"Mr. Chaffin brings the caliber of quality and service we need to successfully position this hotel as a leader in the Austin luxury market. Additionally, his familiarity with the local and regional markets, along with his involvement in the community make him the ideal person to lead this hotel back to its former glory", says Tom Stacy, the local partner with Highgate Hotels which owns the property. Highgate Hotels of Dallas, Texas, purchased the hotel early last year, and has been in the process of renovating and restoring the hotel with plans to reopen by the end of this year.

"Renovating a hotel is one thing, but, restoring a project of this size is very extensive and time consuming. A restoration requires careful research to ensure as many of the details of the hotel's early period are preserved. Complicating matters here is the hotel's volatile ownership history including numerous renovations and style changes culminated by the closure of the property in 1987. Our company is the first committed to bringing the property back to life as it was originally intended, as Austin's premier luxury hotel. As you will soon see, we will reintroduce the Stephen F. Austin to the community in its best form ever and in grand fashion in December of this year. Our plan is to give Austinites a first look, and then proceed to show-off the property to everyone else with the commencement of the 1999 Legislative session in January. " says Chaffin.

The hotel was first opened in 1924 with an additional five floors added by 1938. Named after the famed Texas colonist, Stephen F. Austin, the hotel was designed with the latest technological advances and highest standards of the time including running ice water, English style butler service and an on-premise beauty salon. The new Stephen F. Austin will be the city's premier luxury hotel with unparalleled quality and service The boutique hotel features 191 guest rooms beautifully decorated in a rich Texas theme. Meeting rooms are equally spectacular including a 4,000 square foot Congressional ballroom overlooking Austin's vibrant downtown.

First class food and beverage service is offered throughout the hotel with two restaurants, two lounges, room service and banquets and catering . The fine dining steakhouse restaurant is accompanied by a second floor cigar bar featuring premium liquors and cigars and terrace seating overlooking Congress Avenue. A charming breakfast and lunch cafe' awaits the casual diner, and a relaxing lobby lounge is the perfect meeting place before dinner.

A state of the art fitness facility is available for guests including men's and women's locker rooms, an extensive weight room and a variety of aerobic exercise equipment  A lap pool, oversize whirlpool and dry sauna are also available and are complemented by onsite massage therapy.

The latest in technology and safety will also be afforded guests with voice mail, computer and internet connections in every guest roorn and meeting room, the latest in on-site audio/visual technology and service and electronic guest roorn door locks. "Truly no expense has been spared to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests. We have also incorporated the latest technology in to every aspect of the hotel without sacrificing the historical significance of the property", claims Chaffin.

Highgate Hotels of Dallas, Texas, owns and operates full service hotels and resorts throughout the United States and Canada