Samantha Shankman

The Wayback

  • Where:
  • Why:A weekend of grounding
  • When:February 2022
  • Who:Just me :)

"A grounding weekend & introduction to Texas Hill Country"

>
The Wayback That happy, restful gaze after lunch… Knowing that The Wayback’s bed is calling me for a siesta

That happy, restful gaze after lunch… Knowing that The Wayback’s bed is calling me for a siesta

The Wayback The perfect little home that provides a sense of freedom and retreat with plenty of amenities around

The perfect little home that provides a sense of freedom and retreat with plenty of amenities around

The Wayback A curated welcome basket of goods including bath salts, incense, and a snack

A curated welcome basket of goods including bath salts, incense, and a snack

The Wayback What a pleasant, peaceful setting for a night of deep rest. The bed was outrageously comfortable — best sleep I had in weeks!

What a pleasant, peaceful setting for a night of deep rest. The bed was outrageously comfortable — best sleep I had in weeks!

The Wayback The all-natural bath salts in each cottage are perfect for making the most of the Wayback’s oversized tubs and truly grounding down upon arrival

The all-natural bath salts in each cottage are perfect for making the most of the Wayback’s oversized tubs and truly grounding down upon arrival

The Wayback Take a warm bath before stepping into the Wayback’s robe

Take a warm bath before stepping into the Wayback’s robe

The Wayback Waking up after one of the best night’s rest that I’ve had in a long time… A great place to start an extended stay in Austin

Waking up after one of the best night’s rest that I’ve had in a long time… A great place to start an extended stay in Austin

The Wayback I loved opening the windows and door in the morning for fresh air, sunshine, and the birds’ song

I loved opening the windows and door in the morning for fresh air, sunshine, and the birds’ song

The Wayback I loved seeing how the sunshine changed the ambience of every corner in the cottage

I loved seeing how the sunshine changed the ambience of every corner in the cottage

The Wayback It made me feel like a kid again to walk the path between the cottages and cafe… Seen here with some rare Texan frost

It made me feel like a kid again to walk the path between the cottages and cafe… Seen here with some rare Texan frost

The Wayback A brisk walk and a filling breakfast to start Saturday morning right

A brisk walk and a filling breakfast to start Saturday morning right

The Wayback Starting with the curcuma latte made with Fronks — the adored, local, organic, sprouted nut milk

Starting with the curcuma latte made with Fronks — the adored, local, organic, sprouted nut milk

The Wayback The cafe is quiet, bright, and just right for a quick work session

The cafe is quiet, bright, and just right for a quick work session

The Wayback The outdoor pool is surrounded by oak trees and perfect for a dip on hot Austin afternoons. There’s a cabana with towels, drinks, and fun reads

The outdoor pool is surrounded by oak trees and perfect for a dip on hot Austin afternoons. There’s a cabana with towels, drinks, and fun reads

The Wayback I could spend many lazy afternoons here between the cafe, patio, and fire-pit

I could spend many lazy afternoons here between the cafe, patio, and fire-pit

The Wayback There are lots of little corners to sit and relax in the sunshine sprinkled throughout the property

There are lots of little corners to sit and relax in the sunshine sprinkled throughout the property

The Wayback Is taking peaceful walks around a property considered an amenity? It should be

Is taking peaceful walks around a property considered an amenity? It should be

The Wayback A good reminder that — despite the adorable surroundings — we are guests in other creatures’ home

A good reminder that — despite the adorable surroundings — we are guests in other creatures’ home

The Wayback The seasonal menu at The Wayback Cafe provides a balanced selection of healthy plates and southern comfort dishes. The sweet potato-stuffed poblano was one of our favorites

The seasonal menu at The Wayback Cafe provides a balanced selection of healthy plates and southern comfort dishes. The sweet potato-stuffed poblano was one of our favorites

The Wayback The cafe is small so you get to know the front of house team throughout the weekend, but lots of locals come in which makes for great people-watching and a quick way to get a pulse on the local culture

The cafe is small so you get to know the front of house team throughout the weekend, but lots of locals come in which makes for great people-watching and a quick way to get a pulse on the local culture

Highs & Lows

  • The design of this casual lifestyle property puts you in the right mindset for a relaxed getaway as soon as you arrive. Its traditional yet stylish take on farmhouse country makes you want to start scanning Zillow for that plot of land upon arrival.

  • The small staff is so welcoming and friendly that you immediately feel as though you’re among old friends rather than somewhere new.

  • The layout of the property with eight individual cabins plus cafe provides the ideal mix of independence and community no matter the reason for your stay.

  • The location is close enough to the city that it feels super accessible while still providing all the benefits of getting out into nature and the fresh air to unplug — you’ll forget your phone in the room without even realizing it.

  • The owners — local mother-daughter duo Sydney and Vicki — are present on the property throughout the week. This is supporting local hospitality at its best.

  • The property is located right off a main road, which made me wish for just a bit more distance from civilization.

The Barometer

  • Design
  • Location
  • Future Forward
  • Night's Sleep
  • Service
  • Amenities
  • Takeable Treats
  • Refer a Friend
  • Overall Value
  • Life Changing
Total: 46/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Rural Retreat with 8 Cottages

  • Vibe

    Farmhouse comfort with a modern twist

  • Location

    Just off the beaten track

  • Rooms

    8

  • Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience

    The team was super hospitable and proactively reached out when my arrival coincided with some unusual weather. The warm, welcoming messages throughout the planning process made me feel like I was arriving at a friend’s house instead of a hotel!

  • Future Forward

    This is one of the cases where connecting with the past actually moves us towards a more sustainable future. With vintage glasses in the rooms, true traditional keys keys, and full-size bathroom amenities — plastic simply doesn’t meet the eye at The Wayback. The team and in-room messaging encourages guests to be thoughtful and sustainable throughout their stay as stewards of the land and local environment

  • Music

    A relaxing, chilled out mix of singer-song writers with some country classics thrown in

  • Year Opened

    December 2018

  • Designed By

    The Wayback's owners (and mother-daughter duo) Vicky Bly & Sydney Sue designed the space themselves with a mix of modern and vintage influences on a traditional farmhouse look

  • Health & Wellness

    Outdoor pool for cooling off on hot Texas afternoons

  • Food

    The on-property cafe has a seasonal menu that features fresh, local ingredients. There’s a great mix of iconic southern dishes and more modern, healthy choices. Great options for vegan and gluten-free lifestyles

  • Bar, Events & Nightlife

    Sip a custom cocktail on the cafe's patio or hang around the fire for s'mores on cooler evenings

  • Minibar & Retail

    There is bottled water and coffee available in all rooms

  • Accessibility

    Cabin 7 is fully ADA-accessible

  • Pet Friendly

    No furry friends allowed

  • Children

    Yes!

  • Price

    Worth the little extra

  • Tel.

    +1 (512) 520-9590​​

  • Website

    Visit website

The Wayback

The Wayback

9601 Bee Cave Road, Austin, Texas 78733, USA

Commons Ford Ranch

Commons Ford Ranch

614 N Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733, USA

Civil Goat Coffee

Civil Goat Coffee

704 Cuernavaca Dr N, Austin, TX, USA

Lone Star Farmers Market

Lone Star Farmers Market

23526 State Hwy 71, Spicewood, TX, USA

In the Area

Hotel Location 9601 Bee Cave Road, Austin, Texas 78733, USA

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, The Wayback is the perfect introduction to the Texas Hill Country. You get a real sense of the freedom and adventure that’s just beyond the town’s borders with bright stars, stunning sunsets, and views that go for miles and miles. The perfect home to a weekend of farmers' markets, brewery hangs, and outdoor excursions.

Share this Hotel

More AHL

AustinTexas

Austin Proper Hotel

by Natalia Rachlin

“A family of four checks in to the Austin Proper.”

AustinTexas

The LINE Austin

by Jane Lerman

“Austin cool kid hot spot.”

AustinTexas

Heywood Hotel

by Kate Hennessy

“Minimalist Texan chic.”

MarfaTexas

Hotel Saint George

by Katrin Greiling

“Southwestern casual with a crisp European polish.”

Hotel San Jose

by Sarah Owen

“Texan and Western elements polished with urban, minimal design.”