Liz Lambert, the master hotelier who arguably jump-started Austin's boutique hotel explosion with her renovation/reinvention of Hotel San Jose on South Congress several years ago, will soon take over management of the Austin Motel, the Austin American-Statesman reported Monday. Hotel San Jose's South Congress neighbor, Austin Motel has an international reputation as a quirky, fun, and relatively affordable (especially during SXSW) vacation spot—and for its cheeky, eye-catching marquee, which now graces all matter of touristana.
According to the Statesman's Shonda Novak, Connecticut-based investment management firm Greenfield Partners on Monday bought the motel, along with adjacent businesses including The Turquoise Door and Blackmail Boutique. Through a group called Hotel SJ Owner LP, Novak added, Greenfield Partners also owns Hotel San Jose, Lambert's former hotel.
Lambert informed the Statesman of the management change in an exclusive letter, reported Novak. The motel will join four others under the management of Lambert's Bunkhouse hospitality group: Hotel San Jose and Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin; El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas (where Lambert also restored the Thunderbird motel); and Hotel Havana in San Antonio. Lambert also plans to open Hotel Magdalena at Academy Drive and Music Lane off South Congress in 2018 and Hotel San Cristobal in Todos Santos, Mexico, later this year.
• Liz Lambert, SoCo’s hotel queen, takes over iconic Austin Motel [AAS]