DESTINATION AN HOUR AND A HALF AWAY ITALIAN ESCAPE
Carla Valencia de Martinéz | Photography provided by Granduca Austin
It ’ s pretty clear from the moment you drive up to the hillside basin where the HOTEL GRANDUCA AUSTIN sits that there really isn ’ t another place quite like this . Unless of course you ’ ve stayed at its sister property , the Granduca Houston . The familiar warm Tuscan palette covers the hotel – from the walls with detailed and layered crown molding to the lush textiles and antique furnishings . It ’ s these layers of understated luxury that make the Granduca feel more like a private Italian villa and less like a hotel .
But the Austin location sits atop a beautiful hillside offering panoramic views that feel very European . This location was key to developer Giorgio Borlenghi and his family ’ s decision to open a second outpost of his hotel brand . The Duke of Monfallito ’ s 16th-century palazzo was the inspiration for the Granduca and the luxury property is exquisite in its attention to detail ; from design to service , nothing is lacking . There are 194 rooms and suites , which feel like guest rooms rather than generic hotel rooms . Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi , 24-hour concierge service , 24-hour business center , twice daily housekeeping , complimentary shoe shine , multilingual staff , saltwater pool , Jacuzzi , billiard room , outdoor courtyard and veranda – and the hotel is pet-friendly .
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38 LOCAL | march 17