Commodore Perry Estate
Hotel Name: Commodore Perry Estate
Number of Rooms: 54
Location: On a 10-acre estate, 10 minutes north of downtown Austin
Any place with a slogan like "Keep it Weird," begs invitation, though it's hard to feel like you're drinking the Kool-Aid when you're holed up in a white-walled corporate hotel chain downtown. But, staying in a 1928 Italiante mansion formerly owned by a man named Perry ironically dubbed Commodore due to unlucky boating habits sounds like it might just fit the bill. The Commodore Perry Estate, Austin's newly refurbed Auberge property is the kind of eclectic, more-is-more treasure trove that'll make you want to ditch your plans and bask in its eccentricities. Perry once called the property "a great place to throw a party," and Auberge is honoring his words with a roaring schedule of interesting activities, like artist pop-ups, candlelit meditations, and psychic palm readings. And if that isn't enough to baptize yourself in this city's offbeat religion, all of Austin's weirdness is within easy reach. Despite feeling like a hill country estate, the hotel is very much within the city limits -- this being Austin, it practically shares an address with the Foot Locker across the street.
What We Loved: A stay at Commodore Perry Estate is all about indulging the senses. This starts in the Ken Fulk designed rooms, where personally curated bar carts are rolled in upon your arrival. As you explore the 10 acre grounds, perhaps you’ll find yourself in the listening room, sipping small barrel bourbon while humming along to Willie Nelson. Or maybe you’ll spread a gingham blanket down somewhere beneath an ancient oak, to enjoy a chef prepared picnic and an afternoon aperitif. Maybe you’ll learn about Victorian era jewels, have your palm read, or attend a speaker series. Whatever it is, we guarantee it’ll be as intriguing as it is offbeat.
What We Didn’t Love: We love that Commodore Perry Estate is 10 minutes from downtown Austin, but the property isn’t immune to city sights — the immediate ‘hood is home to a Foot Locker, a Petco, and a Goodyear Autobody shop, which is great if you need some new kicks or an oil change, but not so great if you’re trying to pretend you’re a jazz era debonair headed to an evening soiree.
Right For: Aesthetes and experiential travelers.
Wrong For: Anyone who might call themselves an Aman junkie.
Best Time to Visit: There is nothing prettier than Texas wildflowers in the spring.
TLF Tip: Book one of the Mansion Suites, which are named after and designed to reflect the personalities of their former occupants. The sumptuous (pink!!) LaVerne Suite has to be seen to be believed.