel-bar or room service if you're getting back late**
Good: The actual hotel/spa. This, along with the Driskill, are probably the 2 nicest hotels in Austin. However, if you are accustomed to the Four Seasons hotels in LA, NYC, London, you may be a bit underwhelmed. The spa is first rate, but pricey. For a good alternative, try Milk and Honey a couple of blocks away.
Not so Good: It is nearly impossible to get a room here during UT football weekends and if you do, the rate is easily double that of the Hilton.
Bottom Line: Great if you're going to spend time in/around the hotel/spa/restaurants. If you're just coming to Austin to get out and about, the Hilton on 4th may be a better bang for your buck.
Went to a great Holiday party at the Four Seasons Hotel. The hotel interior was immaculate and staff is just perfect.
Our party had full meal and hors devors that was presented well but tasted very ordinary. I have had some fantastic meals at their restaurant Trio and maybe just expected to much.
The bottom-line is that we all had a great time!
Fabulous.
The service was incredlble. Everything was immaculately clean and top quality. Excellent outdoor spaces including the pool. Right next to a hiking / biking path along the river. Every afternoon the staff put out lemonade for guests.
The are so attentive to detail that any dollars they gave us were new and crispy. So they must be going to a bank to get fresh bills. Incredible.
Definitely what you'd expect from Four Seasons, i've stayed in few of these over the last several years and this one definitely upholds the Four Seasons tradition.
Although there is construction going on right next door, service is still exceptional and this place is in great location.
I didn't spend enough time in my room to really care about the cranes and there wasn't that much noise.
So, I don't really know why there are no benches along the path by the river. While looking for a place to chill out in the sun, I inadvertently trespassed onto the well-manicured back lawn of the Four Seasons. I decided to kick it on the wooden lounge chairs for a while and promptly dozed off. They also have two huge hammocks which were occupied at the time, but the lounger felt pretty comfy and it was nice to spend a little time quietly.
The grounds are well-maintained, which means you might have to share the space with the dudes who do the maintainance, which means you will be dozing off to the sounds of lawn mowers and edgers. It was ok with me because I was exhausted and full of Mexican food, and also because I like Throbbing Gristle.
Service here outshines anything else in Austin, as does the price.
Rooms aren't nearly as luxurious as other Four Seasons, way outdone by Chicago and LA, but the attention to making sure you don't need a thing is consistent and outstanding with the chain.
Room service is incredible, and staying with some cushioned Californians, when they said "This is the Four Seasons, you can get what ever you want here," they put the service challenge to the test.
Area food delivered to the hotel, check, cigarettes not carried by the giftshop, check, guest list to two different openings, check. Things I shall not mention, check.
I was embarassed by my company, but wooed by the many talents of the concierge and staff.
Wow. You get what you pay for.
I've stayed at the Four Seasons once in Austin. The service is spactacular, second to none. I've stayed in a few higher-end hotels in my time and the service at the Four Seasons is stellar. The amenities of the hotel are wonderful as well. My friend and I took a walk on Town Lake as well as a brief workout in the gym. The equipment was well-kept and the warm towels were wonderful as well.
Brunch on Sunday morning was a treat. Everything I could imagine on a brunch buffet was there. It was the only meal I ate that day.
The only thing keeping me from giving this hotel 5 stars was the room. We had a standard double room (two queens) and found that the room itself wasn't anything spectacular. Yes, the beds and linens were wonderful, but overall, nothing more exceptional than the new beds and linens found at many hotel chains around the US.
Overall, a great place to stay and worth the money for the service alone.
I stayed here in June to attend my cousin's wedding, and the service was awesome... but there is construction going on next door to the hotel because they are building the new Four Seasons luxury residences. I had a beautiful view of a crane and steel beams for four days. Make sure you get a room facing the river instead of the street, because they you will miss the construction madness (although river-side rooms are more expensive).
The hotel restaurant has a good Sunday brunch, with everything you could possibly imagine, so bring an empty stomach if you want to get your money's worth.
What a great spot!
The service was fabulous and everyone was so nice.
I really enjoyed aving breakfast every morning out back with views of the river, tress, etc - so peaceful.
Who knew Austin was so green and beautful?!
Staying here next time - for sure!
Here are some things about the Four Seasons Austin that are unique:
1. They are right on the river, which is awesome.
2. They have a lovely garden, and put out hammocks in the afternoon so that you can hang out in the shade and gently rock.
3. The pool is great and there is poolside bar service.
4. They have swim trunks that you can borrow if you forget yours.
5. There is free lemonade and coffee by the registration desk at various points during the day.
6. Everyone is super nice and helpful.
7. The restaurant has a nice patio under the trees and is a great area to eat when it's not too hot....
8. My friends got married here and it was a lovely venue.
Overall, loved the hotel and had a great time staying here.....
I have been to the Four Seasons in Austin twice. The service here is excellent from when you are dropped off at the entrance and your greeting at reception check-in. After I completed check in, the Four Seasons Associate even came out from behind her desk to show me where the elevators were located and gave me some other useful information about the hotel.
The room was very nice, and the bed was the most comfortable I have slept in! Their restaurant had a great breakfast, and as usual, the service and friendliness was excellent.
I have been to one or two other Four Seasons, and what I really like about Austin's is that it has a very understated, casual excellence to it. And, as noted above, all of the staff are excellent!
This hotel, like all Four Seasons properties, provides world class service in a fine setting. Drinks seem expensive on first glance but it's a perfectly made 10 oz martini. Get over it, kick back a little bit and enjoy what is hopefully fine company. The restaurant, Trio, is great for Sunday brunch or for any other time when you feel like getting out of the house and on the town. I've never stayed a night here but this would be at the top of choices to stay if I had to. Give these guys a try when you really want to enjoy great conversation, great mixed drinks and general sophistication.
Stayed here while in Austin for business. Great view of the lake. Nice service and amenities. The Trio restaurant has great margharitas.
never stayed here, but if someone wants to take me I will put out.
seriously, the food at the four seasons is amazing and almost always overlooked by us locals so your chance of getting a table is always good.
go for brunch on a Sunday and wear sunglasses to try and look like music/film industry wonks staying there. don't let it deter you because it is a great place to eat and drink.
Since I may be moving to Texas in June, I decided to make my trip a positive one by staying at the Four Seasons. The bill at the end of my stay was astronomical and totally worth it. Their rooms are spotless and exquisitely decorated and the maid service is professional and friendly. I found a need for the concierge on occasion and they did a wonderful job directing me to the nearest stores and restaurants. They made me think Texas isn't going to be so bad a move after all.
This is my first time staying at the Four Seasons, and I had a great time there. My wife and I had a river view room, and the view was just fantastic. The people there are super nice and helpful. At any given time, the hotel hall is crowed with people making it look like a family reunion. We had the company Christmas party in the hotel, and it was just as nice as we imagined. This is my first time giving out a 5 ***** to a place I reviewed on Yelp so believe me, if you will visit Austin, this is the place you want to stay!
My husband and I had our honeymoon here and it was a wonderful experience. A delicious piece of chocolate cake was sent to our room with a note to congratulate us. The fitness center was also the best I've ever been to while traveling; each machine was equipped with its own television set and a pair of earphones. The concierge also helpfully printed maps out for us.
One of my favorite places to stay in Austin is the Four Seasons Hotel. It's just a stone's throw from lively Six Street but located on the banks of Town Lake it offers a quiet respite and a beautiful view of the lake. The hotel bar is the place you want to begin and end your evening. The scene is upscale Texas at its best with tasty snacks and strong cocktails, comfy sofas and great people-watching. Have a seat near one of the french doors that open up into a small balcony and take in the wonder that is Austin.
On a beautiful, cool and sunny afternoon, my family and I were walking the Town Lake (Lady Bird) Trail when we had a hankering for coffee and hot chocolate and made use of the Adirondack chairs and hammocks on the Four Seasons lawn. What a pleasant civilized afternoon! After ordering in the cafe, the white coated waiter promptly brought a tray to our seats under the trees. The coffee was served in beautiful white china with an elegant stainless steel thermos, and the hot chocolate was frothy with cream and hot. At $15, we felt the value was good and the portions generous. My son was happy that he could roll down the hill, run and play while we sat and sipped our coffee and enjoyed the sun. The landscape is nicely planted, the chairs comfy and the river view superb. Even bathrooms were close! The waiter was solicitous and provided excellent service even though we weren't hotel residents and my husband forgot his wallet and had to hike back to our car to get it! But that's another story.
