2nd St's Luxest Lodgings

Just a few blocks from the mansion where another famous W rested his head as governor, the W's Austin branch has helped define the downtown 2nd St District, serving as a magnet for more youthful out-of-towners, and encouraging the development of Austin institutions like the neighboring Moody Theater, home to the legendary ACL Live television show

Cool Corner suites offer wrap-around views of downtown and vibrant furnishings that contrast the exposed concrete walls

Lined with private cabanas, the WET pool is indeed wet, and also on a rooftop, so you can feel intimately connected to the city while remaining enough above it to relax

Known for raucous late-nights, the bar area's split between a red-lit "secret" room, and a more laid-back lounging area marked by towering record shelves

And if you get hungry, in the base of the building lies TRACE, whose New American cuisine is given true Texas flavors thanks to ingredients sourced by a staff "forager".