Todd V. Wolfson

Best Hotel Restaurant & Pool Redo

Chavez and the Radisson Pool

Where once clunky chain-restaurant formula sat, a glorious expanse of grace and efficiency now resides. Austin architectural legend Michael Hsu and design branders FÖDA Studio have given Shawn Cirkiel's chavez – located at the corner of Congress & Lady Bird Lake in the old TGI Friday's – a modern and casual flow worthy of the real estate. Chavez beams with warm woods, hieroglyphic letters, bright tile, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering guests an appreciation of the landmark spot – home of Austin's nightly bat exodus. Outside, four single-stream fountains create perfect arcs to accentuate the surroundings and highlight what is now, clearly, way more than some after-thought chain hotel pool. This is a gentle relaxation station delivered with vision in the bustling heart of a vibrant city.

Radisson
111 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/478-9611
www.radisson.com/austintx