Hotel Review: Commodore Perry Estate, an Auberge Hotel
Hotel Review
Commodore Perry Estate
An Auberge Hotel
A historical mansion set in an idyllic neighborhood near downtown Austin, Texas, the Commodore Perry Estate was redesigned by internationally renowned interior designer Ken Fulk and is the epitome of old world charm met with an eccentric twist of modern glamour.
Perfect For: Small groups of friends | Girls weekend getaway or bachelor/bachelorette parties | Romantic Getaways | Weddings | A Stopover for Multi- Caribbean Island Vacation
30.3006,-97.7229
Commodore Perry Estate
Location: A 10-acre estate set in the heart of Austin, Texas.
Getting There: Just 15 minutes from Austin- Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
Vibe: Even though you’re just minutes from all the action of downtown Austin, Texas, the Commodore Perry Estate makes you feel like the houseguest of a European royal’s country estate, with elegant finishes and first-class service, with just the right amount of eclectic charm that keeps it feeling “Austin weird.” Fun activities like tarot card readings and live retro record sessions under the moonlight keep the scene young and fresh.
History: Edgar “Commodore” Perry was a beloved Austin historical figure who amassed his fortune in the cotton industry in the early 1920s. While golfing at the next-door golf course, Perry spotted a piece of land and decided to build what would become a welcoming estate for he and his wife, Lutie, to welcome guests from near and far and place Austin on the map as one of the best places to live. As a newly reimagined urban retreat, this hotel hopes to restore the liveliness and glamour that Commodore Perry and his wife bestowed on it nearly a century ago.
Perfect For: Commodore Perry Estate is perfect for that romantic weekend getaway to enjoy the music scene of Austin, but retreat back to luxury and feel away from it all. I would also recommend it for a girls weekend getaway or bachelor/bachelorette parties, as well as groups of couples. With 54 rooms, it’s not uncommon to have a buy-out for a wedding or glamorous corporate affair or incentive trip, and Diego Travel is happy to assist with helping to make your stay magical, no matter how small or large your group size might be. The Mansion is made up of just 5 suites, so if you’re traveling with a small group of couples, it would be the ideal setting for a truly unique and unforgettable stay.
Accomodations: 54 total rooms and suites with plans to add new residences and a spa in the future.
Food & Beverage: The outdoor patio at the Mansion serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serves as a social hub for the Austin socialite scene. If you’re wanting more exclusivity, the Garden Nook, Solarium and the Loggia of the Garden Restaurant are for Members and overnight guests of Commodore Perry Estate only. Lutie’s restaurant recently opened and is a buzzy space in a jungle green setting that serves farm-to-table food and hand-crafted cocktails. Finding space is an issue, so reserve your table well in advance. Food and drinks can also be served poolside, or of course in in-room dining where you can partake in an honor bar, set up with your preferences upon request prior to your arrival.
Wellness: The property is lacking a spa, so if you’re looking for a spa retreat, this is not the right fit for you. However, they provide a weekly wellness class schedule including pilates, yoga and nearby hiking. The concierge will be happy to set up a treatment at the nearby Springs or trip to the Herb Bar, where you will find personalized herbal elixirs for mind, body and soul.
Activities: The experience of Commodore Perry Estate is as much about what you aren’t doing as what you are. The goal is not to fill your time with activities but rather disconnect to relish in fine spirits, delicious food, and interesting conversation, all while sitting back in a velvet settee with funky jazz softly playing in the background. Just like Mr. and Mrs. Perry would have done.
What Sets It Apart: Recently voted the #1 resort hotel in Texas on Travel + Leisure’s 2021 World’s Best List (link that here), it’s with good reason that the Commodore Perry Estate stands out in a state whose slogan is “Go big or go home.” The property is intimate and small but leaves a large and lasting impression.
How Much Does Commodore Perry Cost? Nightly rates start at $609 for mid-week stays in low season to upwards of $6,500 for Mr. and Mrs. Perry’s Suite, the nicest and largest of the Mansion Suites.
Diego Travel Loves: The decor! If you don’t know about Ken Fulk , look him up and be ready to fall in love. It is truly a treat to stay here.
Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Breakfast Credit for two guests per bedroom ($70 per day, per room)
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable,
not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) - Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Our preferred partnership with Auberge Resorts ensures that you will have priority upgrade and be flagged as a VIP for your stay. That’s something you won’t get booking online or with Amex Travel.
Commodore Perry Insider Tips:
There are only 2 rooms on property with bath tubs, so if you love a good soak, be sure to book your stay with Diego Travel so we get you into there right room. Also, there are no connecting rooms on property, so while this isn’t ideal for travel with young kids, a rollaway can be placed in certain rooms
Summary of Our Stay at Commodore Perry Estate:
After time spent at both Miraval Austin and Lake Austin Spa Resort, I was ready to change it up and stay in the newly opened Commodore Perry Estate closer to the city center. The moment I arrived to the gravel driveway and was warmly greeted by the doorman, I knew I had come to the right place. The lobby is inviting with a soaring ceiling and hand-painted mural on the Mediterranean-inspired walls, which leads directly into a living room with cozy fireplace that’s inviting enough to say, “Come on in and stay awhile.” Perhaps with “y’all” at the end…I don’t know. We are in Texas.
Aside from the extremely cool setting that will have your eyes glancing around each room to soak up all the details, there’s something intangibly special about the Estate. The property has procured local artisans to provide the details like the minibar snacks, the offerings on the liquor bar, and even a body oil left on your nightstand at the turndown service that will leave you dreaming in seconds. The scent, the textures, the combination of color – all of it adds to the mystique of Commodore Perry Estate and left me not wanting to leave.
Shortly after check-in, I made my way down to the pool with a good book, where I sipped on a fancy cocktail that was topped with a fresh herb sprig plucked from the garden. There weren’t many others around, and everyone seemed to be basking in the glorious sound of silence around us, until the music started playing from the Garden Restaurant. A few chapters in and it was time to pull myself up from the yellow and white-striped lounge chair and change into something a little more fancy for a solo dinner on the patio. The music was just what you’d expect from one of the best destinations to enjoy live music. Divine. I was only sad not to be sharing it in the company of my husband or friends.
Back at my room, I had one of the best night’s sleep in my life, and I love the red satin eye mask that was provided along with the body oil. I’m not a vampire, but I might have been one in my past life, because a solid black out in any hotel room definitely gains instant bonus points in my book.
Breakfast brought more delicious food with a goat cheese yogurt on a bed of ice, topped with frozen fruit and grapes. Drizzed in local Austin honey. Yum! My mouth waters just thinking about it and I would return just for that breakfast. Even better enjoyed solo to the sound of silence. Sometimes a weekend sans my kids is just what I need. Does that make me a bad mom? Maybe. But I came home refreshed and with my batteries recharged, ready to take on the role of Super Mom and Master Travel Advisor at once.
Since my stay, I’ve been happy to send clients for anniversary weekends, birthday celebrations, and a visit for no reason at all, and everyone has come away just as relaxed and content as I did. It’s safe to say that you will love it too, and I’d be happy to guide you through selecting the room that speaks to your soul and puts you right in the mood for the perfect Austin weekend.
