Weirdly Wonderful

Soaring over the capital's skyline, the new Fairmont Austin is the city's second tallest building - and the biggest Fairmont in the United States. Opened in March, the hotel stands 590 feet tall; has 37 stories; and offers 1,048 guest rooms, including 60 suites.

If you're looking for sweeping views of the state capitol, the city's thriving downtown and Lady Bird Lake (named after the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson), you can do no better.

Also making a splash in the "what's new and big department" is the hotel's zero-entry pool on the seventh floor. It's the largest seasonally heated outdoor pool in downtown Austin. Around the pool, guests will find a bar, 13 private cabanas and one grand cabana. Each cabana is equipped with a 65-inch weatherproof TV, a stocked Yeti cooler, plush towels and exclusive cocktail service.

Located in the vibrant central business district amid the greenery of Palm Park and Waller Creek, the hotel provides direct access to the Austin Convention Center by way of the Red River City Walk. A short walk can also get you to Rainey Street; Sixth Street; and dozens of galleries, restaurants, bars and live music venues.

While it's a good option for business travelers, the Fairmont also feeds Austin's zest for life via contemporary art, live music, and a food and beverage program already garnering positive feedback.

Guests don't have to go far when hungry. The Fairmont boasts five restaurants and bars, from cocktails and small plates in Fulton, the lobby lounge, to Garrison for fine dining. Other options include Revue, an upscale food-court concept that serves dishes from four distinct culinary worlds; Good Things, a breakfast and snack spot; and Rules & Regs, the seventh-floor eatery where guests can create their own escapade and enjoy drinks and views.

We especially liked the design of Revue, which was inspired by historic Austin and made to resemble an old movie set. Details include a billboard and live stream of Sixth Street projected onto a wall; brick building facades; and a replica of the city's historic Palma Plaza House, complete with its Greek revival pillars and front veranda.

The works of local artists can be found throughout the hotel, including galloping horses created by monumental sculptor Edd Hayes in the lobby. Another show-stopper anchors the lobby lounge: a replica of the state's oldest oak tree, twinkling with green and blue lights. Guests are encouraged to "meet under the old oak tree" for snacks, cocktails and live music.

Floor-to-ceiling windows in guest rooms permit sweeping city views. You can even look out while lounging on your Stearns & Foster pillow-top mattress. Rooms come with large showers and oversized bottles of Le Labo bath products.

Splurge a little to bunk in one of 131 Gold rooms, which come with private check-in; a dedicated concierge; upgraded amenities; and access to the Gold Lounge, with complimentary breakfast, afternoon snacks, evening canapés, late-night dessert and an honor bar.

Those looking for pampering will be pleased to know that the Fairmont is home to downtown Austin's largest full-service spa. With nine treatment rooms - including two VIP couple's suites and lavishly appointed solariums with floor-to-ceiling windows - guests easily lose track of the time. Each solarium has a saline soaking pool, a eucalyptus steam grotto and a European dry heat sauna. The spa is a good place to unwind after dancing the night away in the Live Music Capital of the World.

After all, Austin is home to more than 250 live music venues, from concert halls to clubs. Music fills the airport, street corners and even some grocery stores. Major festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits garner global attention.

Besides being known for its music, Austin has a reputation for being zany, slightly off kilter and, well, weird. In fact, the city is proud of its mantra: "Keep Austin weird." Among the city's odd attractions are the Cathedral of Junk, Chicken Shit Bingo and turtle racing.

Weird or not, Austin remains a favorite vacation destination for many. In fact, it's ranked as one of the country's best cities to visit by U.S. News & World Report, Money, Kiplinger and Forbes.

And the Fairmont is an ideal home base from which to enjoy Austin's eclectic charm O

The Fairmont Austin is located at 101 Red River St., Austin, Texas. For more information, call 512-600-2000 or visit fairmont.com/austin.