Last week I stayed at the recently renovated Hyatt Regency Austin. In the past, I frequently stayed at the Hyatt Regency Austin. I also wrote a review of the Hyatt Regency Austin before and during the renovations. The common areas of the hotel started to look a bit outdated, so it was definitely time for a renovation. However, my biggest complain about the hotel back then, was the mediocre breakfast and the lack of cappuccino / espresso during breakfast. Please read below if this specific item was also addressed during the renovations and whether the Hyatt Regency Austin can now compete with the JW Marriott or W hotel also in downtown Austin.
Updated Common Areas
When you enter the freshly, renovated Hyatt Regency Austin, you immediately notice the brighter colors. New, bright carpets and tiles with walls painted in an off-white color. It definitely looks up to date again. The biggest change is in the restaurant / bar area. New furniture and the bar is now facing the river. The big windows can be opened, so even during the middle of November, you can enjoy the incredible Austin warm weather when sitting inside.
The menu is still not extensive, but during my stay I tried out the Caesar Chicken Salad and the red snapper dish. Both were pretty good. So for the few evenings when you don’t want to venture out to downtown, the Hyatt Regency Austin onsite restaurant is a good option.
The power of Ferrari!
Fortunately, the breakfast area at the 2nd floor is also dramatically updated with completely new furniture. This was probably the area which was in most need for a big upgrade. The buffet is still the same as before the renovations though and this will never get an award for best buffet in Austin. It’s sufficient but don’t expect a big selection of fresh fruit or pastries. I do like the scones with strawberry jam though!
Every time I visited the Hyatt Regency Austin in the past, I asked for a cappuccino during breakfast. And every time, the answer was that they only serve black drip coffee. My feedback on this never moved the needle. Hyatt Regency Austin management never budged; they simply refused offering cappuccino or espresso during breakfast. Or during any time of day for that matter. Would the renovations have changed this?
I was shocked to now hear that they did have cappuccino! I was pleasantly surprised and was keen to find out what happened. Did the construction company throw in a free cappuccino machine to win the renovation bid? Was there a change in management?
It was in fact the Italian Ferrari Formula One Racing Team! When the Italian Ferrari Racing team recently stayed at the Hyatt Regency Austin hotel, they were also shocked to find out that the hotel didn’t offer cappuccino / espresso during breakfast. The Ferrari Racing Team apparently had a lot more power to convince the local Hyatt Management to purchase a decent coffee machine because they rushed to get a coffee machine and satisfy the Racing Team in red from Maranello.
If they also buy some good quality coffee beans next time – the coffee was very bitter -then I can finally enjoy a decent cappuccino at the Hyatt Regency Austin!
Conclusion
The question was whether the completed renovations at the Hyatt Regency Austin were a good improvement and whether the hotel can now compete with the JW Marriott and W hotel in downtown Austin.
I still rate the JW Marriott and W hotel in downtown Austin higher than the Hyatt Regency Austin. The renovations don’t change that. But both these hotels have a much higher room rate so when you look at value for money, taking into account the location, the Hyatt Regency Austin still offers a good deal. Expect for the overnight parking fee (>50$) which I think is very steep.
The hotel was in a dire need for an upgrade especially in the breakfast area. So it’s good to see that this is now completed and that the hotel now finally offers cappuccino / espresso during breakfast.
The rooms are also slightly updated, but no big changes there. There is also a ‘Juniper Breeze’ market where you can get some snacks and drinks. This replaces the Starbucks which was previously onsite.
All in all, I wouldn’t hesitate booking again at the Hyatt Regency Austin hotel. I still like the location just across the river. With an improved breakfast and restaurant/bar area, it only got better.
Also read my review of the Hyatt Place next to the airport in Austin. A decent option if you want to stay next to the airport because of an early or very late flight.
I also post flight reviews on my Youtube Channel such as my review of Premium Economy on American Airlines. Check it out and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more reviews!
Leave a Reply