Ask the Experts
Q: What was the vision for The Frances Modern Inn, and how has it evolved?
A: From the start, we felt the inn had great bones and the best location, but it needed a more distinct personality. The goal became mixing old and new, adding warmth, color, and texture so the space felt inviting instead of sterile. We hired Kim Lewis Design to lead the transformation. The remodel leaned into bold, earthy palettes, layered materials, patterned wallpaper, vintage and local artwork (especially portraits), and the kind of small details that makes a place feel curated over time.
The common areas were reimagined (patios and rooftop included) as “communal living rooms,” designed for guests to linger and connect. A coffee station, a cozy library, and playful touches like tarot cards helped set the tone. One of the most impactful changes, though, was adding live plants throughout the rooms and shared spaces, details that quietly shift the experience from “hotel stay” to “this feels like someone actually lives here.”
Q: What makes East 11th Street such a special location for a boutique hotel in Austin?
A: East 11th is one of the rare streets left in Austin that still feels dense with local character: independent shops, tasty restaurants, and nearby places to spend an entire day without needing to drive. Guests can truly settle into the street, yet still be close to major city anchors like the Moody Center and Texas Capitol, plus the Eastside’s galleries, venues, and late-night energy.
Q:What does it take to run a boutique hotel day-to-day that most guests never see?
A: A boutique experience looks effortless from the outside, but it’s built on constant repetition and high standards. For The Frances, the foundation is housekeeping. With 15 rooms, every day matters. Rooms are filled, turned, reset, and detailed again—often at a pace larger hotels don’t experience in the same way. The innkeepers and housekeepers are the reason the entire operation works.
Q:What makes each stay feel elevated and personal?
A: Cleanliness and communication every single time. The Frances also leans into a style of hospitality that’s friendly without being scripted. Guests are walked to their rooms, greeted with real conversation, and treated like the staff is genuinely glad they arrived. We like to call it “Frances-friendly,” inspired by our grandmother, Frances, who had a gift for making people feel noticed, welcomed, and cared for.
Q:Why do boutique stays fit Austin so well?
A: Because boutique hotels can reflect the city in a more intimate, local way. The Frances is designed to feel rooted in its neighborhood, not separate from it. Now that the remodel is complete and operations are steady, we aim to be more active in the community, especially through events and partnerships.
Q:What nearby spots do you recommend to guests?
A: Starting with our street: Radio Coffee, Paperboy, Quickie Pickie, Old Thousand, Del Mar Kitchen, and Siti. Plus favorites like Nickel City for nightlife and shopping stops such as Take Heart and Apt F. The point is simple; the best of the Eastside is right outside the door, within walking distance.
Q:What do you hope guests leave with?
A:The Frances is for travelers who want something design-forward but personal—people who prefer character over anonymity and love being able to walk to food, drinks, art, and music. The hope is that guests leave feeling cared for, connected, and like they experienced a real slice of Austin.
Contact:
(512) 675-0011
1123 E 11th St.
thefrancesmoderninn.com
@thefrancesmoderninn
