Ruby Hotel
Perched on the banks of Brushy Creek, the Ruby Hotel blends history with bold, modern design. A restored mid-century house anchors the property, now home to a full-service cocktail bar, a dynamic conference space, and inviting gathering areas that seamlessly extend onto a spacious new deck.
Framed by native live oaks, the outdoor spaces overlook the pool, lush grounds, and the creek—offering a stunning backdrop of Central Texas. The Ruby Hotel is a dynamic destination where smart design meets effortless hospitality, creating a vibrant retreat for work, play, and everything in between.
Facts and figures
The Ruby Hotel’s two new, two-story buildings house 39 thoughtfully designed rooms, each infused with curated art and objects that feel collected over time, creating a space that’s both personal and inspiring. A breezeway connects the two buildings, offering seamless flow while sheltering guests from the elements—blending comfort, style, and accessibility in a setting that’s both refined and effortless.
Brand identity
The brand showcases art from The Met’s Open Access collection, a budget-savvy choice that mirrors Ruby’s adventurous collector’s spirit. This curated approach extends into the interiors, where every piece—furniture, accessories, and artwork—feels handpicked, as if gathered over a lifetime, adding depth and authenticity to the hotel’s story.
The spirit of the Ruby Hotel is rooted in a single, unexpected discovery—an old scrapbook found on-site, with a note addressed to “Dearest Ruby.” Who was she? What was her story? This unanswered mystery became the heartbeat of the hotel’s identity, inspiring a rich, imagined narrative that shapes every detail of the guest experience.
Drawing from the era of the letter, the branding team crafted Ruby’s world—her personality, her collections, and her love for adventure. Her story unfolds through layered design, curated objects, and a sense of nostalgia that lingers in every space. More than just a place to stay, the Ruby Hotel invites guests to step inside a story—one filled with curiosity, discovery, and a touch of mystery waiting to be explored.
A forgotten scrapbook. A letter to “Dearest Ruby.” This simple discovery sparked the vision for a hotel inspired by a well-traveled, deeply curious, and effortlessly elegant life—where nostalgia meets adventure and every detail tells a story.
Design details
A timeless welcome, where history and design set the tone
Rich jewel tones, inspired by the mid-century era, set the stage for a timeless and sophisticated environment. Think Wes Anderson meets garden party—punchy, saturated accents paired with Ruby’s carefully curated souvenirs, like a golden tea set and miniature busts.
Smart design is at the heart of the Ruby Hotel, where every detail is intentional. To maximize efficiency and flexibility, Page created a custom shelving and storage system that works seamlessly across all guest rooms and suites. This unified approach minimized waste while ensuring each space feels both functional and beautifully curated.
By designing a system that adapts to different layouts without compromise, the design team achieved a balance of economy and elegance. The result? Thoughtfully streamlined spaces that prioritize guest comfort, offering intuitive storage without sacrificing style. At the Ruby Hotel, innovation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that feel effortless, adaptable, and purposefully designed for modern travelers.
Sustainable design
Every detail of the Ruby Hotel was designed with purpose, honoring the soul of the original home while seamlessly weaving in modern functionality. The project prioritized reuse, preserving key architectural elements and giving them fresh life. The original kitchen island now anchors the Lobby Reception in Building B, thoughtfully reimagined for accessibility. After the walls were relocated, an original gun cabinet in the conference and meeting space found new life—repurposed to accommodate display or AV needs, proving that history can be both preserved and reinvented.
Curated art and accessories bring each space to life, telling a story through hand-selected pieces sourced from flea markets, swap meets, and antique shops across Central Texas. Nothing feels mass-produced—every object holds a history and every detail has meaning. The result is a space that feels layered, collected, and undeniably Ruby: a place where the past and present don’t just coexist but elevate one another.
Branding and signage gallery
/
Community connection
Hotel luxury, local flavor
The Ruby Bar has become a true local watering hole—a neighborhood gathering place where locals stroll over from nearby homes and longtime residents of this once-rural community come together. Just outside Austin, it’s where conversations flow, connections form, and the spirit of the community comes alive.
/
“The Ruby Hotel, a true collaboration between owner and designers, successfully builds on the site’s natural features like a creek, live oak trees and lush grounds to support mental health for guests and locals alike.”America E. Alva, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, RID, WELL APProject ArchitectPage
Similar projects
/
Talk with us
Complex challenges need fresh perspectives and deep expertise. Connect with our team to explore how we can help you create spaces that make a real difference.