Vol. 7, No. 34
Best Suites of Austin
Insider reviews of unique experiences from VIP supercar tours of Italy, treks to see the Polar Bears, safaris in Africa, Cuba by private jet, and previews of top suites and villas at hotels and resorts across the USA, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brasil, Cambodia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, plus on the high seas aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Seaboard Encore, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Mozart, Crystal Symphony, Norwegian Breakaway, and Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
Top Suites of Austin
For business or pleasure, Austin has become a significant destination. If you are traveling with a briefcase, you will appreciate these suites to host client and company events.
For family and friends, they are an ideal base for exploring, all centrally located in the city center. A perfect weekend destination, the Texas capital’s music scene is now only rivaled by its culinary offerings, particularly for connoisseurs of barbecue. The best suites of Austin are the subject of this week’s issue.
I hope all of your travels are amazing!
All the best,
Doug Gollan
Founder/Editor
douggollan@dgamazingexperiences.com
Table of Contents
A. Private Aviation Headlines
B Private Jet Performance Guide
Top Suites of Austin
1. The Driskill
2. Four Seasons Austin
3. Fairmont Austin
4. Archer Hotel Austin
5. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
6. W Austin
7. Executive Security
8. Best Of DG Amazing Experiences Library
About DG Amazing Experiences
A. Private Aviation Headlines
1. Jet Edge adds 27 Challenger 300/350/650s, Gulfstream G450s
2. August private jet flight activity continues spiking to record levels
3. Vista Global teases more expansion ahead
4. JSX adds Dallas/Austin flights; doubles Houston schedule
5. Jet Linx signals more acquisitions with executive appointments
6. Private jet broker Star Jets posts record revenue in H1 2021
7. Despite spiking demand, jet card pricing is holding steady
8. PJS Group’s Elevate Jet adds Wyvern Wingman status
9. 2021’s 30 Biggest Private Jet Companies
11. You can buy Wheels Up at Costco, but should you?
12. Is NetJets worth the price? (Updated)
Partner News:
Fine Dining, Golf, Shopping, and Fun...
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 Where to stay? How about a 3-bedroom penthouse with a billiard room? Or maybe a villa with your own private pool overlooking Wynn Golf Course. Perhaps, your perfect suite has its own massage room. Click here to start planning your Wynn experience.
B. Private Aviation Reference
1. Comparing the Private Jet Sharing Options
2. Understanding Part 135
3. Fractional Ownership and Leases - The Pros, Cons and Options
4. Booking On-Demand Charter Flights
5. On-Demand Charter vs. Jet Cards - Which One Is Right For You?
6. How Not To Get Burned When Buying A Private Jet Membership Program
7. 101: Our First-Timer Guide to Private Aviation Options
8. 40 Steps To Buying A Private Jet For First-Timers
9. Private Jet Performance Guide
Statistics
Mergers & Acquisitions
Flight Time Calculator
How long is your flight? Our calculator factors in live or seasonal winds for over jets, props, and helicopters between more than 5,000 airports
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Partner News:
You'll Never Go Back To A Hotel
As Europe opens up after a long and difficult year, it’s best to take Europe the easy way – slow and on its own terms. And that is the approach Distinguished Residences offers with its tempting selection of high-design villas with all the comforts of home. Except that you are not at home. You are in a dream-worthy location, mesmerized by the specter of Mont Blanc, meditating on the calm waters of Lake Geneva, savoring champagne under the pines with friends at your manor overlooking the hills of Umbria, watching yachts drift by on the Med from your villa terrace in Corfu.
The villas are well vetted and come with a host of benefits. These include daily maid service, often a dedicated butler, a dedicated chef, concierge services, built-in or special access to pools, gyms, spas, and most properties come in the form of an expansive, multi-bedroom, multi-level spread with at least one private pool and amazing views.
Contact CEO Sean Emmerton at sean@distinguishedresidences.com or visit Distinguished Residences.
Top Suites of Austin
Feature Story
For business or pleasure, Austin has become a significant destination. If you are traveling with a briefcase, you will appreciate these suites to host client and company events. For family and friends, they are an ideal base for exploring, all centrally located in the city center. A perfect weekend destination, the Texas capital’s music scene is now only rivaled by its culinary offerings, particularly for connoisseurs of barbecue.
1. The Driskill
The Driskill is the recipient of Fodor's Choice, the CAA Four Diamond Award, and Condé Nast Readers' Choice List 2020. U.S. News says of the hotel, “Anchoring the heart of the Live Music Capital (just a few short blocks from the State Capitol) this historical property and hotel heavyweight has been accommodating Austin's visitors for more than a century."
It continues, "But just because this property is the city's grand dame doesn't mean it's stuck in the past. Sure, visitors are drawn to The Driskill's period decor – the property's leather furniture and embossed ceilings add a sense of grandeur – but they also appreciate the guest rooms' contemporary amenities, like plasma TVs and complimentary high-speed internet access. The hotel's restaurants, The Driskill Grill and the 1886 Café & Bakery, also earn high praise, with diners calling the food spectacular and the service on point.”
Cattle Barron Suite
The 1,200 sq. ft. Cattle Barron Suite features two full bathrooms and includes a master bedroom with a king bed and a second bedroom with twin queen beds. There is a separate living room with an entertainment area, hardwood floors, and a fireplace. The dining room can seat up to eight.
More suites at the Driskill Hotel.
2. Four Seasons Austin
Four Seasons Austin is arguably the top hotel in the Texas capital. Last year, it made Fodor's Choice, Forbes Travel Guide rated it four stars and AAA awarded four diamonds. U.S. News, adds, “The Four Seasons brand prides itself on luxury, and this property is no exception. Sitting on the northern shore of Lady Bird Lake (just a block or so from the Austin Convention Center), the Four Seasons Hotel Austin earns rave reviews from travelers thanks to its sumptuous atmosphere and extremely friendly service staff.”
It continues, "The accommodations also garner praise: Rooms are decorated in neutral tones and feature cozy furniture, down bedding, flat-screen TVs, L'Occitane bath products, and complimentary internet access…You'll find excellent vistas from the windows of the deck of Live Oak or the lounge chairs by the outdoor, heated saltwater pool, and you won't have to pay extra for them.”
Congressional Suite
The 1,562 sq. ft. Congressional Suite offers the perfect venue to host cocktails with an expansive, wraparound deck, with firepits lending a glow to views of Lady Bird Lake. This residentially designed two-bedroom suite, with plentiful lounging, dining, and the ability to connect to a third bedroom, offers a perfect venue for families or CEO-level entertaining. There are two full bathrooms, plus a guest powder room with a shower.
More suites at Four Seasons Austin.
3. Fairmont Austin
The Fairmont Austin received four stars from Forbes Travel Guide and four diamonds from AAA. Forbes inspectors say, “Staking its place in the city’s buzzing central business district, the brand-new Fairmont Austin brings unrivaled luxury to the capital of Texas while simultaneously celebrating the city’s proud mantra of 'keep Austin weird.’ The 37-story hotel, which features 1,048 guest rooms and suites, became the city’s second-tallest building — and Fairmont’s largest in the United States — when it opened in March 2018.”
They add, “The first hotel to directly connect to the Austin Convention Center via the Red River Canopy Walk, Fairmont Austin is ideal for business travelers. However, unlike most business-savvy hotels, this property manifests the city’s lust for life by showcasing live music, vivid contemporary art, and a fantastic food and beverage program.”
Presidential Suites
Fairmont Austin features two Presidential Suites. Located on floors 36 and 37, both offer panoramic views of Austin’s spectacular cityscape and Lady Bird Lake. Each suite is 1,640 sq. ft. These suites include spacious living rooms with a dining table and large lounging sectional perfect for a cocktail gathering an intimate dinner for two. There is a large wet bar with a separate refrigerator and microwave and two oversize baths. Both may be connected to two additional rooms, based on availability.
More suites at Fairmont Austin.
4. Archer Hotel Austin
Last year, the Archer Hotel Austin earned four stars from Forbes Travel Guide, the AAA Four Diamond award, and recognition in the Condé Nast Readers' Choice List 2020.
Forbes inspectors write, “Located in the constantly evolving Domain Northside entertainment and shopping district, Archer Hotel Austin is a newly opened ode to this city — rustic but thoroughly modern. The eight-story, 171 room boutique hotel blends the pastoral soul of Texas Hill Country with Austin’s vibrant music scene and its northwest location near Apple, Dell, IBM, and National Instruments make it a great destination for business and urban explorers looking for chic accommodations that well-represent the colorful capital city.”
Archer’s Den With Balcony and Fireplace
At 760 sq. ft., Archer's Den with Balcony and Fireplace is the largest suite in the hotel. It offers a one-bedroom suite with a private furnished balcony and limestone fireplace. The living area features a leather sofa, lounge chairs and 65-inch flat-screen TV. A sleek wet bar is fully stocked for entertaining. Luxe details include an ornate upholstered king platform bed, five-star bedding, a large wood plank porcelain tiled bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a soaking tub with double vanity.
More suites at Archer Hotel Houston.
5. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
U.S. News reports of the AAA 4 Diamonds recipient, “Located in downtown Austin, Texas, in the Rainey Street District, the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt embraces the musical soul of its surroundings. The hotel's popular restaurant, Geraldine's, offers live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, while the lobby chandeliers are made from musical instruments. Each of the 319 guest rooms and suites is also decorated in cool tones of white, blue, and dark gray and comes with amenities like free Wi-Fi access, a Bluetooth speaker, a yoga mat, a minibar, and Atelier Bloem toiletries.”
It continues, "For superb views of downtown or Lady Bird Lake, choose an upgraded room when booking or visit the rooftop pool and bar, which serves craft cocktails mixed with local ingredients. You can also savor quick bites and beverages from Cafe 605 before exploring Austin on one of the hotel's free PUBLIC bikes. A 24-hour fitness center, in-room spa treatments and pet-friendly accommodations are available as well. Overall, recent guests raved about this Kimpton's location and ‘beautifully decorated’ and ‘very comfortable’ accommodations.”
Presidential Suites
Two 900 sq. ft. Presidential Suites feature a separate bedroom with a king bed, large sitting and dining area, fully equipped poker table, vinyl library, and kitchenette with Gaggenau appliances.
More suites at Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt.
6. W Austin
With four diamonds from AAA, U.S. News says of the W, “Surrounded by some of Austin's favorite entertainment joints and within walking distance of major attractions like the Austin Bats and Zilker Park, The W Austin puts you at the epicenter of the action. Its ultra-chic design may seem somewhat out of place in this funky city, but recent guests said that the guest rooms and amenities live up to the W's reputation."
It notes, "The hotel did infuse a hint of the city's weird culture into the decor: Rooms feature throw pillows with brightly stitched designs, offsetting the serene blue hues that envelop the space. Like Austin itself, the W Austin earns high praise from recent guests for its friendly, fun atmosphere, claiming that they felt extremely welcome here. And they're not the only ones: The hotel's pet program makes sure that even the four-legged members of your party are well cared for.”
EWow Presidential Suite
The 1,798 sq. ft. EWow Presidential Suite offers two bedrooms, each with 46” Samsung LCD TVs, large bathrooms, walk-in showers, plus guest bathroom. There is a large entertaining area with a 52” Samsung LCD with a wet bar and catering space. Panoramic wraparound windows run throughout offering views of Austin and Lady Bird Lake.
More suites at the W Austin.
7. Executive Security Reports
1. Executive security insights for HNWs
2. What you should consider before you get behind the wheel in Cuba
2. Preventing a robbery while traveling
3. How to survive a terrorist attack
4. Seven ways your flight crew can improve security
5. Six travel security scenarios you should be prepared for
6. Family travel safety and security advice
8. Our Most Popular Special Reports
If you are looking for more ideas and inspiration, check out some of our most popular Special Reports below...
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Better Bahamas: The Cove at Atlantis
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Amazing luxury residences in Los Cabos
Escape to a gated luxury community in Los Cabos with beautiful private residences and 5-star level service. These expansive homes span up to 12,000 sq. ft. and come with on-site home management, your personal chef, and full concierge services. They are perfect for family celebrations, including long stays or short vacations. Read more about Los Cabos luxury...
60,000 square feet of luxury in Punta Mita
Hidden behind a thicket of foliage and nestled amongst stands of palms, Casa del Oso is four miles from Four Seasons Punta Mita, if you are looking for a landmark. It’s designed to accommodate family reunions, corporate incentive travel, birthday parties, special occasion celebrations, and groups of couples up to 30 guests. There are 10 bedrooms spread over 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. Read more about Casa del Oso...
Yacht charters starting under $40,000
These yachts are perfect for first-timers. With availability in Florida, the Caribbean, and Europe, these floating resorts are perfect for a socially distanced vacation. Once you charter a yacht, you’ll be back. Here are a few of the best options to get you headed out to the fun seas. Read more about chartering a yacht…
Dining, Shopping, Spa, and Golf in Las Vegas
If you are somebody you know desires some retail therapy, amazing dining, some spa relaxation, and maybe a round of championship golf, we have the solution. Best of all, it's all under one roof. Click here for the best of shopping, spas, dining, and golf in Las Vegas.
Highland adventures in Scotland
The Fife Arms restores a Victorian-era coaching inn with modern touches and over 14,000 pieces of original art and artifacts. Perfect for outdoor activities from hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and shooting to golf and skiing, and a great venue for celebrations or even corporate retreats, you can make easy helicopter transfers from Glasgow or Edinburgh. Read more about luxury in Scotland...
About DG Amazing Experiences
My name is Doug Gollan. I am a strong advocate of the private aviation industry. You can read my frequent coverage of private jets and luxury travel at Forbes.com.
DG Amazing Experiences is your e-newsletter guide to the best places and experiences for private jet travelers like yourself. The content is personally selected by me with the help of some of the smartest and best travel advisors in the world. My goal is to give you a look ahead at what's new, what's hot, and the best of the best. To make it easy for you, the stories are short but detailed, and I provide plentiful links to additional, relevant information.
If you are looking for private aviation solutions from on-demand charter to jet cards, fractional, and even full ownership, please visit our sister website Private Jet Card Comparisons to access our buyer’s guide to over 250 jet card programs and our exclusive on-demand charter guide. Our VIP assistance program can help you decide which solutions are optimal for you.
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