FEATURED PLACE TO STAY

BY MIKE PUCKETT

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The Hyatt Regency Austin is located off Barton Springs Rd  – across the lake from Downtown. I love staying at the Hyatt when I travel around the country. It can be tough traveling so much, but as we pull in to this wonderful hotel… it just feels like home!

The Hyatt Regency Austin has everything you could want in a hotel and more. You don’t even have to leave if you are looking for a place to just sit back and relax.

I always stay on the top floor because of the fabulous view overlooking downtown and Lady Bird Lake. Here, you get such a wonderful perspective of the skyline, sunset and the famous nightly flight of the bats from the Congress Avenue Bridge. This is an ahhmazing sight if you have never experienced it. And there is nothing better than watching it from your patio with a loved one.

I stay here when I work (if that is what you call it… Ha!) and when I’m on VACATION! (By the way I LIKE Vacation!)

There are 448 contemporary guestrooms – recently redesigned – with views of downtown Austin and the Hill Country. Check out the photography and you will see my favorite – the music-themed room I get every time I visit. So nice!

The rooms are as nice as any you will find in Texas. The Hyatt Regency Austin has Complimentary Standard Wi-Fi, luxurious Hyatt Grand Beds, deluxe baths, down duvets, a 32″ flat-screen TV and iHome stereo with iPod dock. I have to admit, I could sleep the day away in the oh-so comfortable beds – but once you see the view of the Austin skyline, it just drives you to explore.

As you probably know, there are many fun things to do while visiting Austin. And when you stay at the Hyatt Regency – you are just a cab ride away from them all!  From here, you can head out and enjoy the nightlife and live music on Sixth Street or in the exciting Warehouse District. You can also easily visit the Long Center, Auditorium Shores, or Zilker Park.

At this prime lakeside location, you can take a scenic boat tour or go paddle boating or kayaking on the lake. Looking to get in a quick workout? Well, look no further than the 24-hour StayFitTM Gym! Personally, I like to spend most of my time in the refreshing waters of the outdoor pool with its awesome sundeck and watch others work up a sweat as they run or bike around Lady Bird Lake on the Hike & Bike Trail. But that’s just me… ha!

Every night before dinner, I like to enjoy cocktails at the full-circle bar which features live music that ONLY Austin and the Hyatt can provide. It’s always filled with wonderful people and conversations are easy to start up here if you’re traveling alone. I mean, we are in Texas!

Every morning, as I get ready for my relaxing, fulfilled day in Austin, I get my coffee fix at the Starbucks Coffee Shop in the downstairs lobby. Then I like to go sit out on the patio and watch the day begin. It doesn’t get much better…

If you are looking for a bite to eat, then you must try the Southwest Bistro. Or grab a cocktail and some GOOD EATS at the Marker 10 Bar & Patio. I promise you will not be disappointed. Just another good reason why you never really have to leave this beautiful hotel! But if you do, you’ll be glad to know that parking is never a problem because the Hyatt Regency Austin has a parking garage with over 700 spots. I like that!

Now, if you need a wonderful place for a wedding or event, then you are in the right spot. The hotel has a state-of-the-art meeting and event venue with over 45,000 square feet of floor space. The Foothills Ballroom, on the 17th floor, offers unbelievable skyline views as well.

As I said, I love staying at the Hyatt in every city I visit and the Hyatt Regency Austin is one of the best. It doesn’t matter if you are there on business, at an event, on vacation or treating yourself to a nice little staycation. My home-away-from-home in Austin is the place to be. Trust me, you can thank me later!

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE PUCKETT