I recently visited Austin, Texas, for a family reunion and stayed at the Embassy Suites where the…read morereunion was being held. The location is excellent, right on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. The YETI flagship store is directly across the street, and many attractions, including the Texas State Capitol, are within walking distance, making it a great home base for exploring the city.
The first impression of the hotel is wonderful. The lobby, reception area, restaurant, and expansive atrium seating are bright, open, and beautiful. The hotel's open concept design, with all guest room floors overlooking the central atrium, creates a welcoming atmosphere.
The service throughout our stay was exceptional. Every staff member we encountered was friendly, professional, and genuinely eager to help. Chante at the front desk was amazing. She was compassionate, extremely helpful, and went above and beyond to assist us. Jessica was also wonderful, responding quickly to text messages and making sure our concerns were addressed.
Breakfast was one of the highlights of our stay. There was an excellent selection, and the made to order omelets were outstanding. Stacie worked tirelessly preparing multiple omelets at once, remembered everyone's orders, and kept a smile on her face the entire time despite the busy breakfast rush. She was truly impressive.
Unfortunately, the guest rooms told a very different story. We originally stayed in a two queen suite and were shocked by how dated and worn it was. The room had a strong musty, moldy odor that became unbearable after the first night. There were tears in the couch, a yellow stained toilet, and the smell was so strong that both my daughter and I were coughing.
After we explained the situation, Chante sincerely apologized and checked to see what was available. She explained that the hotel is being renovated one floor at a time and was able to move us to a renovated room. Although it was an accessible room with a roll in shower, it was a huge improvement. The new carpet, updated finishes, and most importantly, the absence of the moldy smell made all the difference, and we were very comfortable for the remainder of our stay.
This hotel has excellent bones, an outstanding location, and a staff that truly cares about its guests. Once all of the guest rooms have been renovated, I believe it will be an excellent property. Until then, if you plan to stay here, I would recommend requesting one of the renovated rooms when making your reservation.