Courtesy of Hotel Otto
Hotel Otto features eight 160-square-foot bungalows made from shipping containers.
Tim Love can now add "hotelier" to his resumé.
The notable Fort Worth chef — known for popular establishments like Woodshed Smokehouse, Lonesome Dove, and Atico — is venturing into the hospitality industry with what he's dubbing a "micro-resort" right by his Italian restaurant, Gemelle, in The River District.
Located at 4400 White Settlement Road, Hotel Otto takes its name from the eight, 160-square-foot bungalows made from shipping containers by Waco-based tiny home company CargoHome ("otto" is the Italian word for "eight"). Each room comes outfitted with a queen-sized bed, smart TV, walk-in shower, Hermès bath amenities, and a refrigerator — plus a rooftop deck offering views of the Trinity River.
An added touch, Love says, is the highly personalized experience guests should expect during their stay. Upon arriving, guests will be welcomed with fresh breadsticks and pesto from the garden, an Aperol Spritz setup and glasses to take home, a small bottle of Prosecco, ice, and a recipe card so guests can replicate the cocktail at home.
Around 5 p.m., a mixologist will knock on every door of each bungalow offering happy hour cocktail service (a service called "Knocktails" — get it?). Each rooftop deck will also have a Yeti cooler that guests can have stocked with their favorite drinks in advance.
Other features include a pool, bocce ball court, and 10,000-square-foot vegetable garden. Guests can also rent out Pedego electric bikes or enjoy kayaking or horseback riding for a separate cost.
Being next to Gemelle, the hotel will allow for room service from the restaurant. And, should guests decide to dine at any of Love's restaurants in Fort Worth, those charges can be made to their room.
Building a hotel next to Gemelle was always part of the plan, Love says, but complications with land assembly wound up delaying the project. The hotel is now taking reservations — Love says the average price per night is around $299 — and expected to host its first guests on July 26.
"The whole idea behind it is to enjoy life outside and have this beautiful quarters when you need to go sleep and take a shower. It's kind of the way I like to live," Love says. "It packs so much punch in a little bitty bowl."
Courtesy of Hotel Otto
The pool at Hotel Otto
