The lobby of The Thompson in Austin
Highlights include the Apres Ski Party on Dec. 19 with a s’mores station, shot skits and fire and ice cocktails. And it wouldn’t be Austin without live music! On Dec.14, there’s a concert — and spend the night, because the next morning there’s a gift-wrapping station and artisan gift market.
It all leads up to the big events for New Years. The New Years Eve bash is inspired by “Spotify Wrapped” with themed spaces all over the hotel centered around Austin’s music scene. Expect burlesque performers, caviar, DIY art stations and a bespoke martini cart. On New Years day, indulge in the First Sip Brunch with a hair-of-the-dog cocktail menu.
Located in downtown Austin, the boutique hotel offers the ultra-modern design the Thompson brand is known for with Hill Country accents. Think rustic leather and dark woods mixed with cement walls that are thoughtfully lit. The same building houses The Tommie, which is the Thompson’s budget-friendly concept with smaller rooms but access to all the high-end amenities.
The hotel is home to three unique dining concepts: Fifth Street Diner is a picturesque and sun-filled daytime diner serving pancakes the size of pizzas and sandwiches stacked to epic proportions. Royale Room is made for a GNO with girl dinner of a martini, fries and Caesar salad being its specialty. But the party really gets started at Arriba Abajo. It’s on the pool deck and is covered in greenery and large daybeds. Here, the pizza is topped with lobster and the margs are made with smoky mezcal. Cheers!
The Royale Room
The lobby
Lobster Pizza at Arriba Abajo
The entrance to Arriba Abajo
A drink at Arriba Abajo
The lobby
Casey Axelrod, Stacey White, Christy Robinson, Laura Lewis and Mia Oliva
“Not only was the Cotton Tailgate the largest tailgating space at 3,700 square feet, but it featured eight chandeliers, six large screen TVs, dedicated lounge spaces specially decorated for UT and A&M fans, and a massive charcuterie stadium made out of solid cheese which served as a replica of Kyle Field,” explained a rep for Cotton. “Cotton Culinary Executive Chef Wade Schindler also prepared a game-worthy lineup including dino ribs, Texas caviar, RC Ranch Wagyu hot dogs, steak au poivre potatoes, brisket sliders and much more.”
Bell himself was a genuine celeb at the game. He participated in the coin flip to start the game with Gov. Greg Abbott, and he sponsored the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown trophy — this year taken home by the UT Longhorns.
VIPs in the crowd included famed former A&M coach R.C. Slocum, NFL great Quan Cosby, ESPN host Pat McAfee, Duke Austin, Randy McIlvoy, Whitney and Marc Lawson, Donae Chramosta, Shelley Ludwick, Hunter Bell, Bailey and Hayden Layne and Cotton execs Bryan Michalsky and Zinat Ahmed.
Cotton Holdings. is a leading disaster and infrastructure support services company headquartered in Houston, the company says.
Hayden and Bailey Layne
Stacey and Russell White, Pete Bell and Zinat Ahmed
Pat McAfee
Longhorn fans
Cynthia and Heath Bratton
Bryan Michalsky and Pete Bell
Donae Charmosta and Zinat Ahmed