Austin, Texas
Hotel Saint Cecilia
Named in honor of the patron saint of music and poetry
What it is
An impossibly hip enclave of 14 rooms in and around an 1888 Victorian that takes everyone from Anne Sexton to Hunter S. Thompson as muse.
What it isn't
A standard-issue hotel. Hotel Saint Cecilia is a glitzy jewel in the crown of Liz Lambert’s Bunkhouse empire, and feels like home—if home is one of the coolest locales on earth, with a lending library and 50-foot long outdoor heated lap pool made Instagrammable under a “SOUL” sign.
What we think
Austin’s reputation as one of the most aesthetically appealing cities in Texas was bred in hotels like this one. Here, every guest sleeps on an organic handmade bed from Sweden by Hästens; dons kimonos in lieu of banal bathrobes; and will find European offerings galore (including Santa Maria Novella toiletries) in the in-room minibar. Ask for Suite 3 for an in-room fireplace, deep soaking tub and a porch—ideal for sipping coffee while taking in the morning light over the garden. Be sure to stop in at the shop for envy-inducing souvenirs, including D.S. & Durga’s Brooklyn-made Cowboy Grass perfume and mulberry silk hair wraps for sleeping like a Deco-era Hollywood starlet.
You're here because
The place is cool, but the service is anything but—it’s as warm and doting as it gets. Loaners available to guests include Shinola bikes and Gibson guitars; you can arrange a personal stylist to come to your room and get you prepped for a night on the town; and experts from Breakaway Records are on-hand to update your vintage vinyl collection.
The Moment
You’ve spent the day boot-scooting around town—as Austinites do—and are, frankly, ready to hang up your hat for the night. You curl up into the tufted leather chesterfield in the lounge and order the cure, a.k.a. Resuscitation: a Two Saints cocktail, a blend of Plymouth Dry Gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and just-squeezed orange. Sainthood-worthy, for sure.
Restaurants & Bars
The Hotel Saint Cecilia Lounge - The Lounge lives at the center of the property and provides both indoor and outdoor seating exclusively for hotel guests and private club members. The Lounge is open all day and everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Location
In Austin’s constantly trending South Congress District, within walking distance from iconic Torchy’s Tacos and Elizabeth Street Cafe—an absolute must-visit for cocktails served in Vietnamese takeout containers.