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
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.
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.
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Hotel Review: The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Hotel Review
The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
A modern reinvention of an iconic century-old desert oasis resort in Paradise Valley
After a significant reinvention completed in 2022, the iconic Waldorf Astoria Arizona Biltmore has brought together the best of the past with elements of Hollywood glamor and Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, combined with modern luxuries, extensive amenities and innovative guest services for the ultimate experience in desert luxury.
Perfect For: Families | Couples | Luxury Travel | Large groups or Multi-generational Families | Honeymoons | Weddings | Foodies | Spa Seekers | Adults-Only Trips | Meetings and Events | Private Gatherings or Celebrations
33.523623099999995,-112.02368914025973
Waldorf Astoria Arizona Biltmore
33.43284865,-112.00679145657891
Phoenix International Airport
The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Location: Located in Paradise Valley, the most exclusive neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona, The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is a desert oasis next to Downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale.
Getting There: The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Vibe: The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a sprawling desert oasis which is conveniently located close to downtown Phoenix but also manages to feel a million miles away from everything, surrounded by mountain ranges and palm trees.
The luxury Phoenix resort recently underwent a renovation that has created a masterful blend of family-oriented areas and dedicated adults-only areas and amenities, from amazing foodie spots to jam-packed activity options to the 12-room spa and Sol garden. The reinvention of the Arizona Biltmore has put intuitive hospitality and its 100-year history at the heart of the incredible services it provides.
With nothing being too much trouble and with 7 pools, over 700 rooms, an extensive spa, 9 dining options, resort activities for the whole family or romantic spaces for a special getaway, the Arizona Biltmore makes it easy to design a vacation that feels unique and personal to you.
Accommodations: With over 700 rooms and 30 room categories, there is no shortage of rooms, suites, villas and cottages to choose from. Diego Travel will help you hand-select the right room category and location for your needs.
The resort’s famous cottages were built in 1929 and combine Hollywood glamor with the laidback desert chic which has become symbolic of the resort. Each cottage was lovingly restored in 2021 and offers a unique design covering 400+ square feet, cozy interiors and private outdoor spaces including a fire pit. These spaces can accommodate up to 10 people, while balconies can also be combined for adjoining cottages for up to 20 people.
There are a range of room options available. Those in the Valley or Garden wing are larger and we can arrange for the best room to suit your party and needs.
There are two suite options, a one bedroom suite is 1200 sq ft and a two bedroom suite is 1600 sq ft. These spacious options are great for more privacy or space for families or a special getaway for couples.
Villas are a true, home-away-from-home experience with 77 villas in total, although some are privately owned. With one- and two-bedroom options, each villa comes with a full kitchen, vaulted ceilings, a private patio or balcony and bespoke amenities for the ultimate indulgence.
The Arizona Biltmore also offers a Citrus Club Lounge add-on available with some of its accommodations. This is an exclusive, top tier, adults only experience available at an additional rate per person per day. It includes lunch, drinks and dessert all day, dedicated concierge, buffet dining and bar selection all day and priority access to resort amenities such as the spa or dining. The Citrus Club service and attention to detail makes it a great addition for a special trip.
Food & Beverage:
One of the highlights of the Arizona Biltmore is the dining options available, from casual poolside bars to sophisticated private dining. Renata’s Hearth is a standout serving modern Latin cuisine with a sophisticated interior and lively atmosphere. It’s also family friendly which is a great bonus.
McArthur’s is a casual restaurant and bar in the heart of the resort serving American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For a sophisticated sundowner, The Spire Bar is the perfect spot for evening drinks as the day cools off. While the Wright Bar is your ideal after dinner spot, combining Biltmore glamor in an intimate space with live entertainment on weekends. This is the bar where the Hollywood Golden Age is embodied at the Biltmore.
Cup & Cone is a casual, family friendly cafe with desserts and coffee galore. While poolside dining and in-room dining are both available. We personally loved the Lobster rolls by the pool!
Wellness & Spa: Perhaps the most impressive part of the resort was the new spa facilities at the Waldorf Arizona Biltmore. The Tierra Luna spa focuses on an intuitive and holistic approach to wellness. There are 12 treatment rooms and two couples rooms available for a vast array of spa treatments using locally sourced oils, herbs and native scents. A spa treatment also gives you access to the Sol Garden and Soul Sunday’s are offered once a month for a 3-4 hour experience.
For a more active wellness experience, there is an extensive 3000 sq ft fitness center, a Shred Shed with CrossFit equipment as well as three tennis courts, four pickle ball courts and seven pools meaning you have plenty of choice for staying active on the resort.
Personal training and fitness classes for yoga or water aerobics are a great option if you’re looking for a more restorative experience and steam rooms are available in the changing rooms.
Phoenix and Scottsdale are well-known for world-class shopping, and the Arizona Biltmore is located right next to the Biltmore Fashion Park, with great dining and shopping options.
Also nearby is the Scottsdale Fashion Square which is home to 200+ retailers including nearly 50 exclusive stores not found elsewhere in the state such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Prada, Gucci, Bulgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, CH Carolina Herrera, Escada and Dior. Diego Travel clients receive the Visitor Savings Pass and receive special offers and amenities courtesy of participating retailers.
Activities: Even a quick glance at the resort calendar shows you how much is on offer at the resort. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing resort vacation or an action-packed trip, the Arizona Biltmore does a great job at catering to your vacation style.
With seven pools, a diverse array of dining and beverage options, state-of-the-art fitness and spa facilities, you have so much to do at the resort itself. As well as daily activities such as yoga, pilates, tennis lessons, pickleball and tennis lesions and TRX classes. The resort is also a golf lover’s paradise, being home to the Links Course and Adobe Course.
The resort also offers daily history tours, live music sessions at the Wright Bar and seasonal activities such as Winter Solstice sound bowl meditations or dried flower centerpiece workshops.
What Sets It Apart: For almost a century, The Arizona Biltmore Waldorf Astoria Resort has stood as an Arizona landmark and one of the world’s most recognized resorts for its Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style, intuitive hospitality and storied history.
Its recent renovation and reinvention has elevated the resort to another level for luxury vacations in Arizona and indulgent escapes where the staff and services go above and beyond so you truly feel like you’re immersed in a desert paradise. With a sophisticated adult pool, a fun family pool, an incredible outdoor bar, and fresh spa & fitness facilities and dining options, the resort has been given a new life while honoring its century-old heritage.
How Much Does The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Cost? Standard rooms start at around $300 per night during low season, and during peak season can start around $900 per night.
All Citrus Club Lounge options are in addition and charged per day, per adult.
Diego Travel Loves: The truly seamless blend of the resort’s glamorous history with updated amenities and incredible resort services. With such a diverse range of activities, events, accommodation, dining and recreation, you’re truly able to build a vacation and an itinerary that works for you and your travel group. Plus, as a Preferred Partner with the Arizona Biltmore in combination with Virtuoso, your stay gets additional perks such as exclusive shopping discounts at three local shopping destinations, daily breakfast, resort credit, and priority upgrade.
Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:
- Daily complimentary breakfast
- A one-time resort credit of $100
- Priority upgrade
- Welcome amenity
- Receive a Visitors’ Saving Pass for Scottsdale Fashion Square
Insider Tips:
Cabana Suite $3 at the family pool is the best one, so be sure to book it as soon as we book your hotel reservation.
The poolside rooms usually book up first, for easy access to the pool and a nice reprieve with air conditioning during summer months. The caveat here is that they can be noisier during busy times.
With a Citrus Club stay, they’ll provide shoe shining and press your garments for no additional charge.
The poolside lobster rolls are to die for!
With three tennis courts and 4 pickle ball courts, there is plenty of space to get court time in while on vacation.
Did you know that the insignia design in the concrete blocks was designed after the trunk of a palm tree?
When you book your stay at the Arizona Biltmore with Diego Travel, we’ll provide our local’s recommendations for restaurants and shops, coming from a native Phoenician.
Summary of Our Stay:
I think it really is unique to see such dedication to the heritage of a property and the thoughtful design, reinvention and concept are all a testament to the commitment of the Waldorf Astoria Arizona Biltmore.
To be able to effortlessly combine family-friendly and adults-only amenities into one resort is an achievement that the Arizona Biltmore pulls off seamlessly. We felt their attention to detail and personalization of our stay was spot on.
To plan your next getaway to this luxury Phoenix hotel, contact Diego Travel to start planning your trip. Whether you’re looking for a room block with a group rate for your corporate travel group, or you want one room for your leisure vacation, we are here to help.
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Hotel Review: San Ysidro Ranch
Hotel Review
San Ysidro Ranch
An exclusive hideaway in the foothills of Santa Barbara
Tucked away in the tranquil setting of the Santa Barbara foothills, San Ysidro Ranch is a luxury escape like no other. With 38 unique cottages set on 550 acres of a leafy ranch with citrus groves, miles of hiking trails and a running creek and waterfall, the privacy and luxury of this boutique property is one of Santa Barbara’s best kept secrets.
Perfect For: Couples | Small Weddings | Honeymoon | Anniversary | A Tranquil Escape from the City | Privacy & Exclusivity | Romantic Getaways
34.4467,-119.6229
Rancho San Ysidro
San Ysidro Ranch location: Located in Montecito in the foothills of Santa Barbara.
Getting There: Fly direct to Santa Barbara Airport SBA or drive 2 hours north from Los Angeles.
Vibe: As a property that doesn’t do any advertising and is focused so much on privacy, San Ysidro Ranch exudes understated exclusivity, privacy and intimacy. With just 38 individual accommodation options all with private entrances, luxury and impeccable service is the reputation that precedes San Ysidro Ranch, making it a favorite for romantic getaways, discreet city escapes and luxury stays in Santa Barbara.
Accomodations: All 38 cottages boast sunken hot tubs, large four-poster beds, an outdoor shower, indoor shower and tub, a large stone fireplace, air conditioning and three meals a day included. The luxurious nature of this property promises no hidden resort fees or parking charges, the only additional costs at check out are excursions and alcohol.
Half the cottages are standalone, and the rest share just one wall. But with private, gated entrances and enclosed gardens for each, the privacy of each cabin is never sacrificed.
Every cottage is uniquely decorated with an understated homely feel. While the patio for each cabin is intended to help guests get reacquainted with their senses as they immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature.
If you’re looking for a slightly bigger space, the Hibiscus, Orange, Kennedy and Terrace cottages are all 2 bedroom properties. While the Ivy Cottage is a 1 bedroom suite and the Warner Cottage is a presidential suite with a private pool, jacuzzi and kitchen.
The historic Churchill Cottage is a favorite for history and book lovers as Winston Churchill once stayed there and the library decor is a stunning English history aesthetic.
As well as their own private entrance, all 38 cottages on the property come with their own parking space with electric car chargers for each. Every property is also pet-friendly.
Food & Beverage:
Head Chef, Matt Johnson, has been at San Ysidro Ranch for 18 years and his passion for food is reflected in the incredibly high standard of dining at the property.
San Ysidro boasts two restaurant options with an additional option for private dining also available.
The Stonehouse is located in the historic 19th-century citrus packing house, with creek views and a dining experience that feels as if you’ve stepped into the vineyards of Italy.
Aside from the award-winning dining experience, San Ysidro also stands out thanks to its world-renowned wine cellar which is the only property to hold a Grand Wine Award and is also the only place in the world that has two vertices of Pertruce from Bordeaux. The 12,000-bottle wine cellar houses an extremely rare collection of wine and spirits, perfect for any oenophiles.
For those in search of food offerings in nearby Santa Barbara or Montecito, Bouchon offers a spectacular menu with wine pairings. Lucky’s is also a popular option for a white linen dining experience offering a steakhouse menu with an old Hollywood feel, located on the Coast Road in Montecito.
Also located in Santa Barbara is Paradise Springs, the first bi-coastal winery in the US, offering wines from its California and Virginia locations.
The unique take on American style cuisine is award-winning and consistently voted the top dining experience in Santa Barbara. With open fires and an ocean-view terrace, this is a truly romantic dining experience.
The Plow & Angel is all about delicious comfort food, located in a cosy stone cottage with fireplaces and wooden fixtures and fittings.
Private dining is available in the Old Adobe, a historic California landmark dating back to 1825 and one of only three of its kind remaining. The Old Adobe can be rented for an evening with prices starting at $750.
Wellness: The story behind the spa at San Ysidro is a testament to the impeccable service that goes above and beyond in every sense.
The full service spa was only built during the pandemic because so many women were traveling to Montecito to see hair stylists after their usual salons in Santa Barbara were closed. The owner wanted to provide the best possible experience for the locals, so he built the full-service luxury spa which now guests can enjoy too.
From massages and facials to hair services, the salon and spa is focused on continuing the theme of tranquillity and rejuvenation.
Things to Do in San Ysidro Ranch: A stay at San Ysidro means the opportunity to build your own luxury escape, whether you’re looking for daily hikes, sunset cruises or horseback riding in the foothills.
Horseback riding with a picnic lunch or boating cruises at sunset are a favorite for couples on a romantic getaway.
And if you don’t want to leave the property, San Ysidro still offers onsite events daily, such as the Belvedere cocktails and live music 3-7pm each day or 17 miles of hiking trails with ocean views
What Sets It Apart: The first thing that should be mentioned that sets San Ysidro apart from the rest is the impeccable service. Not only are privacy and discretion constantly maintained, but the staff go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Housekeepers have just four rooms each to clean, meaning the attention to detail is of the highest standard, as well as staff turnover being incredibly low, thanks to the property’s great incentives for staff.
The owner is onsite and oversees everything, ensuring the standards remain at the absolute highest, while the guard house maintains security on the property at all times.
Morning yoga, access to the Montecito Country Club, exquisite dining and exclusive excursions are all details that the property provides that sets it apart from other luxury properties in the area.
How Much Does San Ysidro Ranch Cost? Rates start at $2495 with meals included.
Diego Travel Loves: The uniquely designed accommodation, stellar service and emphasis on privacy is what puts this in the top 5 properties I’ve ever experienced.
The owner is passionate about ensuring everything at the property is impeccable, the staff are committed to your comfort and privacy, while the dining, spa and excursion options are really the details that go above and beyond any other California luxury boutique hotel experience!
Extras You’ll Get with Diego Travel:
- Personalized selection of the right cottage for you, thanks to my personal relationship with the team at San Ysidro Ranch
- $100 bonus when you book with Diego Travel
Rancho San Ysidro Insider Tips:
Book at creekside cottage to guarantee creek view rooms.
Summary of Our Stay at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California
It is rare for me to feel so completely blown away by a property, but San Ysidro Ranch achieved exactly that.
Everything about the property is a special experience and you feel so catered for and cared for as a guest, from the rooms to the dining experiences and activities offered.
The property radiates exclusivity and luxury but in the most understated way, making you feel at home but also a word away in the peace and calm of this retreat into the foothills.
A stay at San Ysidro is a very special experience.
