What started as a simple celebratory weekend getaway turned into one of our biggest surprise dining highlights of the year. The history and character of the Commodore Perry Estate offers a distinctive Southern-style charm in this 10-acre urban oasis on Waller Creek. However, the dining program here, led by a husband-and-wife team who have trained at some of the world’s best restaurants, is the real draw. After spending a day at the pool and strolling the gardens, we joined football game-day festivities at The Mansion before having dinner at Lutie’s — the best meal we have had in Texas. With just 54 character-filled guest rooms, staying here feels more like being a guest at a private residence than at a hotel. The property is family-friendly, especially in summers, but the activities and services here are somewhat limited. Overall, a great overnight getaway and destination dining property for those looking for a memorable night or two away.

Rating Legend*

💛💛💛💛💛 Exceptional

💛💛💛💛 Notable

💛💛💛 Standard

💛💛 Substandard

💛 Unsatisfactory

*Relative to similar-class properties

Overview

At-a-Glance

• Date of stay: September 2023

• Length of stay: 1 night / 2 days

• Trip type: Couples getaway

• Property type: Historic estate turned luxury family-friendly urban oasis

• Tailor-made for: Foodies, those in need of a getaway, and history enthusiasts

Highlights

• The food was the unexpected standout here and our dinner was the best meal we’ve had in Texas — the husband and wife executive chef and pastry chef team at Lutie’s have serious culinary pedigrees and the dining throughout the estate was exceptionally-well-executed southern fare

• The property itself is character-filled and well-preserved

• Southern hospitality service philosophy - welcome ranch waters (or hibiscus and lime zero-proof cocktails) on arrival, and homemade peach jam preserves at checkout

• Set in the heart of Austin but lots of green spaces, fountains, and sunken gardens to explore

• Delicious breakfast with perfectly-prepared pastries

• Gallery Room was functional and spacious with lots of distinctive charm and access to a lovely courtyard with fountain

• Nice but small pool with sunscreen and oil

• Wheelchair and stroller-friendly property

Good to Know

• There is not much to do here, though a major expansion is supposedly in the works

• No spa

• The hotel offers lots of kid-friendly activities and programming in summer months

• While the estate itself is beautiful, the area around the estate is not so easy on the eyes, and is visible from the pool and most outdoor common areas

• The service was warm but felt more like a 4-star hotel — for example, no one asked to help us with our luggage on arrival or at checkout

• Value here is fair depending on the room type and time of year you book

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