FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Hotel Ella
What parking options are available at the hotel?
The hotel offers on-site valet parking for guests at a rate of $45 per night or $6 per hour. Guests dining at our restaurant or visiting the Parlor Bar can enjoy two hours of complimentary valet parking with their dining purchase.
Does Hotel Ella offer airport shuttle service?
Unfortunately Hotel Ella does not provide shuttle services at this time. We recommend using Uber, Lyft, or other ride-share services.
How far is the hotel from The University of Texas?
The hotel is a 15-minute walk from The University of Texas.
What to Know About Your Stay
What are the check-in and check-out times for guests?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request, but this cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Is there Wi-Fi available in the hotel?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel for all guests.
Are meals such as breakfast or dinner included in the stay?
Breakfast and dinner are not included with the stay. Guests are encouraged to check the Dining page for the offerings at Goodall's restaurant and The Parlor.
Are there mini-fridges in the rooms?
All guest rooms are equipped with mini-fridges.
Are there microwaves in the rooms?
Microwaves are not available in the rooms, nor can they be provided upon request.
Do the rooms have coffee makers?
All rooms are equipped with Nespresso machines along with decaf and caffeinated espresso pods, cream, and sugar.
Do the rooms have safes?
The rooms are not equipped with safes at this time.
Do the rooms have bathtubs?
Not all of the rooms have bathtubs. Guests who wish to request a room with a bathtub should call or email for assistance.
Guest Policies
Is Hotel Ella pet friendly?
Hotel Ella is pet friendly. There is a one time fee of $50.00 for any pets checked in. Pets are not allowed in the food service outlets. Service animals are exempt from these rules.
Are guests allowed to smoke at the hotel?
Our hotel is completely smoke-free, and smoking is not permitted in public areas or within 15 feet of any hotel entrance. To maintain a smoke-free environment, a $250 cleaning fee will be charged to the account of any guests who smoke in their room or in public event spaces.
Are guests able to request feather-free bedding?
All bedding is featherless and allergy-friendly.
Hotel Amenities
What are the pool courtyard hours?
The pool is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for hotel guests only, except when it is reserved for private events.
What are the rules for the pool area?
Guests are not allowed to bring outside food or beverages into the pool courtyard, and glass containers are strictly prohibited. For more details on additional rules and regulations, please call (844) 720-1497.
Can guests invite friends to join them at the pool?
Non-hotel guests may purchase daily pool passes through Resort Pass, depending on availability. For information regarding pool availability, guests can call (844) 720-1497.
Does the hotel have a fitness center?
The fitness center is open 24/7 for the convenience of hotel guests.
Does the hotel offer in-house spa or salon services?
The hotel does not offer in-house spa or salon services at this time, but recommendations are available at the front desk.
Does the hotel offer laundry services?
The hotel provides off-site dry cleaning services. For pricing and pick-up times, guests should contact the front desk.
Reservations, Cancellations, and Payments
What is the process for booking a room in the historic mansion, and how can guests confirm if their room is located in the Hotel Ella Mansion?
To book a room in the historic mansion, guests should visit the website and look for rooms labeled “Mansion,” including the Ella Parlor Suite. Reservations for these rooms can be made up to six months in advance, unless booking for a private event. To confirm the location of a reservation before booking or upon arrival, guests can call or email the hotel. For inquiries regarding private events, guests should submit their information to the sales team.
What is included in the resort fee?
The destination fee includes access to the on-site gym and pool, housekeeping services upon request, an in-room Nespresso machine, and daily newspaper deliveries to the lobby, including the Wall Street Journal and Austin-American Statesman.
What are the cancellation policies?
The hotel offers three rates for each room, providing different levels of flexibility:
Non-refundable (NR): This rate is charged at the time of booking and is non-refundable.
Semi-Flexible (SF): Cancellations made within 14 days of arrival are subject to 100% of the reservation cost.
Fully Flexible (FF): Cancellations made within 2 days of arrival are subject to 100% of the reservation cost.
What payment methods are accepted?
The hotel accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, cash, and various online payment systems.
Why is there a $250.00 charge that guests notice before or after their stay?
The $250.00 charge that guests see is an authorization hold placed at the beginning of their stay, which is released at checkout. This hold may appear as a charge, and the timing of its release on a bank statement depends on the guest's bank. For any questions or confirmation regarding billing, guests are encouraged to call or email for assistance.
Does the hotel offer a rewards program for returning guests?
The hotel is currently developing a rewards program for returning guests. More information will be available soon.
Additional Services and Accommodations
What is the best way to contact Goodall’s Kitchen for reservations?
The best way to contact Goodall’s Kitchen for reservations is through OpenTable. Guests can easily book a table online for their convenience.
Can the hotel assist with planning a surprise for a special occasion?
The hotel can assist in planning a special occasion surprise, like a birthday or anniversary. Interested parties should contact the hotel at (844) 720-1497 to discuss ideas and explore how the hotel can make the occasion memorable.
Does the hotel have ADA accessible rooms?
The hotel offers one ADA accessible room. Please call for assistance if this accommodation is needed.
Can the hotel provide a crib or a rollaway bed?
The hotel does not provide cribs, but it does have pack-n-plays available upon request, as well as rollaway beds for certain room types. Guests should contact the front desk for more details and to arrange this.
Weddings at Hotel Ella
What is the maximum capacity of the Grand Ballroom?
The Grand Ballroom can accommodate a maximum of 220 guests seated (including tables on the veranda). If a dance floor and stage are included, the capacity is reduced to 180 guests, with a stage size not exceeding 16x24 feet. For seating, the venue can accommodate 10 guests at each 60-inch round table or 10 per 8-foot table, making it particularly suitable for events with DJs.
Are menu tastings offered?
Hotel Ella provides complimentary tastings for the bride and groom. For more information, guests should reach out to the Event Services Manager.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Dietary restrictions are accommodated. Guests can contact the Event Services Manager for assistance.
Are outside catering services permitted?
Hotel Ella serves as the exclusive caterer for events. However, a customizable menu can be created with the chef for an additional fee. Guests are welcome to bring their own desserts at no extra charge, as well as late-night snacks (served during the final hour or for an after-party), which may incur a fee.
Are there any restrictions or guidelines regarding alcohol service?
Outside alcohol is not allowed in public areas of the hotel, including Goodall's, Parlor Bar, Parlor Room, Front and Side Lawns, Pool Courtyard, or Ballroom. Guests can consume outside alcohol in their hotel rooms.
Are there any restrictions or rules regarding decorations or entertainment?
Decorations and signs must be installed in a manner that does not permanently damage the venue. Staples, tacks, tape, nails, and paint are not permitted. For specifics, please refer to the 'Decorations & Signs' section in the contract. Only attached streamers are allowed, and a $350 cleanup fee will apply for confetti. While biodegradable confetti is available, it takes time to disintegrate. Additionally, only real flowers are permitted on the lawn for ceremonies.
Are firework displays permitted on the property?
Fireworks are not allowed due to safety regulations. However, sparklers are permitted in designated outdoor areas.
Is there on-site accommodation for guests, and can a bridal suite be reserved?
Hotel Ella offers a selection of 47 rooms, including 9 in the mansion. It is advisable to reach out to the Sales Manager for current availability and rates.
Is there parking available for guests, and can a room block be arranged for wedding guests, including group rates?
Hotel Ella offers overnight valet parking for $45.00 per vehicle, which includes in-and-out privileges. For day-use valet parking during scheduled functions, the cost is $15.00 per vehicle. Additionally, a room block can be arranged for wedding guests. For more information on group rates, it is recommended to reach out to the Sales Manager.
Is there a wedding coordinator or planner available to assist?
An insured event coordinator is required for all weddings. Hotel Ella must receive the name and details of the event coordinator at least 30 days prior to the event. For more information, please refer to the 'Wedding Planner Policy' section in the contract.
What is the schedule for setting up and breaking down the wedding?
The Event Space Rental Fee includes access to the contracted spaces and times, with an additional 2 hours of complimentary setup and 1 hour for breakdown. The venue can be accessed 4 hours prior to the contracted start time on the day of the event.
What is the backup plan for outdoor weddings in case of bad weather?
The decision to implement the Rain Plan must be communicated to the manager on duty by 9:00 AM on the day of the event. The inclement weather plan will be established during the final planning meeting, which takes place approximately one month prior to the event. For more details, please refer to the 'Rain Plan/Room Flip' section in the contract.
What is the payment schedule for booking and finalizing the wedding reservation?
For details on the payment schedule, it is recommended to refer to the 'Payment Terms and Billing Procedures' section of the contract or to reach out to the Event Services Manager for more information.
What is the cancellation policy if the wedding date needs to be changed?
Please refer to the 'Cancellation of Event' section in your contract for details on our policy.
What is the pricing structure, and are there any additional fees to be aware of?
For detailed information on pricing and potential additional fees, it is recommended to contact the Event Services Manager.
What security measures are in place?
For events and meetings with more than 100 attendees, at least one off-duty police officer is required, as determined and organized by the hotel. The charge is $75 per hour plus sales tax per officer, with a minimum billing of four hours to the master account.
Does the venue provide audiovisual equipment?
The venue provides various audiovisual equipment, including wireless microphones, (2) PA systems, (2) 60-inch LCD TVs, an 8-foot Epson projector and screen, and a podium. For pricing details, guests should contact their Service Manager.
Can a photoshoot be done at the venue before the wedding?
Brides can access the venue free of charge prior to the wedding. It is recommended to contact the Sales Manager or Service Manager to schedule a visit.
Can a send-off be organized from the venue?
The front stairs and sidewalk are the most popular locations for send-offs. It is important to note that while cold sparks are permitted, confetti and similar items are not allowed.
Are day-of coordination services available at the venue?
The venue does not provide day-of coordination services. Arrangements for coordination and planning will need to be handled independently.
Have other questions? Feel free to contact the front desk!