There’s a plucky little hotel in Austin, Texas, that’s squaring up to the big boys of the hospitality game using finesse, rather than size, to become a contender. The Heywood Hotel has even secured a spot on the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Hot Hotels awards list which owner Kathy Setzer compares to winning an Academy Award in the film industry – not bad for a seven room boutique outfit.
Kathy, who runs the place with husband George Reynolds, might be pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction, but we aren’t – The Heywood has got a lot in the plus column. Its location, East Austin, has been picked out by Forbes as one of America’s Best Hipster Neighbourhoods, the property is a dinky 1925 craftsman bungalow skilfully converted to a courtyard hotel by architecture firm KRDB, and while we’re loathe to label a property charming because it’s on the small side, The Heywood is definitely…charming. Handmade furniture and fun touches pepper this lovely place which has a relaxed feel and a smile all over its face. Seven really is a lucky number for Texas travellers.
Photo, Russell Roots
Photo, Russell Roots
Photography, Casey Dunn,
unless otherwise stated.
