An infill project in Austin’s bustling South Congress (SoCo) district, Hotel Magdalena is a premier destination for guests and Austin residents alike. The hotel complex–which includes a restaurant, speakeasy, and pool bar–activates its urban streetscape, while maximizing interior open space for tranquil courtyard gardens. The design of these courtyards – overlooked by hotel terraces and rooftop gardens – capitalizes on the site’s dramatic and challenging topography with planted quarry block retaining walls, an event lawn enveloped by lush native plants, and a unique central pool deck with skyline views of downtown Austin. Bald cypress, Mexican sycamore, and native ornamental trees provide shade and interest to all levels of the complex and complement large, existing live oaks that have been preserved in place. stormwater surface flows through vegetated swales to lower-level rain gardens, with pedestrian bridges that traverse the ephemeral creek. Planting is irrigated with stormwater runoff and HVAC condensate harvested from the buildings, making for a verdant yet sustainable SoCo retreat. The landscape architecture truly connects hotel visitors in an abstract way to the sensory experience of the mysterious hill country springs and canyons through regional materials and playful design with a sense of discovery at every turn.