Austin, TX (October 5, 2013) – The highly-anticipated opening of Austin’s Hotel Ella has arrived today, following a multi-million dollar restoration of the historic city landmark known as the Goodall Wooten Mansion. A gorgeous Greek Revival property built at the turn of the 20th century by notable Austinites, Dr. Goodall and Ella Wooten, it is only fitting that the hotel’s grand opening coincides with what would be the couple’s 116th wedding anniversary.
“I’m most excited about paying homage to the couple through what we think their home would have been like today,” says General Manager Steve Shotsberger. “I cannot wait to welcome guests to our ‘uniquely Austin’ property and hear their feedback.”
Dr. Wooten was an avid collector, Renaissance man and founder of the University of Texas, while his wife Ella served as one of the city’s most trend-setting philanthropists. She was one of the first women to attend the University of Texas, and became the first woman to serve on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She received a medal for donating more than 8,000 Red Cross volunteer hours in WWI and played host to Austin’s most exclusive fetes. Together, the couple was the inspiration for Hotel Ella’s excellence in design, hospitality and service.
Hotel Ella is minutes away from all things Austin, just three blocks west of the University of Texas campus and a short distance from the Central Business District, Warehouse District and Sixth Street. Completed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, the hotel’s redesign features 48 elegant yet comfortable guestrooms, inclusive of 10 impressive suites, that embody the spirit of sophisticated, sleek design and never lose sight of well-preserved grand mansion elements. Guests experience impeccable service and amenities that fall in line with the refinement, style, and welcoming nature for which Ella Wooten was so well-known. Even pets experience the ultimate luxury at this dog-friendly hotel.
Captivating public spaces include a cabana-lined lap pool with bar access and surrounding courtyard, a wrap-around veranda overlooking an expansive front lawn, and spacious gathering rooms perfect for meetings and events. Just under 3,600 square feet, the Grand Ballroom is divisible into three separate spaces and creates an ideal venue for events, ranging from meetings to weddings. Original crown moldings and mantle work, replicas of the Wootens’ vast collections, stunning artwork and sculpture honoring Austin’s rich history all make incredible backdrops for social gatherings.
Hotel Ella will also serve as home to signature restaurant, Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar, an elevated neighborhood concept serving familiar, timeless dishes with an updated twist from executive chef and James Beard Foundation member, Scott Mechura. The restaurant and bar will also feature an impressive beer and wine list, along with a craft cocktail menu known as “Dr. Wooten’s Remedies & Prescriptions,” which will satisfy all discerning thirsts and palettes.
Hotel Ella is a short 20-minute drive from Austin International Airport. The hotel’s Cadillac Escalade or sedan offers transportation to and from the airport for a small fee, and ground transportation within a three-mile radius of the hotel is complimentary on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hotel Ella is the only property in Texas that is a member of the exclusive group, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™. Rates begin at $249. For more information and to make reservations, please call (512) 495-1800 or visit www.hotelella.com.
