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Keep the adventure going with your pup by your side at this Austin hotel that embraces the local spirit.
August 26 is International Dog Day! To enjoy this paw-some holiday, you may want to take a trip with your furry friend in tow, and for that, Austin is a great destination thanks to its reputation as a pet-friendly city. The capital of Texas sits at number 5 in Hepper’s 2023 most dog-friendly cities list.
Once you’ve locked in on Austin, Origin Hotel is a frontrunner for anyone looking for accommodations where both you and your dog can experience that true Texan hospitality and funky Austin spirit. And if you’re craving adventure, you’re just a short drive from Lake Travis and the start of the Texas Hill Country.
It’s All Austin
Eclectic furniture in the lobby, cowboy hats and records hanging on the walls, and a courtyard with a giant dog mural — opened in June 2022, the Origin Hotel is wall-to-wall Austin. “The goal of the Origin is to accentuate the qualities of the city that the property is in,” says Will Zamaripa, sales administrator at the property.
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Visit one of the other Origin locations in Lexington, Kentucky; Golden, Colorado; or Westminster, Colorado and you can expect a certain level of modern comfort but each still shines with its own personality. In the case of Original Hotel Austin, Zamaripa says “Dogs, being outdoors, and feeling at home are core to the city. So please bring your best friend along for the ride.”
Amenities for Humans and Dogs Alike
Zamaripa estimates that about 10 to 20% of guests take advantage of Origin Hotel Austin’s pet-friendly policy, but the hotel goes beyond simply allowing patrons to bring their pets. “Not only do we provide a free dog bed, toy, bowl, and treat, but there are dog-friendly snacks at our restaurant, Blue Lacy,” Zamaripa says.
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There’s some extra meaning behind the name Blue Lacy that out-of-towners might not know about. Zamaripa explains, “Blue Lacy is Texas’ state dog, and it is just another way we can show off our Texas Pride.”
For people, Blue Lacy’s menu is full of comfort food and diner favorites like a chicken and waffle stack, meatloaf patty melts, and chicken-fried steak blue plate special. For dogs, there’s chicken breast or ground beef on white rice, doggie ice cream, and Bowser beer (a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated “beer” made just for dogs).
As obsessed as you may be with your dog, your stay at Origin Hotel isn’t just about them. There are plenty of attractive amenities for humans too that you can request like an in-room Peloton bike and a yoga kit that comes with a mat, strap, and gym towel. If you’re bringing your kids, you can also get the Kids Adventure Kit, which includes a tent set-up in the room and sleeping bags for some extra fun.
Location, Location, Location
The urban-chic interior of Origin Hotel Austin may be comfortable, but another big plus of staying here is taking advantage of your immediate surroundings. The hotel can be found in the ever-developing Mueller neighborhood where you’re within walking distance of attractions like the Texas Farmers’ Market and Thinkery Children’s Museum, without needing to set up your base in the city’s highly trafficked downtown.
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Really, the jewel of the area is Mueller Lake Park, just one block away. “Our nearby park offers the best place in Austin to walk your dog,” Zamaripa says. “Plenty of grassy space and a beautiful pond with a great view.”
The walk to the 30-acre green space is short, but dog owners may still want to make a pitstop. “Besides visiting the park, you can join other dog lovers at the nearby Woof Gang Bakery,” Zamaripa adds. “They serve dog treats, toys, and grooming services if you want to treat your doggie!”
Those treats would be canine biscuits, cookies, and birthday cakes, and International Dog Day demands at least one of them for your pooch, doesn’t it?
The Travel Details
As you plan your trip to the Origin Hotel, there are a few things to keep in mind. The hotel allows up to two dogs for $50 per pet, per stay. Each dog must not exceed 100 pounds, and service animals are exempt from fees.
If you live in Texas, ask about the 15% local discount. The hotel also offers a 20% discount for guests staying three nights. Find out more information and book your stay on Origin Hotel Austin.
