Hotel Saint Cecilia Rating: 4.0 Pearls

South Congress, Austin, Texas

It might feel like a magical land of make-believe when you first arrive at the Saint Cecilia, with its beautiful, serene wooded grounds offset with the bold-and-bright (and overtly blue) front desk. This colorful area, peppered with old vinyl records, local art and crafts, and deliciously fragrant personal care products sets the tone for the rest of the interiors.

The rooms are tastefully decorated and feature hip accents such as a fireplace video installation (Suite 3), unique lighting fixtures, and large tubs. And there are pleasant patio areas from which to take in the surrounding atmosphere.

Taking in the atmosphere, however, first involves hauling your bags from the parking lot through the grounds of the pool for all to see (and hear). Your attempts to limit your disturbance to other guests in the pool area will be sabotaged by the squeaky hinges on the door leading from the parking lot to the pool (and also present in many of the rooms in the old house).

Noise setbacks aside, it's easy to feel like a rock star here, with an ambiance that encourages an artistic approach to life. There are turntables in the rooms as well as iPod docks, and the whole place exudes an atmosphere that seems purposefully designed by well-to-do hipsters with good taste to encourage the appreciation of art and beauty in all its facets. This is especially evident in the many thoughtful details, such as the hand-written note next to fresh-baked cookies in your room upon arrival. Turndown service includes a carafe of locally sourced rainwater, arguably some of the best water on the planet.

View on a Larger Map

Historic South Congress Street is home to a large assortment of locally owned eateries, bars, and shopping venues proudly touting the weird Austin vibe. These are all within walking distance, and Austin's downtown core (across the bridge over Lady Bird Lake) is just a short drive away.

• 20-minute drive to Austin Bergstrom International Airport
• 2-minute walk to South Congress Avenue
• 15-minute walk to Lady Bird Lake
• 15-minute walk to Congress Avenue Bridge, home to the largest urban bat population in North America
• 5-minute drive to 2nd Street entertainment district
• 5-minute drive to Austin City Limits at The Moody Theater
• 7-minute drive to Sixth Street entertainment district
• 7-minute drive to Texas State Capitol
• 9-minute drive to Frank Erwin Center
• 10-minute drive to Blanton Museum of Art
• 10-minute drive to Mike A. Myers Stadium
• 10-minute drive to LBJ Presidential Library

There are four suites situated in the old house, with a fifth suite next to the lounge. Newer construction above the lounge harbors three studios, and the area adjacent to the pool contains six bungalows.

• Luxuriously comfortable Hastens handcrafted beds with wonderfully soft linens
• Large soaking tubs and spacious rainfall showers
• Record player and iPod dock
• Huge selection of worldly in-room goodies stocking the minibar, including cheeses, hand-made chocolates, wine, cookies, and salty snacks
• Maid service twice a day
• Large flat-screen TVs with DVD player
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free carafe of rainwater at turndown
• Spa minibar with assortment of high-end bath products
• No in-room coffeemaker

• Bikes available for guests’ use
• Outdoor pool with cool neon “soul” sign backed by Austin skyline
• Breakfast, prepared to order (for a fee)
• Library with extensive collection of vintage vinyl records, films, and books
• Pool is unfortunately adjacent to parking lot, so you’ll need to drag your belongings through it on your way to check in/out of room
• No spa or fitness center
• View Full List of Amenities

• Room service available until late with a limited menu
• Breakfast can be pre-ordered the night before and includes delicious, though small and pricey, dishes
• Lounge area opens at 5 p.m. daily serving cocktails and light fare