citizenM, the pioneer of affordable luxury hotels, is celebrating the debut of its first Austin-based property – citizenM Austin Downtown. Located deep in the heart of Texas’ city capital, developed in partnership with Turnbridge Equities, and designed by citizenM’s long standing architecture partner concrete and local architecture firm Baskervill, the 17-story tower features 344 signature citizenM rooms with XL king-size beds to get lost in. After all, everything is bigger in Texas.
The new opening is part of citizenM’s ambitious expansion plan in the US and beyond, which aims to introduce its innovative lifestyle brand to hubs with travelers on-the-go. Guests have come to not only recognize citizenM’s distinct style but seek out its ‘affordable luxury’ experience. citizenM Austin Downtown will join the portfolio as the 34th hotel and follows recent openings in Miami (Miami Worldcenter and Brickell), citizenM Menlo Park on the Meta campus, and several other North American cities.
As a continuation of the brand’s citizens of the world series, citizenM will spotlight three citizens of Austin who will be featured in lifestyle content and storytelling across the brand’s digital channels. Launched originally in 2018 with citizens of the Bowery (in connection with the opening of citizenM New York Bowery) citizens of the world spotlights citizens across multiple pillars including art, business, culture, fashion, and party. The content series has since continued to expand across cities where citizenM hotels are located, and has spotlighted over 365 citizens of the world to date.
Just a stroll away from Lady Bird Lake, the charms of Congress Avenue, and the iconic music destination Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater (ideal for travelers looking to catch a concert in the “Live Music Capital of the World”), the property dares to be different – just like the city of Austin. A natural fit for the eccentric and entrepreneurial spirit of the city, citizenM’s vibrant design, locally sourced art, savvy technology and affordable luxury have become key pillars of the guest experience, while paying homage to the city across every element. Within the property, guests will have access to stylish amenities, including a cozy living room perfect for bleisure travelers catching up on emails, the brand’s signature canteenM serving 24/7 snacks and drinks, a 24/7 gym, rooftop bar and pool, in addition to an array of eye-catching art. 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 – 100% of citizenM hotels either hold green building certifications or are on the path to achieving them.
Embracing Austin’s colorful and unique attributes, citizenM has commissioned famed Contemporary Mexican Illustrator Hilda Palafox (PONI) – who has collaborated with Vans, Red Bull, Kichink, Mercadorama and Google – for the rooftop mural. Meanwhile, Austin-based painter Calhan Hale – known for her work with local art gallery Martha’s Contemporary – was commissioned for the ground level exterior piece, which will highlight the reality of living in Austin and its real draw to visiting or calling it home. The property will also feature in-room artwork sourced from Austin Contemporary Museum; pieces from the KRC Collection, citizenM’s founder Rattan Chadha’s private collection; and a selection of silent video artwork, which was chosen following citizenM’s recent ‘open art call’ for video artists in collaboration with The One Minutes.
citizenM’s philosophy of “affordable luxury” is best experienced in the guest rooms, which showcases their commitment to high-tech amenities, ultimate comfort, eye-catching art and more. The rooms are smartly furnished with “everything modern travelers need, and nothing they don’t.” All guestroom features are designed to be the very best: the beds are XL king-size wall-to-wall with an extra comfy mattress and luxury bedding. An HD widescreen TV offers streaming options via free super-fast Wi-Fi, so that guests can enjoy their own content. A powerful rain shower with full-size shower gel and shampoo (as well as giant fluffy towels) will soothe all long- and short-haul travelers. The room ambiance is fully controlled by an in-room iPad – the blinds, climate, the TV, even the lights with changeable colors – or via the award-winning citizenM app.
“We are thrilled to open the doors to citizenM’s first Austin-based hotel,” says Robin Chadha, Chief Brand Officer. “citizenM encourages guests to be daringly different, likewise all are welcome in Austin’s progressive and inclusive metropolis. 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.”
At the heart of citizenM’s top-notch service and signature personality is its hotel staff – the ambassadors. Typically hired from outside of the hospitality industry, ambassadors are chosen first for their attitude (not skills), and put through a six-week immersion course to learn all about citizenM’s unique culture. All ambassadors are trained in all jobs, from receptionist and problem-solver to barista and bartender, meaning guests are never told to speak to someone else when they need help. More importantly, they all embody today’s modern citizen: curious, well-traveled and open-minded. They are also citizenM’s walking concierges who know lots of things about their city, and readily provide tips about the best places to visit.
To further enhance the guest experience, citizenM offers travelers the world’s simplest hotel membership program: mycitizenM+. Members simply sign up with a small monthly fee to enjoy ‘all the perks without the points,’ including an extra 10% discount off the lowest public rate, free late check-out, free upgrade to a premium view room, early access to discounts, members-only events and more.
The new property, found at 617 Colorado Street, will join the growing citizenM US portfolio, which includes properties within Boston, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, Menlo Park, Austin, and more worldwide.