Four Seasons Hotel Austin Launches Employee-Driven "Our Austin" Series

Already stars to the Hotel guests they serve, employees at Four Seasons Hotel Austin are taking a turn as stars of a new Our Austin content series.

Accessed via the Hotel’s website, Our Austin features staff recommendations for some of the most frequently asked questions at the downtown Hotel’s concierge desk, from where to find the best Texas barbecue to the most family-friendly activities in Austin. In all, there are 10 topics covered in the 2015 installment.

“Our employees experience Austin as locals every day, but as hospitality professionals they’re also among the first to try the new restaurants, activities and sights that make Austin such a dynamic destination,” says Rob Hagelberg, General Manager of the 291-room hotel on Lady Bird Lake. “We couldn’t have found better Austin experts.”

Among the topics in the 2015 series:

• 4 Ways to Stay Fit in Austin - As the Hotel’s Laundry Manager, Patrick Candelaria is frequently on his feet throughout the day, but he still makes time to exercise after work and on weekends. In his Our Austin, he shares how he stays active, including the four Austin activities that helped him lose 65 pounds on his journey to get fit.
• 5 Places to Hook ‘Em Horns - Aimed at alumni, parents and soon-to-be Longhorns, Alyssa Valls’ advice focuses on the best places to hook 'em. A recent University of Texas graduate, the Guest Recognition Coordinator shares her go-to spots for tailgating in Austin, where to find UT clothing and much more.
• 5 Barbecue Places Worth the Wait - Barbecue is a must for any Texas vacation, and Residences Concierge Homer Cruz is an expert on the topic, from the many hotspots in Austin to the legendary pit houses on the Texas barbecue trail.
• 5 Spots to Quaff Craft Beer - One of the newest ways to experience Austin is through its burgeoning beer scene, complete with a day trip to the breweries in the Texas Hill Country. But there are also many restaurants and bars closer to downtown Austin where craft beer is king, including the five spots recommended by Richard Cheung, a long-time TRIO server.
• 5 Dog-Friendly Spaces in Austin - Exploring Austin is more fun with a four-legged friend in tow, or so contends Public Relations Director Kerri Sholly in her Our Austin guide to pet-friendly Austin.
• 5 Food Trailers for Fast, Delicious Food - Those whose ideal Texas vacation revolves around eating will love Chef de Cuisine Scott Higby’s suggestions for food on the fly. From the best pizza in Austin to a food truck specialising in kebabs, some of Austin's tastiest food is mobile.
• 5 Kid-Friendly Activities in Austin - Family-friendly activities in Austin abound, and no one knows that better than Accounting Manager Danielle McGillen, a mom to three kids under the age of five. Her list of go-to spots includes The Thinkery, Austin's hands-on children’s museum, and one of the city's "coolest" swimming holes.
• 5 Spots to Soak in Austin’s Music Scene - An accomplished singer and songwriter in her own right, TRIO Hostess Ariel Abshire picks five of her favourite places to soak in the Austin music scene, from hole-in-the-wall bars to one of Austin's oldest dance halls.
• 5 Places to Shop ‘Til You Drop - Stylish Spa Director Mary Kate Piotrowski takes guests inside her perfect day of retail therapy, complete with boutique shopping on South Congress and the place to find the perfect pair of cowboy boots.
• 6 Stores that Satisfy a Sweet Tooth - "Eat dessert first" types of travellers will find it easy to satisfy their sweet tooth with Pastry Chef Amanda Pallagi’s mouth-watering guide to Austin’s best dessert spots.

While the suggestions are intended to help guests discover Austin’s charms, Hagelberg believes the content will be useful to locals as well. “I've lived here for five years and have made it a point to discover the many treasures of Austin; however, I learn something new almost every day from our staff,” he says, noting that recent Austin residents may find the recommendations particularly helpful as they navigate their new hometown.

To access the full list of Our Austin topics, visit the Hotel’s dedicated Our Austin website.