Citizenm Austin Downtown

“Modern Minimalist Digs In Downtown Austin”

This was my first time trying a citizenM hotel, which recently linked up with Marriott, and it was definitely a unique experience. The location at 7th and Colorado in downtown Austin puts you into the heart of the city with many bars, restaurants and attractions (including the Texas Capitol and Lad… more

This was my first time trying a citizenM hotel, which recently linked up with Marriott, and it was definitely a unique experience. The location at 7th and Colorado in downtown Austin puts you into the heart of the city with many bars, restaurants and attractions (including the Texas Capitol and Lady Bird Lake) within walking distance. The second floor lobby is an open, L-shaped space that includes a common lounge area, bar/restaurant area and an open check-in desk. At the check-in desk you check in on a tablet and code your own key, with assistance from staff if needed. Overall it’s a very modern, boutique hotel atmosphere. The rooms are where citizenM is really set apart as an accommodation…for better or worse. The rooms are small, minimalist and very modern. It’s almost like a layout you’d see in a nice van with a single, narrow corridor, a small sink and mirror on one side, a combination toilet and shower room on the other side with a bed all the way at the back extending from wall to wall and up against a large plate glass window. The lights and window shades can be manipulated via either buttons on the wall or a small tablet that’s placed on the narrow desk next to the bed. There are some nifty configurations that combine colored neon lights and ambient sound from the TV to create ambiance for relaxing or sleeping. In terms of storage there are two deep and quite large drawers that pull out from under the bed and a small open closet with a shelf up top near to the door of the room. The space in the room is a lot less than in a typical hotel room but it worked for me as a solo traveler on a leisure weekend trip. A couple traveling light could probably do alright as well at citizenM but there’s not much space to get ready for a big event where a couple might be wearing suits, dresses, etc. Take note that downtown Austin can be quite noisy and I was glad that the staff at check-in pointed me towards a room that faced a courtyard, where you could still hear some street noise (such as sirens or booming bass from a car stereo) but even on the weekend it wasn’t too bad. The courtyard view looked out at many other rooms facing the courtyard but the windows have a pair of shades (one that allows light to pass and another blackout) which worked great. I didn’t patronize the bar or restaurant except for the buffet breakfast in the morning which was not bad, although I received a discount due to my Marriott Bonvoy status. I’m easy in terms of breakfast though. Give me some hot food, some fruit and hot coffee and I’m good to go. Take note that the rooms do not have coffee makers but there was a small refrigerator. At the bar they did have a spigot where you could fill up your own personal water bottle. WiFi throughout the hotel worked just fine for me. In terms of value, I believe that I booked an introductory rate since citizenM had recently joined Marriott Bonvoy of not much over $100 per night. That’s a great rate for downtown Austin and some of that may have had to do with the fact that the middle of December is a slow period for the city. So I definitely felt that I got a great value for the money but I’m sure that prices are higher during Austin’s many festivals and conventions. I think that if you’re a solo traveler or a couple without the need for a lot of extra room space the citizenM would be a good choice if you can get a competitive room rate. It’s very modern (almost futuristic) and the large common area is a nice place to hang out in lieu of hanging in the room. Overall I was happy with my stay at citizenM and will definitely put them on my list of possible accommodations the next time I visit Austin.

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“Some Parts - Exceptional Some - Really Need Work”

I would have left this on the Marriot Bonvoy site, but was not given the opportunity. This is 100% given by me, not AI. There are some things that CitizenM Austin does exceptionally well and some things that really need work. First off, the restaurant/bar staff is exceptional. I was most impresse… more

I would have left this on the Marriot Bonvoy site, but was not given the opportunity. This is 100% given by me, not AI. There are some things that CitizenM Austin does exceptionally well and some things that really need work. First off, the restaurant/bar staff is exceptional. I was most impressed by Myrriah whose style, energy and personality is the benchmark to which all employees should aspire. As I took my meals there I watched her treat each customer as if they were the most important person in the room. Well done. The front desk staff needs some work and could do well from going through a training program to learn that their clientele should be treated properly and not ignored or made to feel like they are doing them a favor. Your job is all about customer service guys. Learn from your restaurant staff. The cleaning staff is exceptional and kept my room spotless. The common spaces are spectacular and exactly what I would like in a hotel. They are comfortable, clean and inviting. The rooms are too small with very little room to move and are barely big enough for one person. I honestly don’t know how too people can stay there without being constantly on top of each other. The television is a joke. I am shocked that a corporation like Marriott would be so cheap on their cable offerings. As a case in point, you had to go downstairs to watch the NFL playoff games because they weren’t available on your room television. No other “real channels or networks” were available either. On balance, if the rooms were just a little bigger and the front desk staff more personable, this would be my “go to” hotel every time.

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