The new-build 344-room CitizenM Austin Downtown, decorated throughout with local art, has debuted about half a mile from the Austin Convention Center. The property is part of CitizenM’s expansion plan in the United States and beyond, which aims to introduce its "affordable luxury" lifestyle brand in business-travel hubs.
"We are thrilled to open the doors to CitizenM’s first Austin hotel," said chief brand officer Robin Chadha. "Austin beats to its own drum — rich with cultural diversity through delicious eateries and vibrant nightlife options — and we are excited to be a part of this bustling community. With our curated selection of artwork, rooftop pool and this prime location, CitizenM Austin Downtown will offer mobile citizens a great base to experience this exciting city."
Rooms in the 17-story tower feature extra-large king-size beds, and are furnished with "everything modern travelers need, and nothing they don’t." An HD widescreen TV offers streaming options via free, fast WiFi, and the powerful rain shower is accompanied by full-size shower gel and shampoo amenities, as well as giant fluffy towels. The room's ambience is controlled by an in-room iPad — it runs the blinds, the temperature, the TV and even the lights, which have changeable colors. The room also can be controlled through the CitizenM app.
Among the hotel's amenities are a cozy living room; the brand’s signature CanteenM, serving 24/7 snacks and drinks; a 24-hour gym; and a rooftop bar and pool. Emphasizing CitizenM's commitment to sustainability, CitizenM Austin Downtown has been constructed adhering to elevated environmental standards, encompassing energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction, and is working towards securing LEED Gold certification. This initiative aligns with CitizenM's broader environmental ethos: All CitizenM hotels either hold green-building certifications or are on the path to achieving them.
CitizenM has commissioned famed contemporary Mexican illustrator Hilda Palafox (known as PONI) — who has worked with Vans, Red Bull, Kichink, Mercadorama and Google — for a rooftop mural. Austin-based painter Calhan Hale — who works with local art gallery Martha's Contemporary — is creating a piece for the ground-level exterior. The property also will feature in-room artwork sourced from the Contemporary Austin Museum; pieces from the KRC Collection, CitizenM’s founder Rattan Chadha’s private collection; and a selection of silent video artwork, chosen following CitizenM’s recent open art call for video artists in collaboration with the One Minutes Foundation.
The property is a short walk from Lady Bird Lake, Congress Avenue and Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater.
