News Summary
Fairmont Austin has been awarded a four-star rating by the Forbes Travel Guide in its 2025 awards list, highlighting the city’s luxury hospitality. This recognition is part of a broader trend, with multiple Texas hotels making the cut. Additionally, new direct flights from Austin to Miami and Philadelphia are set to enhance travel options, making Austin an increasingly desirable destination for visitors.
AUSTIN SHINES WITH FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE RECOGNITION
Big news for Austin! The Fairmont Austin has just snagged a shiny four-star rating in the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 awards list. This accolade puts Fairmont Austin on the map as one of the top luxury hotels, joining a celebrated lineup of properties that have achieved similar honors.
Forbes Travel Guide is no small player in the hospitality world. Established back in 1958 as the Mobil Travel Guide, this acclaimed global rating system evaluates hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises, assigning ratings that range from five-star to recommended. With a total of 28 Texas properties making headlines this year, including a noteworthy nine from our very own Austin, it’s clear that Texas hospitality is truly shining bright.
A DEEP DIVE INTO THE 2025 AWARDS
This year marks the 67th annual Forbes Travel Guide list, which evaluates nearly 2,200 properties worldwide. The ratings stem from rigorous inspections, where anonymous inspectors visit each nominated destination, evaluating everything from service to the overall guest experience. Notably, these ratings cannot be bought—participants simply pay a fee to be considered.
Among the awards, only three Texas properties earned the coveted five-star rating: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, and the Post Oak’s spa. Excitingly, The Ritz-Carlton Dallas is the only new Texas addition with a recommended rating this year, alongside the luxurious Post Oak Hotel that snagged a five-star accolade.
HOTELS IN AUSTIN AND BEYOND
As we celebrate Fairmont Austin, it’s important to recognize that this is part of a larger trend of excellence. The Commodore Perry Estate is making waves too, having been ranked as the No. 5 best resort in Texas by Travel + Leisure readers. Over in Austin, the Hotel Saint Cecilia takes the crown as the No. 1 hotel, offering a unique blend of vintage design and luxurious amenities, making it a popular choice among visitors.
Other notable mentions in the capital include Hotel San José and Archer Hotel Austin, which were voted as the second and third best hotels in Austin, respectively. Meanwhile, in Houston, the Lancaster Hotel was praised for its exceptional service and luxurious offerings, securing the top spot in the Houston category.
NEW FLIGHTS AND TRAVEL PERKS
Keeping up with the exciting news, Frontier Airlines announced two new nonstop flights from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Miami and Philadelphia, set to launch on May 22. With introductory fares starting as low as $39, it’s a fantastic opportunity for travelers eager to explore new destinations. With these new routes, Frontier expands its total destinations from Austin to 10, operating flights three times a week.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR AUSTIN?
As the accolades continue to roll in, it’s clear that Austin is not just a trendy destination for live music and food but is also stepping up its game in the hospitality arena. Every award highlights the importance of personal touches and exceptional service that define the best in luxury travel. As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, visitors can expect nothing less than an outstanding experience when choosing Austin as their travel destination.
So, for those looking for a memorable stay or planning a getaway, Austin is proving to be one of the best places out there. With luxury hotels, fantastic new flight options, and award-winning properties, it’s a fabulous time to explore everything this vibrant city has to offer!
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Additional Resources
- KXAN News: 9 Austin Locations Receive Forbes Travel Guide Awards
- Wikipedia: Forbes Travel Guide
- CultureMap Austin: Commodore Perry Among Travel + Leisure World’s Best
- Google Search: Commodore Perry Estate
- Sunset Magazine: Best City Hotels 2024
- Google Scholar: City Hotels 2024
- Community Impact: Bastrop Named Best Family Destination
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bastrop, Texas
- Spectrum Local News: Award-Winning Texas Travel Destination is New Braunfels
- Google News: New Braunfels, Texas
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
