This Lakeside Boutique Hotel Offers Guests Seamless Access to Austin's Attractions

A recent addition to Austin's boutique hotel landscape, the Loren at Lady Bird Lake opened its doors in October 2022, situated on the edge of Butler Park—a sprawling 30-acre green space in downtown Austin. With stunning views of the city skyline, this hotel provides guests with convenient access to Austin’s renowned outdoor spaces, vibrant art and music scene, and delicious barbecue.

At the Loren at Lady Bird Lake, guests can expect nature-inspired design elements that complement the hotel's lush surroundings. Highlights include a plant wall in the lobby and an abundance of greenery throughout, along with forest green carpets on the guest floors and natural materials like stone and wood used in the decor. The design aesthetic continues in the 108 guest rooms, featuring midcentury modern decor, platform beds, Eames-style chairs, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the skyline. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Nido, located on the 14th floor, offers exquisite cocktails—don’t miss the Farmer’s Daughter, a delightful mix of Still Austin Whiskey Co. bourbon and Balcones Baby Blue Corn whiskey, sweetened with maple syrup. For dinner, enjoy seasonal dishes such as beef short ribs with polenta or duck breast paired with radicchio and cherries.

When it’s time to discover the city, the Loren’s prime location makes it incredibly easy to explore on foot. Slip on your walking shoes—or take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary electric bikes available for guests—and check out these five nearby attractions.

Lady Bird Lake and Auditorium Shores

Where: 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Walking distance from hotel: Less than a minute

Lady Bird Lake, a reservoir formed by damming the Colorado River, is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. It’s ideal for walking or jogging along the trails that surround the lake, or for enjoying water activities. While swimming is not allowed due to strong currents, visitors can still enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding—Zilker Park Rentals is just over a mile from the Loren.

Auditorium Shores, a popular venue for concerts and festivals, also sits along the banks of Lady Bird Lake. Staying at the Loren simplifies travel plans for events, as you can walk just three minutes to reach the venue.

Mexic-Arte Museum

Where: 419 Congress Ave.
Walking distance: 20 minutes

Established in 1984 by local Austin artists Sylvia Orozco, Sam Coronado, and Pio Pulido, the Mexic-Arte Museum aims to highlight and celebrate Mexican, Chicano, and Latino American art and culture in Texas. It stands out as one of the few museums in the U.S. dedicated to Mexican art. Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibitions featuring Mexican and Latino artists or visit the changarrito, the museum's 'vending cart,' to buy artwork. Additionally, a mural program invites local artists to paint a wall just a minute's walk from the museum at Fifth Street and Congress Avenue, with the mural changing every few months—currently featuring a piece by San Antonio muralist Kat Cadena.

If you're in the area on November 1, don't miss the city's oldest and largest Día de los Muertos parade hosted by Mexic-Arte, which marches along historic Sixth Street and concludes near the museum.

JuiceLand

Where: 1625 Barton Springs Rd.
Walking distance: 11 minutes

In a city that loves its beef and barbecue, JuiceLand stands out as a refreshing fruit-and-vegetable haven that captures Austin’s quirky spirit. Formerly known as The Daily Juice, JuiceLand has been a beloved Austin fixture since 2001, offering smoothies and convenient plant-based meals. With over two dozen locations throughout the city, the original spot on Barton Springs Road can be tricky for parking, making a walk to the store ideal.

Be sure to try the Morning Sunshine smoothie, a zesty mix of orange juice, pineapple, mango, bananas, goji berries, and local bee pollen. Seating is limited in this JuiceLand (the charming, historic building is the oldest on Barton Springs Road), so grab your smoothie to go and take a 10-minute stroll to Zilker Park or a 15-minute walk to the ever-popular Barton Springs Pool.

SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown

Where: 422 Guadalupe St.
Walking distance: 20 minutes

The Sustainable Food Center Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, regardless of the weather, at the newly refurbished Republic Square Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a scenic 20-minute walk from the Loren, along a vibrant route lined with shops and eateries. Everything available, from ready-to-eat dishes to fresh produce and eggs, is sourced from Central Texas. Don’t miss the chance to grab some tamales from Tamale Addiction (the Pork Tomatillo and Chicken Mole are must-tries) and a coffee from Rootline Coffee to enjoy while soaking in live music and unwinding on the green.

Terry Black’s Barbecue

Where: 1003 Barton Springs Rd.
Walking distance: 10 minutes

Austin boasts numerous spots for delicious barbecue, but Terry Black’s has established itself as a beloved destination since opening in 2014. Terry Black, a member of the renowned Black family behind Black’s Barbecue in Lockhart, embarked on his own venture after receiving a rather abrupt notification from the family attorney in November 2013, stating his services were no longer required at Black’s Barbecue. (The barbecue scene is, quite surprisingly, filled with its share of drama.) Nevertheless, Terry quickly found his footing and success.

At Terry Black’s, a rustic venue adorned with a longhorn skull, guests can savor main dishes such as succulent, expertly smoked brisket, flavorful jalapeño cheese sausage, and hearty chopped beef sandwiches. Don't forget to order some sides: the mac and cheese, potato salad, and creamed corn are destinations in their own right. Expect a long line; like many top barbecue spots in the Lone Star State, waiting is simply part of the experience.