Swisher Sweets flew me out to SXSW for a project, which included photographing Waka Flocka Flame, and told me to pick the hotel of my choice. After rigorous scrolling through Hotel Tonight and Tablet, I decided to select South Congress Hotel in Austin, Texas for its design and proximity to the festival. When I arrived by car service, the bellboys were awaiting me with a very warm "Welcome Ms. James." I stepped out, looked around, and instantly knew that I chose the right place. The hotel manager gave me a one-on-one tour of the property and said "this is where Young Thug performed last night." I was home.

During my guided tour I had the opportunity to see every inch of the hotel – 3 restaurants, 1 coffee shop, Ten Over Ten nail salon, and Sunroom, a women's boutique that had me contemplating a real cash drop. Did I mention the rooftop pool? At every turn, I was admiring the hotel's design. There were elements of the property that reminded me of architecture in Mexico City, mixed with heavy Los Angeles vibrations. The interior was executed by Studio MAI (Hinoki & The Bird, Gjelina), and their custom scent was developed by Air Aroma. I am fascinated with hotel scents and I loved the one at South Congress.

There are few things that make me happier than a heated hotel pool, one of the main reasons I chose this property. The pool deck was quite the reprieve from the hysteria that is SXSW, with a bar, lounge chairs, and plenty of shade for those not trying to get roasted in the Texas sun.

I was pleased to hear that my room had been upgraded and much to my delight, there was a plate of treats awaiting me in my quarters. The room was stacked with a mini-bar and snack station that carried the likes of Haribo gummies, including my favorite Gummi Peaches, which I devoured after an amazing day of seeing 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, and Lil Uzi Vert at Def Dam Digital.

Room service is a must for me while nestled in at a hotel, and at South Congress, they tap into their restaurant Café No Sê for their door-to-door delivery. For breakfast, I made that call and ordered avocado toast with soft boiled egg, crème fraîche, upland cress, Aleppo carrots, red quinoa porridge with almond milk, cocoa nibs, papaya, kiwi, pistachio, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Light, delicious, and healthy – this made for the perfect breakfast while wrapped in my robe and preparing for the day ahead.  I've since started making quinoa porridge at home, as I love a warm bowl of cereal.

Location

South Congress Hotel
1603 S Congress Avenue
Austin TX 78704
Phone:+1 512 920 6405