Fresh takes on hospitality rising in Central Texas
By JT Long
Hospitality digs along I-35 in Central and South-Central Texas are building up and out faster than my waistline at a backyard barbecue. From Round Rock to Alamo Heights, convention center expansions, new hotel builds and thoughtful renovations prove that the world has discovered the charms of these two historic towns dating back to the early 1700s and 1800s.
Smart Meetings scouted the back-forty ballrooms and gussied up VIP suites to round up the sweetest show spaces around. Take a gander.
Resources
Visit Austin
[email protected] • visitaustin.org
[email protected] • visitsanantonio.com
Reasons Why Meeting Planners Love Austin & San Antonio
Future-focused. Both cities are investing in modernizing event infrastructure to set the stage for a robust future. The $1.6 billion renovation of Austin Convention Center, opening in 2029, dug deep underground to double the size of the building to more than 700,000 sq. ft. while enhancing connection to downtown, incorporating outdoor spaces and ratcheting up the tech and sustainability quotient.
Wellness coming soon. New properties such as Canyon Ranch Austin in Texas Hill Country, scheduled to open in the fall, put the accent on relaxation, open spaces and connection. Canyon Ranch will encompass the largest spa in Texas, and a team of health and performance professionals will complement 15,000 sq. ft. of fitness barn space, including a yoga deck and recovery lab. In the Rainey Street District, 1 Hotel Austin is opening this year with a pet-friendly focus on sustainability, stunning views and holistic treatments.
Foodie paradise. From Austin’s legendary Franklin BBQ trailers worth standing in line for and Veracruz All Natural migas tacos to Parisian macarons at Bakery Lorraine in San Antonio’s Pearl District, local flavors shine in private dining rooms and on catering menus. When in San Antone, consider channeling the city’s robust German roots by putting breakfast schnitzel inspired by Schilo’s on the BEO next to Fiesta De Los Reyes at Market Square’s anticucho flame-broiled beef skewers.
Attendance high notes. Since both destinations score high on the bleisure appeal for culture (live music in the case of Austin and history in the case of San Antonio), attendance could hit all-time highs without too heavy a marketing lift. Bats on Lady Bird Lake and boats on San Antonio River Walk lend a sense of place to the destination that won’t soon be forgotten.
Places to Meet & Stay
Fairmont Austin
The address for luxury in the Live Music Capital caters to groups with indoor/outdoor spaces, an oversized Congressional Ballroom and elevated catering.
148,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 1048 guest rooms
The Monarch San Antonio, Curio Collection by Hilton
The city’s newest luxury property is steps from Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and San Antonio River Walk with views of the skyline from the signature La Mariposa patio in the shade of a butterfly sculptural piece.
20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 200 guest rooms
Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk
Between Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and San Antonio River Walk, this contemporary property recently completed a $9 million renovation that added new restaurant options and upgraded technology connections.
115,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 1,003 guest rooms
The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
A $57 million redo of this 116-year-old Marriott Tribute Portfolio property added a recording studio, a speakeasy and Beaux-Arts details. Tributes to Robert Johnson, who recorded there in 1936, abound.
20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 311 guest rooms
Thompson Austin by Hyatt
This dramatic downtown property seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor views with 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, retractable walls opening onto patios with outdoor fireplaces. The property capitalizes on sweeping city views and elevated F&B.
6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 212 guest rooms
This article appears in the May/June 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
