I agree. I'm nearly 100% positive they're waiting for the Waller Creek Tunnel to be either complete or near complete, especially because if you look at the
most recent updates on construction it requires nightly closures of Cesar Chavez and Red River streets.
Plus, the fact that the Marriott is essentially booked solid for conferences until... What was it? 2020? shows me there's a good enough market for a foray by Fairmont.
But honestly I can't deny my wishful thinking could be clouding my judgement because I remember my first time at a Fairmont was Christmas Day in Bermuda and it was absolutely wonderful--flawless and every stay in a Fairmont hotel after that has more than exceeded my expectations, and I'd love to see the Fairmont brand in Austin.