Whether you’re making the trip to Austin as part of a vacation, or if you live near or in Austin and just need a place for a weekend getaway, Hotel Ella is the perfect spot for fine dining, quaint accommodations, and picturesque grounds. To be transported back to the days of the Civil War in terms of architecture and ambiance, all while maintaining modern day comforts and amenities, this gorgeous hotel is ideal.

The Grounds are Worth Mentioning

One of the main reasons that people love this hotel are the beautiful grounds, which provide an attractive and scenic view that’s not to be missed. You’ll also find a large patio overlooking the grounds, offering the perfect location for drinks, relaxation, and conversation. Truly, this patio deserves five stars for beauty alone, and another five for the delicious drinks which are served on it.

What to Expect from the Rooms

The accommodations at Hotel Ella are nearly as beautiful as the property on which they sit. With rooms ranging from classic guests rooms to mansion lofts to suites, there’s something for everyone at this boutique hotel. The Garden Junior Suite rooms are particularly charming, and come with a king bed, custom designed furniture, and a view of the cabana-lined lap pool and courtyard. The Mansion Junior Suites are also top of the line, and are the ideal rooms for a romantic weekend getaway. These rooms not only come complete with king bed, but also French doors that when opened, offer comfortable seating area tucked into a private veranda.

A Memorable Hotel Dining Experience

To really indulge in all that Hotel Ella has to offer, dining at the hotel’s restaurant only makes sense. The food is very upscale and modern, and is suitable for a fancy date. Try the pork tenderloin with sunflower risotto and peach mustard, or the smoked center of New York strip that’s coffee-rubbed. For sides, the chive creme potato puree, corn hash, and fried green tomatoes are highly recommended. And, don’t forget about sharing a dessert–we suggest the flour-less chocolate jar with raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream.

In the morning, sleep in before heading to Ella’s brunch. The brunch offers some amazing selections, including bananas foster french toast, a fried green tomato benedict, a breakfast sandwich, buckwheat pancakes with blueberries, and more.

It All Comes at a Cost

While Hotel Ella is the ideal place for a romantic weekend getaway, the price of the hotel is expensive. In fact, a single room on a Saturday night in September starts at $419.00 per night–meaning that you’ll spend a fortune to stay here for a weekend. If you have the money or are celebrating something special, though, the Hotel Ella is worth the cost. For a tip, ask about the construction before you go– they’ve been doing some renovations, and it’d be a bummer to spend $500 a night only to have your view impaired by contraction equipment. Perhaps they’ve completed it?