Hotel Saint Cecilia

"This Victorian-era mansion is partially obscured by an ivy-covered fence, and that's intentional: The ultra-private hotel can only be accessed by hotel guests and members. Record label execs, artists, musicians, writers—everyone has been told about this hotel by a friend with good taste. A few local scenesters, who are granted access via exclusive membership, regularly patronize the bar. Each of the 14 rooms has distinct decor and personality; the ones in the main house, just off the lobby lounge, have ornate crown molding and original fireplaces. But the beds in each room—six-figure Hästens mattresses—are reason alone to book this hotel." - Mandy Ellis, Allison Bagley

"How did it strike you on arrival?The Victorian-era mansion is partially obscured by an ivy-covered fence, and that's intentional: The ultra-private hotel can only be accessed by hotel guests and members. What’s the crowd like?Record label execs, artists, musicians, writers—everyone has been told about this hotel by a friend with good taste. A few local scenesters, who are granted access via exclusive membership, regularly patronize the bar. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.Each of the 14 rooms has distinct decor and personality. The ones in the main house, just off the lobby lounge, have ornate crown molding and original fireplaces. In one of the second-story poolside bungalows, there is a cozy sitting area with a velvet sectional and a breakfast table that would seat four. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed alone is reason enough to book this hotel. It's potentially the only time in your life you'll sleep on a six-figure Hästens mattress. It feels larger than a standard king and thick sheets (piped and monogrammed in blue) add to the decadence. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find worth a mention?Every room has a turntable, and vinyl can be borrowed from the lobby library, along with books and movies. The mini bar offerings fit the hotel's rock 'n roll vibe: Condoms and incense are $8, essential oils are $20. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Floor-to-ceiling black tile and Grown Alchemist products make the massive soaking tub tempting in Suites 1 and 3. The towels are thick but you'll drop them to the floor in a forgotten heap when you spot the custom batik indigo-dyed kimono robes, sexy on both a man or a woman and available for purchase ($198). Room service: Worth it?A generous, artfully-presented charcuterie board with meats, pâté, dried fruit, and cornichons is $55. It arrives from the lounge, where the bartenders can also make any cocktail you want; the French 75 comes in a pretty glass. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?I would give a trophy to the person who made each expertly made cocktail I guzzled. Anything stick with you?The lap pool with its much-Instagrammed red neon "Soul" sign feels secluded and exclusive. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The funky, color-rich decor. Bottom line: worth it, and why?This place feels like an exclusive estate, quiet and private but within walking distance to the action on South Congress Avenue." - Allison Bagley

"The Saint Cecilia takes off running in the direction of “luxury guest house” and never really stops. Austin-style luxury includes not just wildly expensive Hästens handmade mattresses, but an in-house vintage vinyl library as well." - MICHELIN Guide

"The Saint Cecilia takes off running in the direction of “luxury guest house” and never really stops. Austin-style luxury includes not just wildly expensive Hästens handmade mattresses, but an in-house vintage vinyl library as well." - MICHELIN Guide

"Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas, provides minibars with local snacks, Nag Champa incense, and charcuterie items like espresso-rubbed cheddar and bourbon pecans." - Nora Zelevansky