Hotel Ella
Written By: Molly McManus, Simplifiers Apprentice
On October 5, the highly-anticipated opening of Austin’s Hotel Ella arrived, following a multi-million dollar restoration of the historic city landmark known as the Goodall Wooten Mansion. Built in the early 1900’s by Austinites, Dr. Goodall and Ella Wooten, the couple’s contributions to Austin and original antique pieces can be found throughout.
Dr. Wooten was a collector of sculptural and artistic pieces as well as the founder of the University of Texas at Austin, while his wife Ella served as one of Austin’s most respected philanthropists. She was one of the first women to attend the UT, and became the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce.
Hotel Ella is minutes away from downtown and just three blocks west of the UT. Completed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, the hotel’s redesign features over 10 different event spaces, 48 uniquely elegant guestrooms, and 10 extraordinary suites, embodying the spirit of modern, sophisticated design, never losing sight of the well-preserved grand mansion elements. Guests experience the best service possible. While we were there, we were offered water multiple times, doors were held open. Even pets experience the ultimate extravagance at this dog-friendly hotel.
Event spaces include a cabana-lined lap pool with bar access and surrounding courtyard, a wrap-around veranda overlooking the front lawn, and gathering areas perfect for meetings. Original crown moldings and mantle work, replicas of the Wootens’ vast collections, stunning artwork and sculpture honoring Austin’s rich history can be found throughout.
Just under 3,600 square feet, the Grand Ballroom is divisible into three separate spaces and creates an ideal venue for events, ranging from meetings to weddings. Event spaces can be as intimate as 20, and as great as 300. The beautifully manicured front lawn and side lawn have been used for ceremonies and cocktail hours. Prices start at about $500 and go up from there, depending on your event needs.
A full-service boutique hotel that provides complete catering service, Hotel Ella’s rental fees include a six hour time slot, with the following services included in the package at no additional charge: Day of mansion coordinator; engagement photo venue; food tasting for four guests; wedding and groom’s cake cutting; banquet tables and mahogany chiavari charis with white cushions; floor-length white or black cloth linens and napkins; china, flatware, glassware votives.
Hotel Ella additionally opened Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar, serving seasonal, local, familiar, Southern dishes with a gourmet twist from Chef and James Beard Foundation member, Scott Mechura. The restaurant is open to the public, a feature that was not present at the Hotel prior to the reopening. Sunday Brunch, here we come!
Hotel Ella provides transportation to the Austin airport with the hotel’s Cadillac Escalade or sedan (a.k.a Ella 1 and Ella 2) for a small fee. The two vehicles also offer ground transportation within a three miles of the hotel.
The only property in Texas that is a member of the exclusive group, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hotel Ella was recently granted this prestigious accolade. In addition, Hotel Ella has been selected to be one of the inaugural hotels for Southern Living magazine’s esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection.
For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.hotelella.com or call 512.496.1800.
This Venue Spotlight | Hotel Ella was brought to you by The Simplifiers, Austin’s top event planning and personal concierge firm, offering full service event planning for corporate events, weddings, social events and beyond. For more information, visit thesimplifiers.com or call 512-695-7744.