The LINE Austin
Mid-Century Reinvention on Town Lake
A Landmark Reborn
Once the 1965 Crest Inn, The LINE Austin has been given a bold $19 million transformation that reimagines its mid-century bones with a contemporary Austin sensibility. Set at the meeting point of Town Lake and downtown, the hotel balances raw concrete edges with lush greenery and ceilings draped in sailcloth, creating a sense of effortless movement between indoors and out. Its expansive arched windows frame the lake and skyline, turning every corner into a living postcard of the city.
Design That Flows
The interiors are both eclectic and restrained, a study in balance. The lobby, which opens directly to the waterfront, is layered with natural textures—plants cascading across concrete, earthy tones grounding the furniture, sail-inspired drapery softening the edges. It’s a space that feels alive, blurring boundaries and reflecting Austin’s creative, ever-changing spirit. The result is less a hotel lobby, more a social commons, where locals and travelers alike pause, gather, and look out toward the water.
Rooms Rooted in Simplicity
The 428 guestrooms embrace a minimalist warmth. Sandblasted plywood headboards, exposed concrete columns, and muted palettes of cream and grey keep the spaces calm and grounding, while plush beds, writing desks, and carefully placed textiles provide just enough comfort and color. The aesthetic is organic without being rustic, modern without being cold—an understated canvas for the energy of the city beyond the windows.
Dining by the Water
Anchoring the hotel’s culinary presence is Arlo Grey, the lakeside restaurant helmed by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish. Here, Texas ingredients meet global inspiration in a menu that’s both rooted and imaginative. The restaurant’s design mirrors the rest of The LINE: casual but refined, buzzing but never overwhelming, a place where meals feel as much about connection as cuisine.
The Spirit of the City
The LINE isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a cultural marker. Its location stitches together downtown’s energy with the serenity of the lakefront. On any given day, you’ll find kayakers drifting across the water, locals pedaling the boardwalk, and guests spilling out into the greenery from the open lobby. The hotel channels Austin’s dual personality—wild and reflective, fast-paced and laid-back—without forcing either side.
DNA Hotels Verdict
The LINE Austin is mid-century modern reimagined with Austin soul. It’s a hotel that leans into simplicity and flow, where concrete meets greenery and design meets landscape. For travelers looking for a stay that feels both stylish and deeply tied to place, The LINE offers a front-row seat to the city’s rhythm—timeless yet entirely of the moment.
