One of my favorite things as you all know is to travel and of course part of that is to explore a new culture, new cuisines, and new faces but another huge reason is to relax in a luxurious environment and feel pampered. This weekend I did just that. I decided instead of jet setting somewhere to get my luxury fix I would go no further than 5 miles from my apartment to the JW Marriott in Austin, TX.

I have heard of people taking “Staycations” before and always thought I should try it but I never did for some reason. Wow am I glad that I did! When I walked into the gorgeous lobby of the JW I was greeted right away by such warm and welcoming faces. The staff was truly top notch the entire trip from start to finish. Also this hotel smells amazing. I can’t describe the scent exactly but it’s an extremely fresh and awakening scent. Also something about the smell felt luxurious. ( I’m going to need to find out this scent and get a candle to try and recreate it for my apartment!)

My first stop was of course to the room which was just gorgeous as you can see in the photos above. I stayed in a beautiful executive suite and the views were stunning. There was a beautiful lounge when you first walk in with floor to ceiling windows, cozy yet modern furniture and a flat screen tv. You then open the sliding barn style doors to enter the chic bedroom. Nothing makes me swoon more than a beautiful king size bed with a plush leather headboard, fluffy pillows and a fresh pressed white duvet. ( Okay, I have a thing for bedding.. I know!) Oh, I can’t forget the bathroom! There was a beautiful bath, marble counter-tops, a stunning shower and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries. I’m also obsessed with bubble baths and toiletries as most of you know if you read my blog on the regular. I also loved how they had lots of fresh towels and large bottles of toiletries because some hotels really try to rip you off on this stuff. Not the case at the JW Marriott!

My next stop was to the Edge rooftop pool bar on the 5th floor. This pool is incredible! Such a lovely view of downtown Austin and the river. They have a food and drink menu and private cabanas for rent as well! The JW set me up with my very own cabana and it was so great. They are stocked with cold Fiji waters and have plenty of space for large parties. Also you have your own server who gets you whatever food and drinks you’d like. I highly recommend the 2nd street lemonade and the ahi tuna! Yum! Oh yeah, the Edge rooftop pool bar is now open to the public every day from 5 pm-10 pm as well so you must go check it out!

My next stop was to Corner Bar for a dinner date. Again, the service was incredible and the food and drinks were terrific. I had the jalapeno honey mustard grouper and it was delicious! My lovely date had the salmon which was also great. I liked mine best though. We also had a side of the pork tacos which I honestly couldn’t even take a bite of because I was so full but my date did and he was in heaven so if you like tacos, get them! I also was back to Corner bar for brunch on Sunday and it was just as fabulous. We had the stuffed texas toast, which is french toast filled with cream cheese and prickly pear jam which is a sweet tooth’s heaven. I loved it so much. It’s a dish you definitely want to split with someone though unless you have a big sweet tooth. We also had the grits and the flat iron steak and eggs. I have to say the grits were my favorite. You can order a full order of shrimp and grits or a side. We got a side and it was a great size if you’re already ordering a full dish.

On Saturday night I did a double date night at Osteria Pronto which is an upscale Italian restaurant in the lobby of the JW. My mouth is starting to water just typing this. We we’re once again greeted by warm and friendly faces. Our waiter had a bottle of sparkling rose for us upon arrival and also a charcuterie board. The service was beyond good. It truly was excellent. I ordered the scallops which came with a potato fondant, sunchoke puree, tomato relish, herb salad It was delicious. The rest of the group has the NY Strip the salmon and the veal. My all time favorite was my dates NY Strip! Guys, I’m not even a meat girl. I know I live in Texas so I should probably be, but this t-bone has me in a tizzy! If you are looking for a lovely date night or an upscale girls night out and love Italian food I would highly recommend Osteria Pronto.

I has such an incredible staycation, I didn’t want to leave. If you are coming to visit Austin and are looking for a luxurious hotel with lovely staff, delicious food and wonderful amenities  I would highly recommend staying at the JW Marriott. Also if you live in Austin follow my footsteps and try a staycation! Trust me, you wont regret it!

Who else has been to the JW in Austin? How was your time there? Happy Fourth of July weekend everyone and thanks again for stopping by.

Also a huge thanks to Samantha Stites, the Senior Marketing Manager for arranging this amazing staycation for me! For more information about the JW, Austin click here.

XO,

Scarlett