(Austin) — It’s been many years since I was in Austin and decided to hit back the Hotel San Jose, one of the first DIY boutique hotels in the country, carved out of an old motel. It helped revitalize the whole South Congress hip strip of Austin into one of the Soul Centers of the Universe of Cool, blahblahblah, you’ve read all about it, it’s in every guidebook and website about Austin.  It still works.

Spartan, hip but makes you feel good.  The scene around the patio at night is festive and like family, even though you may not know anybody.  Get a room in the back for a little more quiet.

The lobby.

The San Jose helped create the whole “Spartan Cool” movement…if there even is such a thing.