ROOM KEY

Take Me to the Thompson

Your next urban escape just got tastier.

Thompson Hotels may be known for hip locations and haute décor, yet these top properties are also lauded as an intersection of culture and taste. The following hotels are oh-so-tasty, celebrating star chef “culture shifters” and innovative cuisine. So, pack your appetite and get revved for a palate-pleasing escape.

Thompson Buckhead — Dirty Rascal

Led by James Beard-nominated chef Todd Ginsberg, Dirty Rascal’s symbol — a trouble-making spirit of a fox — is a festive anchor to this signature restaurant serving Italian American “red sauce” cuisine. While the modern menu is reminiscent of restaurants you might find in 1960s New York or off-the-strip Las Vegas, expect to also see “theatrical” table-side preparations: During truffle season, fettuccini alfredo may be prepared tableside with shaved truffles.

Culture Lives Here Pairing: Thompson Buckhead collaborated with local artist Huelani Mei Foglemen to create a pop-up sculpture exhibition. Inspired by Dirty Rascal, eight different sculptures debuted throughout the hotel.

Thompson Denver — Chez Maggy

Denver, a.k.a. the Mile High City, is defined by potential: a vast space for exploration and inspiration. With Chez Maggy, Chef Ludo Lefebvre chose to create a new kind of restaurant — one that celebrates Mile-High culture yet is unapologetically French. Chez Maggy is a love-letter to Margaret, Ludo’s mother-in-law who helped others in Colorado. The Denver outpost pays homage to Ludo’s French roots while synthesizing rich culinary traditions with naturally abundant ingredients of the West. Always one for spontaneity, Chef Ludo employs his training by the French Masters to create menus that honor tradition and delight the senses.

Culture Lives Here Pairing: Thompson Denver was made even groovier via a collaboration with Scott Hagen, CEO of iconic record player company Victrola. Hagen curated a bespoke vinyl selection for the new hotel’s 15 suites and the Victrola Listening Lounge in Reynard Social.

The Cape, A Thompson Hotel — Manta

Hailed as a culinary innovator for forward-thinking Mexican cuisine, Executive Chef Enrique Olvera helms Manta. This 114-seat signature restaurant serves sophisticated Mexican flavors executed with a technique celebrating Pacific Rim traditions. Olvera also develops select dishes for the resort’s additional dining destinations, including the al fresco rooftop lounge and lobby bar. Attention to culinary detail — from housemade tortillas to locally sourced seafood — is evident throughout the resort. Manta’s beverage program highlights small-batch tequilas and other aged Mexican spirits; wines from California, Europe, and Mexico; and a selection of local craft beers.

Culture Lives Here Pairing: The Cape makes music the local way with The Shamans, a San Jose del Cabo-based band whose members love music as much as the surf scene. Considered cultural pillars of the region, they play monthly live performances.

Thompson Austin — The Diner Bar

The Diner Bar is founded by two-time James Beard winning chef, Mashama Bailey, and her business partner Johno Morisano. Just what to expect? No detail is too small or overlooked at this only-in-Austin space. Savor a perfect martini, served old school with a sidecar, and indulge in oysters and caviar at the bar while chilling to a home-spun playlist. After that, move on to a menu of both familiar and new dishes — all made with local inspiration. Pair it with an eclectic wine list focusing on expressions of grapes from areas both traditional and unexpected.

Culture Lives Here Pairing: Wellness is on the menu at Thompson Austin, thanks to a collaboration with Mills Miller and his Austin-based, whole-plant hemp brand MINERAL. Aiding in normalizing the use of hemp for wellness and self-care, Thompson Austin features MINERAL’s “SLEEP” sublingual at nighttime and “BALANCE” during the day.