In the past, when I’ve shown up on the shiny steps of the smoking hot new hotel, the St. Cecilia, they’ve released the dogs. Luckily for me, the Hill Country Wine and Food Festival came to town and someone had the poor social sense to put me on the list for a kick off party.
Entering the Hotel.
Technically, I think they invited my graceful and well-mannered wife, but I’ve never scoffed at being a plus one.
The St. Cecilia (named after the patron saint of musicians, it is Austin after all) was conceived and executed by the Midas-fingered Liz Lambert (of Hotel San Jose fame). Her current project sports the slogan “Privacy is God.” Needless to say, they don’t encourage gawkers.
She and her business partners were able to acquire an amazing piece of property just off S. Congress and converted the Victorian compound into a quirkily chic assortment of suites, studios, and two story bungalows by the pool. Well, lap pool.
If my great-grand parents had been rockstars, they might have built something like this.
While the place had overnight guests when we were there, they managed to find a few rooms to open for our perusal. Almost all of them have old school record players with vinyl for rent from the front.
Flat screens, flat music. And it don't mean the sound.
The mini-bars and various amenities are all top notch, but they sport equally top notched price tags.
The beds are all handmade by Hastens and I must say, that may be reason enough to stay here.
I'm not sure if we were supposed to flounce all over them, but there's just something about a Swedish mattress that costs more than my car that I just find irresistible. Hey, at least we took off our shoes (pants?).
Signs after my own heart.
We may or may not have accidently locked the door to this suite and had a mini-hotel party.
Ok, we totally did, but how can you resist metal curtains and a naked silver chick holding up the coffee table?
You can't, that's how.
Even the medicine cabinets were cool (though I hear they're Ikea...)
Hindu art with a leather couch. Coincidence? I think not.
We finally pried ourselves away from our new found fantasy lives and took a stroll around the grounds.
I worry a bit about all of the lush grass here in drought plagued central Texas, but the Live Oaks are spectacular.
We ended up back at the bar (shocking I know); a cozy dark blue affair guarded by a large albino peacock.
After a bit more mingling, it was time to head out. I thought about "forgetting" to leave and "staying a few nights", but by this time a large man with a short neck and an ear piece seemed to be following me around.
So we said our goodbyes to the St. Cecilia and headed out on the town. I'm not sure what the occasion will be, but I'm already looking forward to a hopefully equally enjoyable return visit.
What's an 1888 Victorian mansion without a little pink and orange neon?
-L. Pants
awesome ao dai!
Posted by: maryn | Tuesday, 21 April 2009 at 18:55