Fodor's Expert Review Hotel St. Cecilia

Name: Hotel St. Cecilia
Address: 112 Academy Dr., Austin, Texas, 78704, United States, Austin, Texas, USA
Telephone: 512-852–2400
Price range: $$$$

112 Academy Dr., Austin, Texas, 78704, United States, Austin, Texas, USA See on Map

Lauren Modery

This hotel exemplifies everything you'd expect in an eclectic, decidedly Austin accommodations, from its Art Deco-style bar to the neon lights that read S-O-U-L shining above the outdoor pool. This swanky hotel, named after the patron saint of music, has soul indeed. No two rooms are alike on the expansive South Congress estate, from contemporary poolside bungalows to suites in the historic Victorian building, though each reflects an extravagant, vintage-inspired style in a rock 'n' roll meets turn-of-the-century France motif. All have luxurious Haastens beds, a mini-bar stocked with local cheeses, pâtés, and wines, uniquely refinished antiques, and unconventional artwork ranging from rock photography of Keith Richards to vintage Cuban movie posters. Cruiser bikes are available for guests.

room

Guests can choose from five suites, private studios or poolside bungalows. Each room offer a unique blend of century-old charm and modern-day vibrancy. Rooms are outfitted with organic bedding by Hastens and turntables. Guests are invited to check out records in the hotel’s lending library.

YOU SHOULD KNOW In partnership with Gibson, guitars to play are available for guests.

bathroom

Each tranquil bathroom offers a custom kimono bathrobe and Le Labo bath products. The black and white tiles with pops of blue make for a rich underwater atmosphere.

lobby

Walls of cerulean blue feature records and books to borrow in the small and welcoming lobby.

The lobby offers a carefully curated store of curios and and souvenirs for purchase.

pool

The Instagram-worthy pool with its large SOUL neon sign is heated and open 24 hours a day.

drinking

The Saint Cecilia lounge offers guests a European-inspired breakfast menu and cocktails to sip on through the night. Enjoy your food or drink at the boutique’s charming poolside.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Park your car and walk to the abundance of eateries and boutique shops located on South Congress. Shinola bikes are also available to borrow. If you want to venture further, hop in a pedicab or a quick Uber ride.

Restaurants

Grab a mouth-watering burger at the popular Hopdoddy Burger Bar (7-minute walk), but be forewarned: The line to grab one of their famous natural patties can run a bit long. If you’re looking for a wider selection, check out South Congress Café (10-minute walk) and their varied weekday brunch and dinner menu featuring unique meats, fresh fish, inventive salads and homemade soup.

Bars

Known for its inspired Italian fare, Botticelli’s (5-minute walk) is also an excellent place to enjoy happy hour cocktails such as an Aperol Fizz or Hemingway Daiquiri. Drop into the iconic The Continental Club (5-minute walk) to catch nightly musical acts, where the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robert Plant have played.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Well curated but not too fancy, this small boutique feels like home, particularly if home is a smorgasbord of antique shop finds. It’s more than easy to relax and recharge here, all while staying a hop, skip and a jump from South Congress Avenue and Downtown Austin.