EExpatCambria is a newer hotel amidst the redevelopment projects taking place near Rainey Street, a historic landmark of homes turned into entertainment venues. Cambria is opposite side of the spectrum with innovative decor and relaxation. Note that parking costs 49USD per day with valet access only. We chose not to rent a car based on our needs in Austin. Came to visit my son and his family with my eldest son, so we wanted to have some options near nightlife activities. Local drivers shared info on the changes made to the nearby historic street, and staff was friendly with all needs. The water statiins were a plus. Where I think Cambria can improve is in the price of the rooms, menu items and operation hours of their lobby bar/roof bar since staff was short during our stay. Walking to the entertainment street required the back alley short trek, and that aspect took away from the lush atmosphere of the hotel. Grafitti and Limestone hotel venues can easily adjust their marketung strategies towards in-house entertainment along with the Valet arrangement to flow more smoothly and affordably. It’s a lovely hotel which can become full circle staycation with a few adjustments regarding that aspect. New business developments working alongside grass roots businesses is key to smooth changes for both visitors and long-time locals. The pool atmosphere is great, the gym is clean, and the first floor waiting area an easy meeting spot.
GGwenyvere9Check-in was a breeze and Veronica at the front desk was very pleasant. Once in the room, because I cleaned up water spilt on the floor, I found the white toilet paper turned absolutely black AND with ***** hairs on it to boot. All this within 1sq ft. I called the lobby and asked how often the floors were mopped. I was told “every day.” I related what I had found to the contrary and was asked if I wished to change rooms to which I said “yes!”. When I went down to retrieve the new key, I took the wadded toilet paper with me and she took a picture of it before throwing it in the garbage! There were two very large, well lit, vending machines in a hallway off the main lobby, and the ice machine was in good working order and the ice, clean and solidly frozen.  I decided I was too tired to check and see if the new rooms’ floor was dirty or not so I proceeded to not ever walk on the floor with my bare feet. The day manager, Mari, was very nice and the coffee was hot fresh out of the thermos on the side table…hot water and tea bags also available. If you detest “sweet ‘n low” bring your own natural sugar.
I ran into the head of housekeeping and happened to mention how disgustingly dirty the floors were in my first room, and I informed her that the night manager had taken a picture of what I had wiped up on my piece of toilet paper and she said she would go and ask to see it. I later learned that Mayra had indeed done so. So that was good attention to detail. Everything in the room worked fine including the remote and TV, the microwave was spotless and looked brand new and it even had a childproof lock on it for those families traveling with curious offspring that haven’t internalized the meaning of “NO” yet 😵💫. The refrigerator was spotless and new looking as well. WiFi was strong and reliable. I walked by the pool, which I noticed was closed (understandable for this time of year!). It was full of water, but I must say that it looked the equivalent of a Louisiana swamp and I was prepared to see a ‘gator come climbing up those darkened, slimy stairs at any point in time.😆 The parking lot at night is VERY well lit around the entire property which is a very welcome sight!
Being right off the interstate doesn’t provide for any exciting venues to walk to but there IS a wonderful grocery store (HEB) .7miles away straight down Rundeburg on Lamar/Rundeburg. Other than that there are a plethora of food trucks doling out South American ‘cuisine’ just yards from the front of the hotel as well as across the street. I didn’t try any of them so cannot opine.
I hope this was worth the read, if indeed you got this far! Cheers!🥂