Carpenter Hotel

The place

Beside Zilker Park in South Austin, Carpenter Hotel inhabits a 1940s Union Hall. With Specht Architects, the building became brick and concrete again — mid-century, utilitarian, unfussy.

The 93 oversized rooms and suites follow the same logic: exposed concrete ceilings, brick walls, light wood. Each opens onto a private terrace, and each keeps a bathroom tiled in blue ceramic.

Outside, a resort-style pool ringed by loungers and greenery. Carpenters Hall serves a modern take on classic Texas cooking in the open air, and the Carpenter Coffee Bar covers the rest — cocktails and light bites.