You know what they say – when you’re offered a staycation, you take it! Okay, so ‘they’ don’t actually say that, but I do! A huge thanks to generous Omni Austin for allowing me to spend an evening in the downtown hotel to check out their newly remodeled executive suites. The entire remodel totaled about $5.8 Million, with about a $1 M spend per floor of the top 5 that had originally served as single owner condominiums. In 1999, Omni bought the floor-wide suites and converted them into 18 two-bedroom suites and standard king rooms. They realized there wasn’t much need for the two-bedroom suites or the expense that came with them for business and younger leisure travelers, so they converted most into very spacious one-bedroom suites to serve more clients and be more efficient. They almost doubled the number of rooms on the top-level floors. Suites range from 633 to 1717 square feet, and 4 are Fit Suites, which include a treadmill facing a plasma screen TV, P90X videos, yoga mats, resistance bands, and strength/stability balls.

My honored guest and I got to experience one of the Fit Suites! We had a busy evening planned so we didn’t get to make use of the exercise equipment but were impressed with the spacial layout of the room, which included a full kitchen with granite countertops, fully furnished living room and bedroom, modern and spacious bathroom, and private exercise nook. When I asked Omni why they chose to include Fit Suites in their remodel plan, they mentioned they wanted to cater to the fitness-focus of Austin, while demonstrating their brand’s wellness priority. They felt rooms with this option come in handy for road-warriors who want a private place to exercise when not at home.

As you can see, the decor and feel was warm, clean, inviting, cozy, urban, yet rustic, with a hint of Texas (browns and burnt orange hues) and wooden furniture.

Here’s the private fitness nook!

The cozy bedroom…

The full kitchen! How great would this be for an after-hours client gathering, a family-getaway, or a special event!?

Suites either face the Capitol or the interior of the hotel. Ours faced the interior of the hotel, but because of the open cityscape-facing layout and glass outertechture (yes, I made this up!), natural light filtered into the room and we didn’t feel too closed off.

These suites are quite the sweet hospitality arrangement – and I felt lucky to be able to indulge for an evening! These suites range from $499-$799, depending on dates and availability.

What other unique tidbits should you know about Omni Austin?

Event Space – It has 20,000 square feet of corporate or social event space for 250 guests, featuring the Capital Ballroom with 12 foot graduated ceiling, grand chandelier, flexible foyer space and dual screen capabilities.

Specials – Check their Specials if you’re planning a special event, trip, or evening. Right now, there are packages for families with kiddos, a girlfriend getaway for ladies who like to shop – if you donate a dress to Donate My Dress, you’ll receive two $50 gift certificates to Bloomingdales, a special if you stay for 2 or more nights, and even a romantic getaway – the room comes with champagne and dessert!

Mind & Body – A rooftop pool helps you relax with an urban retreat, while you can ask for a Get Fit Kit, complimentary in-room exercise kit if you aren’t lodging in a Fit Suite, and a full service fitness center if working out around others helps motivate you!

Here’s an idea! My guest and I made a lovely evening out of our “stay cation” downtown and dined at The Backspace – a quaint, hip, and delicious wood fire-pizza eatery just 2 blocks South of the hotel on San Jacinto between 5th and  6th. More into seafood? Try its frontside neighbor, Parkside, which faces the street Austin may be most-known for.

A huge thank you to Omni Austin Hotel Downtown for the gift of one night’s stay in one of their newly remodeled suites.