Introduction

The Thompson Austin stands as a testament to the city's evolving skyline and vibrant culture. As a relative newcomer to the scene, having opened its doors in 2022, this upscale and modern hotel has quickly become a go-to destination for both tourists and locals alike. Having just came from the Four Seasons Austin, this was a nice change up to classic luxury that Austin provides.

The Thompson Austin has an unbeatable location for those looking to indulge in the music and nightlife scene of Austin. It’s located at the intersection of 5th and San Jacinto. I’m not an expert on Austin, but I found this to be a pretty convenient, and it was easy to walk most places from here. Note that the hotel is near the area with many bars, so it can be loud and a bit wild here in the evenings.

From the moment you step into the lobby, the Thompson Austin envelops you in a unique atmosphere that seamlessly blends Texas hospitality with contemporary design. The interior decor pays homage to the Lone Star State's rich heritage, featuring warm leather accents, natural wood elements, and subtle nods to the region's cattle ranching history. Yet, it's all executed with a modern twist that feels fresh and exciting. In fact, it feels rich. All the materials feel expensive.

Location

The Thompson Austin sits in the heart of downtown Austin’s Rainey Street Historic District, steps from Lady Bird Lake and a short walk to the Texas State Capitol. Its riverside address places guests within easy reach of the city’s best nightlife: Rainey Street’s bungalow bars and rooftop patios are right outside the door; Sixth Street’s live-music venues and late-night clubs are a quick ride west; and the vibrant South Congress corridor—with boutique shops, cocktail lounges, and famed music spots—is a brief drive across the river. With ride-share and scooter options widely available, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring Austin’s bars, live music stages, and evening dining scenes.

What’s interesting to note about this building - the Thompson Austin markets itself as a luxury boutique hotel, though it share the same building with another hotel (The Tommie and an apartment complex). While these hotels are marketed separately, they’re 100% the same hotel for all practical purposes. They share the same entrance, the same lobby, the same check-in counters, the same amenities, and rooms are on the same floors. When you get out of the elevator on each guest room floor, Thompson rooms are marked black (carpet, keys, etc) are to one side, while tommie rooms are marked red to the other side. It is a bit unusual having to share spaces with different hotel guests, but it is a intriguing concept nevertheless.

King City View Room

My stay in the 1 King City View room was great, ergo a few minor issues. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views of Austin's ever-growing skyline, serving as a constant reminder of the city's dynamic energy. The room itself was a masterclass in understated luxury, with a color palette inspired by the Texas Hill Country – think warm earth tones and soft blues.The room's design often reflects a modern interpretation of Texas style. Expect a sophisticated color palette with warm earth tones, accented by touches of leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The overall effect is one of understated luxury that feels both contemporary and invitingly Texan. The king-sized bed, adorned with crisp white linens, promised and delivered a restful night's sleep. A plush sofa provided the perfect spot for morning coffee while watching the city come to life below, both in the mornings and at night.

At the heart of the room is the king-sized bed, a haven of comfort featuring a premium mattress that strikes the perfect balance between softness and support. The bed is typically dressed in high-thread-count linens, plush pillows, and a cozy duvet, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many guests report waking up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. For business travelers or those needing to catch up on emails, the room usually includes a sleek work desk with conveniently placed power outlets and USB ports, though oddly enough, the outlets were too far from the desk itself…this was categorized as a minor negative during my stay, as they could have built the outlets closer to the desk even built into the table itself.

Bathroom | King City View Room

The bathroom continued the theme of understated luxury, feeling quietly elegant and carefully composed. Sleek marble surfaces and brushed brass fixtures created a spa-like atmosphere that invited slow, attentive moments. The oversized walk-in shower was a particular highlight, featuring both a soothing rainfall shower head—complete with a few sprigs of lavender tucked in for aroma—and a convenient handheld option. The hotel supplies toiletries from D.S. & Durga, a high-end house celebrated for its distinctive, artful scents—a thoughtful touch that genuinely elevated the whole experience. The fragrance, in particular, has a pleasantly refined aroma that lingers just enough to be memorable.

Amenities

The Thompson Austin's commitment to wellness is evident in its state-of-the-art fitness center. With top-of-the-line equipment and generous natural light, it turns keeping up with your workout routine into a pleasure rather than a chore. In fact, this is likely one of the best and most expansive fitness centers you’ll find at any Hyatt properties from around the world. You’ll find a heavy bag, multiple stair masters, several private rooms for stretching or classes, a large selection of free weights, and a wide array of advanced cardio and strength machines.

The Thompson Austin’s outdoor pool is an elegant urban oasis — a sunlit refuge from the Texas heat framed by plush private cabanas and sleek loungers. Tucked above the city, the pool area blends modern design with lush greenery, offering a relaxed yet refined atmosphere for cooling off, socializing, or soaking in skyline views. Perfect for a casual dip, a poolside drink, or lounging beneath the Austin sky.

Food & Beverage

As mentioned by many bloggers, the Thompson excels at food & beverage outlets, as there are four unique concepts. The Coffee Bar at tommie is located just off the lobby of the Thompson, and is open daily from 6AM until 7PM. It’s a great place to get a cup of coffee in the morning, or even a glass of wine in the evening — this isn’t your traditional coffee shop!

For breakfast, I had a quick bite at the Diner Barr. The Diner Bar is also located off the lobby, and is described as offering “Port City Southern food, while seizing additional inspiration from regional ingredients and local Texan flavors.” James Beard 2022 Outstanding Chef Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano are behind the concept. As far as the opening times go:

Breakfast is served here from 7AM until 11AM Monday through Friday; if your rate includes breakfast, you can have breakfast here or at The Grey Market
On weekends, brunch is served from 11AM until 2PM; if your rate includes breakfast, you can’t use that benefit here for brunch
Dinner and drinks are served here nightly from 4PM until 10PM

The restaurant has a couple of dozen tables, and also has a long bar, which is the focal point of the restaurant.

Curated for Class?

From the thoughtful design touches that pay tribute to Texas culture to the world-class amenities and elevated dining options, the Thompson Austin offers a luxury experience that feels genuinely and proudly Texan. Whether you're a visitor eager to explore the Live Music Capital of the World or a local in search of a stylish staycation, the hotel provides a polished blend of comfort, contemporary style, and warm, unmistakable Texas hospitality.

In a city famous for the motto "Keep Austin Weird," the Thompson Austin has carved out a distinctive niche — one that celebrates the city's eclectic spirit while delivering a refined, memorable hotel experience. It’s more than just a place to sleep; it’s a small destination unto itself, with charms and comforts that make me look forward to my next return to the Texan capital.

To that end, this is a highly rated hotel in my portfolio with a high marks of recommendation for all travelers.

Curated for Class Final Score | 38.5/50

Need I say daring and bold? If you love the high-energy, mid-century designs, this is the place. If you value sleep, good luck.

Ambiance: 8/10

Room: 7.5/10

Food & Beverage: 8/10

Service: 7.5/10

Does it Feel Special: 7.5/10

Hotel Review: Thompson Austin, By Hyatt