Hotel Saint Cecilia

OUR ARTICLE

Who would have guessed that a state with such strong ties to country music and western life would have a city that broke the rules and rebelled with rock n’ roll? Over the last 100 years, Austin has risen to become one of Texas’ coolest cities with one of the most innovative music scenes in the country. While the city attracts over 27 million visitors for music festivals like South by Southwest or to explore 6^th Street and South Congress, there remain some hidden gems that pay tribute to the rebellious nature of this Texas city.

One such place is Hotel Saint Cecilia, a boutique property with a rock n’ roll vibe, though one would never guess. Set in the 1888 Miller-Crocket House, from the outside it looks like a Victorian mansion and was once occupied by Texas hero Davy Crockett and his family.

The suites, poolside bungalows, and studios were inspired by bands or people like The Stones, Anne Sexton, Hunter S. Thompson, and Bill Burrough

The property opened in 2008 in the historic Travis Heights neighborhood and offers a historic property with a classic rock design reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s. The hotel lounge has a small fireplace, electric blue walls, and shiny leather furniture. The lounge’s indoor and outdoor seating area is exclusive to hotel guests and private club members for breakfast and light fare, as is the 24/7 50-foot heated lap pool. After taking a dip, guests can enjoy signature cocktails like the Two Saints cocktail or a Texas-brewed beer with a snack from the kitchen.

The suites, poolside bungalows, and studios were inspired by bands or people like The Stones, Anne Sexton, Hunter S. Thompson, and Bill Burrough and feature cool artwork, colorful fabrics, and funky decorative pieces. With in-room items like rock biographies, poetry anthologies, Geneva sound systems, and Rega turntables to play vintage LPs (provided by the hotel), it’s hard not to find inspiration in these spaces.

While creative inspiration is a must-need for any CYTIES journeyman, Hotel Saint Cecilia didn’t skimp on comfort with bathrooms with soaking tubs, outdoor showers, organic beds, kimono bathrobes, Grown Alchemist bath products, and spa and beverage minibars.

If listening to a LP in your room, laying out by the pool with a cocktail, or hanging out on the private grounds isn’t enough, guests are welcome to borrow a Shinola bike from the hotel to explore a city that has broken Texas norms like a true rockstar.