Stay cool by the pool with a free book

The citizens of the great metro area of Austin get worked up about a lot of things. Traffic, weather, Fredericksburg peaches—you name it: There is passion; there are opinions.

Two of the most dearly held enthusiasms for Central Texans are, of course, cool water and good books. But it took a great regional institution, the Texas Book Festival, to come up with a tastes-great-together combination that perfectly integrates both passions.

Most locals know that, for a price, we can luxuriate occasionally at the swanky/boutique Austin hotels that offer day passes. (If you do not know of this phenomenon, please proceed posthaste to our guide map of hotels that offer pool passes.)

Next Wednesday, the beloved and popular Texas Book Festival will capitalize on our need for relief from spiraling temperatures with our literary aspirations at a one-day event that speaks to both desires. At 8 a.m. that day (June 26), it will provide a “sneak peek” at the 2019 Texas Book Festival lineup.

The festival is partnering with several Austin hotels for the event and a deal: Purchase a pool pass at one of the partner hotels on that day, and the fest will give you a brand-new or recent title by one of the authors presenting at the 2019 festival.

A portion of the proceeds from the pool pass purchases will benefit the Texas Book Festival.

Participating hotels

Austin Motel: $20 day passes available at the hotel front desk starting at 8:00 a.m. daily Guests who purchase one of Austin Motel’s Splash Cash card ($100) and/or redeem one of their 10 swims this day can partake in the one-day summer event

East Austin Hotel: $25 day passes that can be used 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and include poolside food and drink service, complimentary wifi, and self-parking

Hotel Ella: $25 day passes that can be used 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and include courtyard access, a towel, and valet parking

The Line Austin: $25 day passes available for purchase at the hotel front desk starting at 11:00 a.m. and include parking validation

W Austin’s Wet Deck: $15 day passes that can be used 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.